Chapter 330: Chapter 330



Belle’s expression hardened. “I’m not guilt-tripping Joelle?”

Katherine responded, “That is exactly what you are doing. Joelle’s patience doesn’t give you the right to pressure her.”

Belle stopped crying and pointed accusingly at Joelle. “Ever since you entered our lives, my family has been falling apart. Now, it’s just my daughter and me left. This is all your doing!”

The compassion Joelle had felt just seconds ago disappeared. “Am I to blame, or are these the results of your own choices?” Joelle pulled her hand away and continued, “I have always been clear in my conscience towards you and Rafael. Who has caused turmoil in our lives? Who demanded their son and daughter bear a child together?”

She stepped towards Belle, who stepped back, overwhelmed by guilt. “You know the truth deep within.”

“How dare you show such disrespect to me!”

Joelle had no interest in further discussion. How could she respect Belle, who destroyed the happiness of her own son? “Mom.” Liza clung to Belle. “They have more people, and Adrian is with them. Let’s first go see Rafael!”

If Adrian hadn’t been mentioned, Belle might not have found fault with Joelle. But with his name brought up, Belle took her chance. “Joelle, don’t you have any shame? How long has it been since my son divorced you? And you’re already eager to get involved with Adrian?”

Joelle was too upset to respond, utterly flustered.

Katherine could no longer remain silent. “You need to watch your words! A divorce is a divorce! Once it’s finalized, Joelle’s actions are no longer any of your concern. She’s free to associate with anyone she pleases. Even if she were to bring ten men here today, there would be nothing wrong with it!”

Belle was visibly shaken by anger. Shawn pretended to restrain Katherine while secretly giving her a thumbs up.

“Mom, let’s not fight. We should see Rafael!”

Liza provided an escape, and Belle stormed off with a cold huff into the police station.

Adrian placed his arm around Joelle. “Let’s go.”

“Hold on.” Joelle was still watching Belle, curious if Rafael would even refuse to meet his own family. She wasn’t trying to vie for Rafael’s attention over Belle; she merely wanted to see if there was anyone left in the world whom Rafael cared about.

Joelle and Katherine stayed in the car while Shawn and Adrian went to get more information.

“It’s the same. Rafael doesn’t want to see Belle or Liza either,” Shawn reported.

Katherine was furious. “What is he thinking? Doesn’t he realize how concerned we are?”

Joelle stared silently out the window. The sky was already darkening, and the evening breeze lifted her hair.

“Shawn, we should go and look for Dalton’s daughter,” Joelle said, having thought it through carefully.

Shawn caught on quickly. “You mean to start with Dalton’s daughter?”

“Yes, let’s first gauge her response. Sitting here waiting for Rafael to make a move isn’t an option.”

Shawn gave a nod. “Okay, I’ll reach out to her right now.”

Later, back at the hotel, Joelle felt down and wanted to rest in her room, but Adrian called her. “Joelle, if something happened to me, would you go to such lengths to help me?”

Holding the doorknob tightly, Joelle replied, “Adrian, I really can’t discuss this now.”

Only once inside her room did Joelle let her emotions flow. She rested back against the door and slowly slid to the floor. Her feelings for Rafael and Adrian were distinctly different.

Towards Rafael, she felt only a sense of gratitude and regret. She was driven to act because she couldn’t bear to watch someone who had once been so vibrant be so diminished. With Adrian, however, she was constantly swayed, irresistibly drawn to his kindness.

Sometime later, Adrian knocked on her door. “Joelle, come and have something to eat.”

“I’m not hungry,” she replied, too distressed to eat.

“Just step out for a bit. Someone is here to see you.”

Joelle looked at the door, sensing Adrian’s presence just outside. She was curious about his intentions this time.

Upon opening the door, she saw Adrian holding his phone, a video call underway. On the screen, Aurora and Ryland were lively as they shouted, “Mom!”

Gracie said to her son, “Dunn, say hi to Ms. Watson.” The usually reserved Dunn approached, his demeanor calm amidst the lively Aurora and Ryland. “Hello, Ms. Watson.”

Seeing the three children lifted Joelle’s spirits immediately. She took the phone and started asking about their well-being. “Aurora, Ryland, have you been good at Mr. and Mrs. Finch’s?” Both kids replied together, “Yes!”

Gracie laughed. “Joelle, don’t worry. They’re getting along wonderfully! Just focus on what you need to do!” “Mrs. Finch, come and play with me!” Aurora called out. “Sure!” Gracie flipped the camera to herself. “Joelle, I’m off to play with them now!”

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