CHAPTER 95: GIVE ME YOUR PHONE

The evening rush had already begun by the time Chloe shut down her computer. The faint hum of chatter and footsteps echoed across StoneTech’s design floor as she gathered her things, glancing once more at the clock on her phone.

Bella should’ve been waiting by now. She always was — leaning against the glass railing downstairs with that tired but patient look on her face, tapping her phone while Chloe finished up.

But today, when she stepped into the elevator and reached the lobby, the space outside the building was empty. Bella wasn’t there.

Her brows furrowed. Perhaps she was still busy somehow. Chloe reasoned.

She dialed Bella’s number as she pushed open the glass doors, her gaze sweeping the street — the cab line, the café across the road, even the far end of the parking lot. But Bella wasn’t in sight.

"Come on, Bell," she muttered, pacing a little as the phone rang and rang. But there was no answer.

She hung up, tried again, and when it went straight to voicemail this time, a knot of unease began to form in her chest.

Bella never left without her. Ever. Not even on bad days. She’d at least text or call her and tell her she was leaving.

She thought, as she checked her messages to be sure she hadn’t missed it but when she saw she hadn’t missed any message from her, Chloe’s frown deepened.

Chloe turned back toward the building, wondering if maybe Bella was perhaps caught up with work or something.

Without thinking too much, Chloe immediately ran up to check and when she realized neither Bella nor Jake was around, her worry increased.

Where could she have gone? She thought returning outside, not wanting Bella to miss her.

She was still debating going back home or waiting a little downstairs to see if she’d come out from wherever she was hiding when a familiar low voice came from behind.

"Chloe?"

She turned and smiled softly when she saw it was Damian. She’d thought after bidding him goodbye at the office that he wouldn’t bother with her again.

"You look worried," he said, stepping closer. "Everything okay?"

Chloe exhaled, shaking her head. "Not really. I can’t find Bella anywhere. We were supposed to go home together. I’ve called her twice but she’s not picking up."

He frowned slightly, concern flickering across his features. "Did you check her office?"

"Yes. And I called again just before you came. It’s strange. She’d never just... leave without me and if there’s ever a reason, she’d at least text me. There’s nothing."

"Hmm." Damian’s tone softened. "Then maybe she went home early. You should go check. She might just need some space. Especially with everything going on."

Chloe hesitated, her hand tightening around her phone. "Maybe you’re right."

He gave a small nod, his voice low and steady. "Go home, see if she’s there. I’m sure she’s there. Don’t worry too much, okay?"

Chloe’s lips curved despite herself. "You sound almost concerned, Damian."

"Almost?" He arched a brow.

She gave a small laugh, shaking her head. "Thanks. I’ll go see if she’s home."

She turned toward the parking lot, already unlocking her car, when his voice stopped her again.

"Chloe."

She glanced back, wondering what he wanted to say again.

He hesitated a moment before asking, "Would you... happen to be free Wednesday night? I’ve got a friend’s birthday dinner. Thought it might be nice to have you there."

For a second, she was caught off guard. A month ago, they were both at each other’s throat and couldn’t even stand each other. But here he was, inviting her to something so personal.

She smiled warmly, though apologetic too. "That’s really sweet, but I don’t think I can. Bella’s going through something right now. She’ll need me in this phase of her life."

Damian studied her for a moment, then gave a soft chuckle. "You’re such a good friend, Chloe."

She shrugged. "Someone has to keep her from burning the world down."

His smile widened slightly, the edge of it soft. "Then... at least give me your number? In case you need anything. Also, so I could call and check on you."

Chloe hesitated, then took his phone when he offered it, typing in her number. "Don’t abuse it," she teased, handing it back.

"No promises whatsoever," he murmured, eyes glinting with quiet amusement.

She shook her head and headed for her car, her mind already back on Bella.

As Damian watched her drive off, his smile faded into something thoughtful and... protective before he finally turned away, disappearing into the crowd of employees spilling out of StoneTech’s doors.

Chloe’s heart raced as she parked in front of the apartment and hurried out of the car. The entire drive from StoneTech had been filled with worry — the unanswered calls, the empty office, Bella’s sudden disappearance.

The moment she stepped inside, she froze when she saw the sight before her.

