Chapter 231: Chapter 223: Ambitious and Attempting Moral Coercion

Bella Woods couldn’t respond.

She could feel the implication in Ashton Marshall’s words, that Rose Woods marrying the Thompson family’s eldest son was merely a matter of Ashton Marshall saying a word.

No matter how powerful the Thompson family is, they are insignificant before Ashton Marshall.

Among wealthy families, it’s all about mutual benefits. As long as the Thompson family doesn’t want to offend the Marshall Family, they would definitely comply with Ashton’s request.

But Bella Woods couldn’t nod her head.

Rose Woods’ ambition was too great, and all her guilt at this moment was left in tatters.

“I also think Rose Woods is quite suitable for the Eldest Young Master Thompson. They’re around the same age, and our Rose Woods is excellent enough to take on the position of Eldest Young Mistress of the Thompson family.”

Jade Patel said as if it were a matter of course, her gaze fixed on Bella Woods, waiting for her agreement.

To her, if Bella Woods didn’t agree to such a good opportunity, it would mean she was targeting Rose Woods, which was too despicable.

“Yes, my sister Rose Woods is so exceptional that the Eldest Young Master Thompson is more than matched for her.” Even Elliot Woods couldn’t help but speak: “I even think the Eldest Young Master Thompson isn’t good enough for my sister Rose Woods.”

“Elliot, don’t talk like that. This matter also needs your sister’s agreement to proceed, although I’m just thinking of making our family better. If your sister doesn’t agree, I also can’t do anything.”

Rose Woods forced a smile at Bella Woods.

“As your sister and the eldest daughter of this family, she will naturally think about your well-being. Whether she has the ability or not, it would be terribly inhumane and undeserving of being called ‘sister’ if she doesn’t help you.” Ron Woods added.

The parents, younger sister, and brother used a few words to push Bella Woods to the pinnacle of morality.

If she disagreed, she would have no conscience.

But if she agreed, what did it mean?

She was merely someone who accompanied Ashton Marshall through a brief emotional experience.

In essence, it was because she resembled Nina Sutton that she got the chance to be a stand-in by Ashton Marshall’s side. Without resembling Nina Sutton, she was nothing.

And now, Ashton was asking for such a big favor.

She couldn’t do it.

“It’s not something I can help with just because I want to. Even if Rose Woods wants to marry the Eldest Young Master Thompson, wouldn’t the Eldest Young Master Thompson need to come to our family and propose?”

After speaking, Bella Woods glanced at Ashton Marshall, “Besides, I think we shouldn’t get involved in other people’s relationships. After all, a relationship is between two people, and a third person meddling isn’t good.”

Upon hearing Bella Woods’ words, Ron Woods and Jade Patel’s expressions turned unpleasant, while Elliot Woods, being young, couldn’t contain his dissatisfaction.

He stood up in frustration: “What do you mean? Clearly, it’s something you could achieve by speaking a word to the Third Young Master! You’re just acting up because you have the backing of the Third Young Master now!”

“Bella Woods, you’re just a country bumpkin girl, what’s with your arrogance now?”

“Elliot, don’t speak to your sister like that!” Rose Woods immediately reminded Elliot: “The Third Young Master is still here, what if he thinks our family mistreated your sister, what will happen to the Woods?”

“I’m just upset, speaking up for you. Why should I endure her smug expression, I just…”

“Enough!”

Ron Woods shouted to stop Elliot Woods.

Although Elliot Woods was dissatisfied, he didn’t dare to say much more.

“It seems your family needs to discuss something, and it’s not suitable for an outsider like me to be here.”

Ashton Marshall stood up, his expression indifferent, his lowered gaze swept over Elliot Woods for a moment, scaring Elliot to the point that his face changed, even while sitting on the sofa, his legs couldn’t help but tremble frantically.

“Sixty.” Ashton Marshall called out.

Calvin Marshall quickly stood up: “Yes, since the family has matters to discuss and it’s not suitable for outsiders to be here, let’s leave first.”

Ron Woods and Jade Patel exchanged a look, immediately panicking upon seeing Ashton Marshall about to leave.

“Third Young Master, dinner is already prepared here, why not…”

“No need.”

Ashton Marshall coldly refused, not even having the patience to let Ron Woods finish his sentence, just walked away directly.

“Little Bella, see us off.” Calvin Marshall pulled Bella Woods towards the outside.

Bella Woods walked alongside Calvin Marshall, and as they stepped outside, Calvin Marshall pulled Bella a bit closer, allowing her to naturally walk next to Ashton Marshall.

Calvin Marshall seemed to walk beside Bella Woods, but in reality, was still a bit distant from the two.

“Got the gist?” Ashton Marshall adjusted his sleeves and casually said.

Bella Woods understood his meaning and grasped why he said earlier that she should return and let Rose Woods make her choice.

“I understood, Rose Woods is very ambitious. She’s not in a desperate situation, she thinks that Elder Thompson can’t give her what she wants, and she wants the Thompson family, she wants control.”

Basically, she wants power, she wants money, she wants to be an Empress Wu Zetian.

“If you give her a choice, she’ll only choose the one that’s more advantageous. Even today, if Elder Thompson has full control over the Thompson family, she would choose Elder Thompson.”

Ashton Marshall stopped in his tracks, looking down at Bella Woods.

Bella Woods looked up at Ashton Marshall, determined: “I understand what you meant, my guilt is useless. My attachment to the family is also useless.

The family talks of interests, I only have a say if I have interests, if I don’t, it’s just a fixed price.”

Ashton Marshall reached out to stroke Bella Woods’ head: “Although you figured it out a bit late, you’re not stupid.”

Bella Woods simply gave a faint smile, unsure of what to say.

Just felt that a part of her was forever withered inside.

Calvin Marshall, watching from the side, actually felt very sympathetic, realizing that Bella Woods was truly a girl who longed for a supportive family.

She has always had a desire for family.

Even though her blood relatives constantly let her down, she verbally expressed her disappointment and claimed she had no expectations.

But after so many years, how could she just let go of such an obsession?

Calvin Marshall couldn’t help stepping forward, pulling Bella Woods into a tight embrace.

In this moment, comforting words were useless.

Only by holding her could one offer strength.

“I’m fine.” Bella Woods patted Calvin Marshall’s back.

Just as she was about to speak, Ashton Marshall reached out to grab Calvin Marshall’s collar, separating him from Bella Woods.

Bella Woods hadn’t even reacted when Ashton Marshall already pulled her into his arms, raising an eyebrow at Calvin Marshall: “She’s mine, don’t take advantage of her.”

Being hugged like this startled Bella Woods: “We are still at the Woods!”

She struggled to break free from Ashton Marshall’s embrace, but he didn’t let go.

“So what? Do you think the Woods Family is in any mood to care about you right now?”

With this, Bella Woods suddenly laughed: “They’re probably scolding me as worthless right now.”

Thinking that as a member of the Woods, as Rose Woods’ sister, she should fight for Rose’s greatest interest with the help of Ashton Marshall. Not doing so would be terribly wrong.

She would be heartless, inhuman.

Thinking of this, Bella Woods felt a pang in her heart; she tucked herself further into Ashton Marshall’s embrace, burying her face in his chest for comfort and strength.