"But what you consider important is irrelevant to me. It has nothing to do with whether I feel ashamed or not, and it can't create any gap between us. However, if you insist there's a gap, fine, there's a huge one," Kyle said, shaking his head in exasperation. "But I still don't know what you're trying to do. Do you want me to avoid you, lose hope, break down, and beg you not to leave?"

Kyle narrowed his eyes. "Or are you saying you're so great now that I shouldn't have divorced you so easily? That I should have begged and pleaded, telling you how much I needed you?"

"But honestly, I'm not the one clinging to you. You're the one clinging to me."

Belle's expression changed; her hands clenched into fists. She seemed exposed before him.

"What nonsense! You're lying!" Belle yelled, losing her composure for a moment, then quickly regaining it, noticing their surroundings and the onlookers.

Belle gritted her teeth. "Kyle, don't think so highly of yourself. How dare you say I'm clinging to you? Why would I? You're nothing—a beggar on the streets. Why would I cling to you? I left you some self-respect; you didn't cherish it. The incident with Faith showed me you're a despicable bastard. I'm doing this to make you stay away from me, understood? I have plenty of admirers! Many wealthy young men in Kendonia would jump at the chance to be with me. You'll never have that right again. Get out!"

Kyle only shook his head and left without another word. There was no point; continuing would be a waste of time. Before leaving, however, he warned Belle, "Don't contact me again. This is your choice. Don't forget, I've seen everything you and your family have done. Don't push me; otherwise, don't blame me for showing no mercy."

Belle's ordered food arrived. Kyle shook his head. "These are expensive things, unaffordable for most people. But even eating them won't give you true respect." With that, he left.

Belle sat fuming, her eyes red-rimmed. She gritted her teeth as she watched him go. "Kyle, you're stubborn! Even if this food doesn't guarantee respect, it's the standard for respected people. You're just making excuses for your poverty! You're an emotionless bastard who cares nothing for others' feelings. You even tried to take Faith's money! Just wait; I won't make your life easy!"

Just as her anger intensified, Belle received a call from Chloe.

"What is it?" Belle's voice was sharp.

Chloe sensed her anger. "Ms. Cotton, the Rivas family is hosting a charity dinner tomorrow night to celebrate Mr. Duvas Senior's recovery. They sent an invitation. What do you…"

"Mr. Rivas Senior recovered?" Belle was shocked, having heard of Elliot's illness. "Of course, I'll go. We need the Rivas family's help. Matthew's livelihood depends on Mike, who's connected to them. We must show our support. Tell them I'll be there."

Before hanging up, Belle remembered something. "Will Mr. Cole be in Kendonia tomorrow, or will he arrive in two days? If he could join us at the Rivas dinner, it would be beneficial."

Chloe replied, "You should speak to Mr. Cole yourself. Mr. Cole Senior's birthday is coming up, so he might be busy. But he likes you, so he might make time."

Belle considered it. "Never mind. Mr. Cole Senior's birthday is more important. I'll call him to offer my greetings. Also, no more observations on Kyle. Tell Matthew to tell Mike's people they can act against Kyle now. That bastard dared to attack my brother and mother and mock me. He'll pay for that." Belle had been deeply hurt by Kyle.

Chloe was relieved Belle planned to act against Kyle. She couldn't let Belle remain idle.

Meanwhile, Kyle left Sky Achiever Tower, unconcerned with Belle's plans. He knew one thing: the peace he craved was gone.