These words really struck Bella Evans' heart. She felt even more wronged, so she added fuel to the fire and said a lot of bad things about Rhea Vale. Kristy Cole listened to everything and felt even more certain of her victory. A woman who dared to openly hit someone in the Ashford family was not worthy of Riven Ashford.
"Sister-in-law, this Rhea Vale is just relying on Old Master Ashford to back her up. She thinks of herself as the mistress of the family. You can't let this slide. You mustn't let her stay in the Ashford family any longer. Even if you don't think about yourself, think about Ryan. If Rhea Vale takes over the Ashford family one day, Ryan will have no place in it. You have to fight back!" Kristy rolled her eyes as she continued to sow discord.
"Kristy, you're right. That new daughter-in-law really thinks she is the matriarch of the Ashford family. I will definitely retaliate. As long as I'm still part of this family, Rhea Vale will never have a moment of peace!" Bella, who had been hesitating moments ago, now had a firm look in her eyes. Her tone had changed.
Kristy said, "Sister-in-law, don't worry. I will always support you!"
At that moment, a servant knocked on the door. "Miss, Mayor Ashford is here. He said he's here to pick up his wife." Hearing the servant's words, Bella got off Kristy's bed in surprise.
Just as Bella was about to leave, Kristy stopped her. "Sister-in-law, can you stay here tonight? The two of us can have a proper conversation, and we'll make sure my brother knows that you're not so easy to comfort."
Bella was tempted to stay after hearing Kristy's words. However, when she thought about how her husband had personally come to look for her, she realized she should at least go meet him—she had to consider his pride.
Bella said, "I'll go out and talk to him."
Kristy's eyes filled with worry, and she spoke in a trembling voice. "Sister-in-law, I'm worried that Rhea Vale has already brainwashed my brother. If you meet with him, he might bully you."
"You're overthinking it. He won't," Bella said with confidence, then walked straight out.
As soon as Bella appeared, Travis Ashford stood up and said to Director Cole, "Sorry to bother you, Director Cole. This isn't the place to discuss business. It's getting late, so I'll take my beloved wife home first. If you're free tomorrow, feel free to visit my office. My door is always open."
Mayor Ashford didn't give Bella a chance to speak. He stepped forward and put his arm around her shoulders, his fingers tightening slightly—reminding her to stop causing trouble and just follow him obediently.
"Honey, I want to stay and talk with Kristy tonight," Bella said.
...
Travis Ashford replied, "There will be plenty of time for that in the future. It's too late today. Why do you need to stay here? Let Kristy visit our house another day." He refused his wife's request and didn't give anyone a chance to persuade her otherwise. He firmly held onto Bella's arm until he pushed her into the car.
Once inside, Bella wanted to get out, but Travis pulled her closer, making her sit properly before instructing the chauffeur to drive them to a hotel. He knew she was angry and didn't want to go home, so he chose to stay at the hotel with her.
At the hotel, Bella sat on the bed and cried bitterly. "I was clearly the one who was hurt. Why is everyone siding with her?"
"How old are you? You're a grown woman fighting with a twenty-year-old out of jealousy. You're both at fault for what happened today. Stop crying and get some rest." In the end, Travis didn't have the heart to be too harsh with his wife. He could only try to comfort her.
Kristy's words echoed in Bella's mind like lines from a movie. She struggled with her thoughts for a long time, but in the end, she still spoke with resentment. "Yes, I'm old. I'm not as cunning as her. Isn't she just trying to push me aside so she can be the mistress of the Ashford family? I won't let her have her way. The older, the wiser, after all!"
Travis, sitting next to Bella, sensed something was off. "Who told you that Rhea wants to be the matriarch of the Ashford family?"
Travis had been part of arranging Riven Ashford and Rhea Vale's marriage. In the beginning, that girl had deliberately pretended to be ugly just to avoid marrying into the Ashford family. In the end, she was forced to marry his younger brother under Old Master Ashford's threats. How could she possibly want to take over the family?
There had to be a misunderstanding.
Bella and Travis had been married for years, and their bond was strong. She had never hidden anything from him, so she told him everything Kristy had said to her that day.
"See? What else do you need to hear? If she becomes the matriarch of the Ashford family, with her arrogant and domineering attitude, do you think Ryan will still have a place in the family?" Bella asked, completely convinced of Kristy's words.
She had already made up her mind—she wouldn't let Rhea Vale live peacefully in the Ashford family.