Chapter 1036

Justin suddenly felt his heart sink.

After several encounters, he realized that his understanding of Christopher far surpassed that of his less insightful companion. While Bella viewed Christopher as her childhood friend, he did not see Bella in the same way. Justin knew that Christopher was the kind of person who nitpicked over every detail, held grudges and sought vengeance relentlessly. In other words, he was petty!

Cross him once, and he would make your entire family pay for it.

It was not an exaggeration, because Christopher was genuinely capable of doing it.

“If you have to rely on schemes and tricks to attain love, then that love is no longer pure. It has lost its most primal and sacred essence! Asher’s gaze held a mix of paternal love and worry as he observed Bella. “The idea of you associating with someone like him keeps me

restless all day and night. He has no boundaries with anyone and will use any means necessary to get what he wants. We have no idea if he might someday turn those methods against you. Bella, you’re my

dearest sister and my lifeline. | can’t risk your happiness. | can’t afford to lose.”

Asher’s heartfelt words brought tears to Bella’s eyes. “Ash…”

Asher gently ran his hand through Bella’s hair, then turned to Justin and asked, “Mr. Salvador, since you already suspected Christopher’s involvement during your time on the South Island, why didn’t you Chapter 1036

inform me then? Perhaps we could’ve found a solution sooner and caught him red-handed.”

Justin let out a long sigh, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. “Although | detest Christopher, this is purely speculation. No matter how reasonable my suspicions seemed, they were merely suspicions. Without evidence, | can’t hastily accuse him of being the mastermind behind it all.”

Asher felt a mix of indistinct emotions welling inside him, his admiration for Justin increasing.

This was precisely why, despite Christopher’s numerous efforts for Bella, Asher always felt that Christopher could not measure up to Justin.

Despite Christopher’s outward charm, his personality was rotten to the core. However, despite many shortcomings, Justin’s soul remained pure and untainted.

“Besides, Christopher is someone Bella values deeply.”

Justin concluded, deciding not to elaborate further.

Bella felt a sharp pang in her heart as if a sharp blade had pierced through her throat. “So… Was the reason why you didn’t say anything back then because you were afraid I’d be angry?” “Yeah.”

Justin admitted with a sheepish smile, his charming eyes reflecting a hint of embarrassment. “I was being too timid. That’s not at all like a man should be, right? Initially, | planned to investigate him promptly after leaving South Island, but… | almost didn’t make it back alive. |

shouldn’t have been so reckless.”

How pathetic.

In Bella’s presence, this once dignified man seemed to crumble,

fearing even the slightest misstep might upset her and undo all the goodwill he had painstakingly regained. “You’re so foolish, Justin. So foolish.” Bella murmured, her eyelashes glistening with tears. Her heart was so heavy that she could barely find words to express her feelings.

Recalling the countless times she had argued hhaxele th Yustincabidut OktistopHer Be was flushed with anger. She could not help

but find it all incredibly absurd.

Luckily, Justin’s love for her remained steadfast.

Otherwise, if it were someone else, they would have likely been driven away by now.

The plane flew smoothly toward

Savrow, the Noeheke ay elagedinO m1 slienoeRVah 0 was exhausted, had already drifted off to sleep.

Bella leaned against Justin, their

heads resting side. He geritly saueezedhe iste hen its

warmth and tenderness, which melted

his heart.

Suddenly, Justin’s expression hardened as he sensed something amiss with Bella’s left pinky. “Bella, what happened to your pinky? Did it get injured?”

Al4

Bella’s breath hitched suddenly, her body trembling in his embrace.

“Bella, what’s wrong?” Justin’s concern grew as he felt her distress.

Should she tell him?

Should she tell him that she was the girl who fought alongside him on

the battlefield in Kridor years ago, dragging his wounded body back to

the camp, and that she was the one who lost a finger as a result?