Chapter 543: Chapter 543

“Ax! Loosen your grip a bit! You’re going to choke Bella to death!”

Declan noticed Bella’s extended tongue and widened eyes. He immediately stepped forward to pry Axel’s arm away from Bella.

“It’s quite the spectacle. I’ve heard of people dying because of love, but I have never heard of people dying because of their brother. This is an eye-opener,” Ralph teased Axel while stuffing a mouthful of roasted duck into his mouth.

“Pfft!” Amelia couldn’t help but laugh, covering her cherry-like mouth.

Amelia was always quiet and reserved in front of her brothers. However, she almost spat out the drink in her mouth when she heard Ralph’s remark.

Afraid that Amelia might choke, Asher patted her back while he lightly added, “Axel, Bella survived a great calamity. Can you stop talking about death and unfortunate events? You’re scaring people, and it’s a bit ominous.”

Axel apologized, “Sorry, I’m just speaking my mind without thinking.”

Although Declan had freed Bella from Axel’s arm, he still held on to her hand, unwilling to give up.

This was supposed to be a harmonious gathering of siblings, but it slowly turned into a fight for Bella’s attention.

“Speaking of which, Bella, you courageously saved someone at the risk of your life. Did that person give you a letter of commendation afterward?” Ralph inquired with genuine curiosity.

“I passed out immediately after saving her, so I have no idea what happened afterward.” Bella shrugged casually, enjoying the peeled shrimp that Declan handed her one by one.

“They delivered a letter of commendation.” Having finished his meal, Asher calmly wiped his lips with a napkin.

Everyone was stunned.

“What?” Bella asked with a half-eaten shrimp in her mouth.

Asher explained, “After the incident, I left my contact information with Xavier of the Forest Park Rangers. He contacted me recently and said the female hiker you saved went to the park two days ago. She was in a wheelchair, and she came with her family. They brought a letter of commendation for you and wanted to thank you in person. Because they didn’t know your name, they could only refer to you as the ‘kind-hearted lady’.”

Bella asked, flabbergasted, “Did you contact Xavier personally? Does that mean…?”

“Yes, both Xavier and the person you’ve always respected, Frank, know your true identity.”

Asher looked at Bella with a touch of resentment. “Both of them weren’t too surprised to learn that you’re the heiress of the Thompson family. They advised me, as your older brother, to take good care of you. They mentioned that the money you have donated to Mount Jaglee National Forest Park over the years is more than enough. Frank has already put it into the maintenance fund, and they can’t spend it all. There’s no need to donate more. They understand your goodwill. In the end, they hope that you’ll take care of yourself in the future and not volunteer anymore.”

“Ash, you’re really…” Bella put down the shrimp in her hand and pouted.

Asher sighed, his warm eyes showing a hint of helplessness. “Bella, you being the heiress of the KS Group is not a secret, and we don’t want it to be. After all, you’re our precious little sister and the apple of Dad’s eye. Some people already know your identity. But if you plan to handle the Thompson family business and take over my position in the future, standing in front of more people is inevitable. You should start changing your mindset about this.”

“Huh? Ash, that doesn’t sound right.”

Bella’s eyes gleamed with excitement as she looked at Asher with a twinkle in her eyes. “Ash, judging from your tone, does it mean I’ve passed Wyatt’s test? Does that mean I can leave the grassroots and join the inner ranks of the group?”

The thought of a promotion reignited her enthusiasm.

Happy feelings took the place of the mental strain brought on by a certain bothersome man.

After all, she had already experienced wealth and marriage. It was time to focus on her career.

Asher teased her with a gentle smile. “I know you’re eager, but don’t be in a hurry. Dad’s been quite busy lately. Once he’s done with this phase, he’ll inform you of the results of your assessment.”

While stuffing his face with roasted duck, Ralph could not help but make a comment. “Hm, Dad is being a bit too serious about this. It’s our family business, after all. Letting Bella join KS Group is as easy as letting out a fart for him!”

Asher, Bella, and Amelia were rendered speechless.

Axel cleared his throat. “Ralph, you mean all it takes is a word from Wyatt, right?”

“Huh? Yeah!” Ralph squinted his bright eyes, smiling without reservation.