CHAPTER 252: CHAPTER 252 HUMILIATION

Jessica’s body trembled as she watched her daughter—her pride, her perfect Stella—reduced to begging at Bella’s feet. Humiliation burned her like fire. Her lips curled in rage as her nails dug into her palms. That disgusting little thing... that ugly girl... how dare she stand there with everyone’s pity and admiration while my daughter kneels?

Sam’s face was no better. His jaw tightened until the veins stood out on his neck, his complexion ashen. He wanted to shout, to curse, to defend his wife and daughter. But the weight of Leonorado’s presence pressed down on him like a mountain. One wrong word, and their entire family would crumble—tossed onto the streets, stripped of every shred of power, easy prey for enemies who would tear them apart. His fists clenched at his sides, nails biting into his own skin. He had never felt so powerless.

William’s voice cut through the hall, cold and decisive. "Enough. We have prepared rooms for our honored guests. Leonorado, take Isa upstairs. Robin—show them the way."

A tall servant stepped forward and bowed. "This way, sir."

But William’s eyes shifted, hardening on the three disgraced women. "And as for you..." His lips curled in disgust. "My people will watch you. You will clean this entire venue by yourselves." His bony finger pointed one by one. "Hall for you, Sherly. Toilets for you, Alexa. Kitchen for you, Stella."

Gasps rippled through the guests. The humiliation was brutal, almost worse than death.

Sherly’s lips twisted, her face ugly with hate. Alexa’s eyes went wide, her pride shattering as whispers filled the room. Stella’s perfect curls framed a face that had gone pale as ash. For once, not a single person in the hall admired her beauty. They looked at her with mockery—the mighty heiress reduced to scrubbing pots like a servant.

But Leo didn’t waste them another glance. He stepped forward, his presence radiating pure dominance. Then, without hesitation, he bent and scooped Bella into his arms in front of everyone.

"Leo?!" Bella gasped softly, her eyes wide. Heat rushed into her cheeks as dozens of eyes followed them. Her hands automatically clutched at his shoulders, her soft body pressed against his chest.

"My wife’s leg is injured," Leo said coldly, his voice carrying through the hushed crowd. "I am taking her."

His words silenced every whisper. His claim was firm, possessive, undeniable.

Alan’s hands clenched at his sides as he watched. Jealousy surged in his veins, burning him alive. The sight of Bella nestled in Leo’s arms, her hair spilling over his shoulder like silk, was enough to make his chest ache. And worse—Leo’s expression, once ice, was now softened with something Alan had never seen before. Tenderness.

Inside the elevator, Bella’s face burned hotter. She lowered her voice to a whisper near his ear. "Y-you... put me down!"

Her breath brushed against his skin, warm and sweet. The sensation jolted through Leo like a shockwave, his entire body shuddering with restraint. His jaw tightened, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he forced himself to stay composed.

"You’re injured," he said flatly, refusing to meet her gaze.

Bella pouted, wriggling in his hold. "No... I’m used to pain."

The words stabbed at him like knives. For a moment, his mask cracked, gray eyes flashing with a storm of fury. The elevator’s closed space amplified the heat of his body, the power of his aura. He wanted to roar. He wanted to tear the world apart.

That pig. That filthy, wretched uncle of hers. The man who dared to lay hands on his Bella, to make her say she was "used" to pain.

Leo’s teeth clenched. That fat pig deserves to be dragged out in front of everyone and beaten until not a single bone remains intact. His arms tightened around Bella.

Bella blinked up at him, startled by the sudden intensity in his eyes. "Leo?" she whispered softly.

He didn’t answer. He just held her closer, his broad chest rising and falling as though only her warmth kept his rage from exploding.

"Sir, this room." Robin bowed as he slid the keycard, the door unlocking with a soft click. He stepped aside, his voice calm and professional. "The doctor will come soon to attend to Madam."

Leo gave a curt nod. "Leave."

"Yes, sir." Robin retreated quickly, closing the door behind him.

The silence that followed felt heavy.

Leo carried Bella across the threshold as if she weighed nothing, his steps unhurried, his grip firm. He set her down carefully on the bed, but his hand lingered a fraction longer on her arm than necessary. His storm-gray eyes scanned her face with unsettling intensity, searching every flicker of expression.

Bella’s fingers curled in the sheets. Her heart beat unevenly under his gaze. Is he going to ask me how I fixed the footage? she thought, panic tickling her chest.

She couldn’t hold his stare for long. His presence was too strong like he could see through her skin to the secrets she was desperately trying to hide. She fidgeted, shifting against the pillows, her lashes lowering to avoid his eyes.

Leo’s lips parted slightly, as if he was about to speak. Her pulse jumped.

But then—

Bzzzzt.

His phone vibrated in his pocket. The sound sliced through the tension.

Leo’s jaw flexed as he pulled it out, glanced at the screen, then turned without a word. He walked to the balcony, the glass door sliding open with a low scrape. The cool night air rushed in....

From the bed, Bella stared at his tall, commanding back, framed by the city lights outside. One hand braced against the balcony railing, the phone pressed to his ear, his posture was sharp, dangerous, every inch the man the world feared.

Leo ended the call and slid the balcony door shut behind him. His steps were quiet but purposeful as he returned inside, his expression unreadable. For a moment, Bella thought he was about to question her—the way his gaze lingered, sharp and probing, made her fingers twist in the sheets nervously.