Bella sat on the floor by the couch, her face buried in her hands, shoulders trembling as if she’d been holding herself together for too long.

"Bella?" Chloe’s voice came soft, careful.

Bella flinched, quickly wiping her face and looking up. Her eyes were red, her lashes damp, but she forced a faint, brittle smile. "You’re back. I didn’t realize it was already time."

Chloe dropped her bag and crouched in front of her. "I’ve been calling you. You scared me half to death."

"I’m sorry I left without calling or texting you——"

"What have you done to yourself, Bell?" Chloe asked, her voice covered with worry.

"I’m fine," Bella whispered.

"No, you’re not." Chloe’s voice cracked slightly. "You’ve been crying. What happened? Did something else happen?"

Bella let out a shaky laugh that had no humor in it. "What didn’t happen?" She looked away, her voice tightening. "He tried to pass me off to Raymond, Chloe. Like I was some... disposable employee he could just hand over."

Chloe’s brows furrowed. "What?"

"He said since he knows I need space that I should go to Raymond. He’d get me back when he’s sorted everything. Can you believe that?" Her voice rose slightly, anger shaking through her words. "After everything, that’s what he had to say. He didn’t even let me quit properly. He just tossed me to his brother like I didn’t have a choice."

"Bella..." Chloe reached for her hand, squeezing gently. "Maybe it’s not what it sounds like. Maybe he’s trying to keep you close, just... in a different department. To make sure you don’t leave the company."

Bella shook her head hard, tears gathering again. "I’d rather quit than let him toss me around like a pawn. I’m done being at his mercy. Done letting him decide what happens to me."

"Bella..."

"No, Chloe." Bella’s voice cracked this time, her eyes glistening. "I can’t do this anymore. I tried — I really did. But I can’t keep breaking every time just because I choose to trust him. I’m done."

The room fell quiet for a long moment, the only sound being Bella’s uneven breathing.

Then, the sound of the front door opening broke the silence.

Rachel’s voice came in softly. "We’re home."

Bella quickly wiped her face again, forcing herself up from the floor just as Timothy’s small voice echoed behind Rachel’s.

"Mama!"

Before she could steady herself, Timothy ran straight into her arms, wrapping his little hands around her waist. Bella bent down and hugged him tightly, breathing in the comforting scent of his hair.

But Timothy, with his sharp little mind and his observant eyes, leaned back and studied her face. His brows furrowed. "Mummy, were you crying?"

Bella blinked quickly, her lips trembling as she forced a smile. "Of course not, baby. Mummy just... got dust in her eyes. I’m fine, my pumpkin."

He frowned like he didn’t quite believe her. "Don’t be sad, okay?"

Bella nodded, brushing his cheek gently. "I’m not sad."

"But you are!" he said, folding his tiny hands. Timothy stared at her for a moment longer, then suddenly said, "You know what? Give me your phone."

She blinked. "My phone? Why?"

"I want to call Uncle Jake," Timothy said earnestly. "He’ll help me make you smile. You always listen to him and you always smile when you talk to him."

Bella’s heart skipped a beat at the sound of Jake’s name. For a second, her chest felt tight, but when she saw the determined little look on her son’s face, something inside her softened.

She managed a weak smile and cupped his little face. "You’re too smart for your age, little champ. You know that?"

Timothy grinned a little, not understanding the weight behind her words.

Bella pulled him into her arms again, pressing a kiss to his forehead, her voice trembling softly. "I love you, Timmy. I’m so happy you came into my life."

Chloe looked away for a moment, blinking back tears. Rachel stood quietly by the door, guilt washing over her as she thought of what she’d been planning to tell Bella earlier — about maybe staying back at Mr. Camden’s longer to help him recover.

Now, watching her sister clutch her son like the world could fall apart any moment, Rachel felt a pang of shame.

No. She was glad she hadn’t brought it up. Bella needed her. Now more than ever.

Rachel walked over and sat beside Bella on the floor, wrapping an arm gently around her shoulders. "You have us," she said softly.

Surrounded by people she considered her family, Bella nodded faintly although the ache in her chest didn’t ease. Because even with all their warmth around her... her heart still hurt for the one man who’d broken it.