However, the insult came from Ryanâs beloved sister. Despite his anger, Ryan did not have the heart to
punish Zoe heavily.
The conflict gnawed at Ryan, leaving him lost and fragmented.
âAre you on your period? Why are you worked up?â
Justin flicked away the ashes, his eyes dark. âYouâre not yourself. Whatâs the matter?â
Ryan sighed heavily. âThe forged necklace Bethany gave to Ada was supplied by Zoe.â
Hiding his emotions behind his eyes, Justin fell silent.
Ryan asked, âWhy donât you seem surprised?â
Justin replied, âI guessed as much.â
Ryan felt upset. âJustin, my sister-â
âSince weâre talking about this, I should tell you one more thing.â
With downcast eyes, Justin took a puff. âYour sister was th vho got the press all over Bella at the last
charity event.â
Dumbstruck, Ryan turned ashen, and his heart sank.
It took a while before he murmured through his trembling lips sorry, Justin.â
âThe apology shouldnât come from you, but from your sister. She should apologize to my ex-wife.â
It hurt Justin to call Bella his ex-wife.
âZoe is 22 now. I know I shouldnât excuse her behavior as being too young to know better-â
Ryan swallowed hard. âBut we grew up with Zoe. She can be stubborn and willful. Sometimes, she
doesnât think before she acts. But she means no harm. Bethany was a bad influence on her, and I
spoiled her. I should have disciplined her.â
Justin kept to himself for a while before cutting to the chase. âSo what are you going to do about what
your sister has done? How are you going to make it up to Bella?â
Ryanâs breath hitched.
The man was always relentless and unforgiving, leaving no room for others.
Even though Zoe was Ryanâs sister, Justin would not stand for Zoe hurting his people.
âIâll take her to apologize to Bella tomorrow.â
âIs that it?â
âZoe is my sister, Justin. Itâs her first offense. Can you let her off the hook for my sake?â Ryan asked
earnestly with a sad face.
âIâll go with you tomorrow,â the man said indifferently.
âYou⦠Why? I hope you donât think that Iâll take my sisterâs side and give Bella problems. I will never
do that.â
âNo. Iâm worried that you might get stabbed.â Justin got up.
Ryan was at a loss for words.
It was a bruise to Ryanâs ego that Justin had learned about Bella putting a knife to his neck.
âI havenât seen her in a while. I want to see her.â
As his eyes flickered in tenderness, Justin made a beeline to the door.
âYou have not answered my question, Justin.â
Ryan stopped him in a hurry. âWe have been friends for a long time. Can we just move on from this? I
will get Zoe to apologize to Bella. On behalf of the Hoffman Group, I will offer Bella compensation for
the loss she suffered due to the violation of her copyright.â
The man stopped for a moment. âRyan, can you accept the vicious attack on your sister if she was in
Bellaâs shoes? Will you let the whole thing go?â
Ryan had no words.
âWe have been friends for over twenty years, so I will not go after Zoe for what she did.â
Justin clenched his fists, his presence chilling.
âBut thatâs all the chance she gets.â