Chapter 45

Hugo’s lips curved into a cynical smile. “I must admit, I was merely testing you, Bella. But who would have guessed it was all true? Quite impressive, I must say.” This entrapment tactic was a lesson Lukas had taught him.

Bella’s expression flickered between defiance and uncertainty. “So what if you know? The netizens are already aware of my past wrist-cutting incident, and you have no evidence to use against me. Don’t even dream of using Sophia’s recordings to blackmail me. Remember, you were thoroughly searched before entering, and I anticipated your moves!”

Despite her confident demeanor, the wavering in her voice betrayed her uncertainty.

Hugo coldly locked eyes with her and remained silent. He sneered inwardly, “What’s the point of being so cautious? You couldn’t stop Lukas!”

Bella suddenly seized a nearby fruit knife and sliced her wrist with unflinching determination. Crimson blood welled up. She pressed the emergency button without hesitation, summoning help.

Hugo was utterly stunned by her drastic actions, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. He looked at her in disbelief. “You…”

“This time, it’s real. Do you think you still have any leverage to threaten me?” Bella sneered.

“You’re really willing to harm yourself!” Hugo struggled to find words to express his shock.

Bella snorted coldly. “Should I have waited for you to find evidence and then be at your mercy? I’m not that naive!”

Before Hugo could respond, a doctor rushed in, pushing him aside.

The news of the shocking incident spread like wildfire across the internet that afternoon.

“Breaking News! Sophia refused to drop the lawsuit. Bella lost control, cut her wrist, and was rushed to the operating room a second time!”

An accompanying photo depicted Bella being taken into the operating room, her wrist stained with blood. The netizens were incensed, and the discussions took a bitter tone.

Sophia POV:

When I came across the disturbing news, I received a call from Lukas. He asked me to come to his office. I immediately went to his office.

Upon entering, I found Lukas engrossed in his computer, a roguish smile playing on his lips as though he had seen something highly amusing.

My eyes flashed. “Mr. Strakovski, did you need me for something?”

Hearing my voice, Lukas was momentarily taken aback; a playful grin soon replaced his surprise. “Hmm. Feel free to have a seat.”

I pursed my lips. “No need, I’m fine standing.”

Lukas looked at me with a half-smile. “What’s your take on the online public opinion?”

My eyes flickered with thought, and I replied honestly, “I have no opinion.”

Lukas sneered. “You’re remarkably calm, and I must say, it’s quite impressive.”

Looking up, I responded, “When you already have a plan in motion, there’s no need for unnecessary worry.”

“Oh, do enlighten me. What plan do you think I have?” he prodded; his eyes flashed with surprise.

I answered without hesitation. “Hugo has been in cahoots with Bella for two years. He must possess evidence that can expose her lies. Since you spoke to him at noon, you must have convinced him to work for you.”

Lukas laughed. He looked at me with a false smile. “Impressive. I didn’t expect you to be so clever.”

I offered a retort: “Just average. I know I can’t rival Mr. Strakovski.”

As Lukas listened to my sharp words, he felt as though I was a cat, relentlessly scratching at his heart with my claws. Lukas suddenly rose from his chair, circling the desk to approach me. My body became stiff. Lukas stood before me, lowering his head to look at me. I felt the air around me growing thin, causing me to take a step back reflexively. His expression darkened before his hand reached out and gently grasped my chin. I was taken aback, instinctively reaching out to slap Lukas’s hand. However, as my hand was lifted, it was immediately caught by Lukas. “What? Planning to hit me?” Panic filled my face. I frowned and stammered, “Wh-what are you doing?”

Lukas’s lips curled. Suddenly, his long arm encircled my waist, pulling me close into his embrace. His sensual lips approached mine. I even felt his burning breath on my face. My heart panicked; my eyes flickered, my hands clenched into fists, and my breath became tense. Was he really going to kiss me?

The final section "Unspoken Farewell at 10,000 Feet" appears to be a cut-off and needs to be completed. Also, some of the online comments were not grammatically complete and were left as they were in the original text.