The words hit Bella like bombshells, scattering her thoughts. Her mind went blank. "Stop!" she screamed, her voice filled with shock and disbelief.
The two policemen halted at the doorstep, their attention drawn to the commotion.
Bella dragged her aching body towards them. "What did you say?" she demanded, her eyes narrowing as she glared at Lionel.
Sensing Lionel was about to reveal a painful truth about Bella's father, Theodore intervened. "Stop spouting nonsense," he growled. "Officer, take this man away. He has caused enough damage."
Bella stopped them. "Wait a moment. I am not done with him."
"Bella!" Theodore panicked, grabbing her shoulders. "You are injured," he pleaded. "Let's go to the hospital first, okay? You'll have plenty of time to ask him anything later."
