Chapter 7 Come to My Room Tonight
Regarding James, Bella could only feel regret in her heart.
Although the Sava family had some influence, James was just a nobody to Sterling.
Bella sighed inwardly and opened the gift box, revealing a delicate bracelet.
It was a silver bracelet inlaid with blue and pink rhinestones. Under the sunlight, it sparkled beautifully.
Anna leaned in and said, "What a beautiful bracelet. Do you know what it means when a boy gives a girl a bracelet?"
Anna raised her eyebrows at Bella.
Bella put the bracelet on her wrist and asked innocently, "What does it mean?"
Anna whispered teasingly into her ear, "It means he wants to hold your hand and never let go."
Bella blushed and quickly took off the bracelet, putting it back in the box and handing it to Anna.
"Please return this to James. It's too valuable, I can't accept it."
Bella admitted she did have feelings for James, but if Sterling found out that James had given her a gift, who knew what he would do.
Anna made an exaggerated face and then curiously asked, "Bella, everyone knows James likes you. Why are you rejecting him?"
Bella didn't know how to answer, so she made an excuse, "My brother doesn't agree with us. Please help convince James to give up."
Anna put her hands on her hips and said angrily, "Your brother is a jerk. He doesn't even buy you a pair of gloves and bullies you all the time. How dare he control you? Bring him out, I'll teach him a lesson."
Bella quickly covered Anna's mouth, looking around to see if anyone was watching.
She hadn't forgotten how Sterling knew about James giving her a scarf yesterday, clearly indicating that there were Sterling's spies in this school. If Sterling found out what Anna said, he would definitely cause trouble for her.
"Stop it," Bella pleaded with her eyes, knowing that Anna's loud mouth could get her into trouble.
Anna nodded, patted Bella's shoulder, and whispered, "Alright, but let me say one last thing. James asked me to tell you that he likes you and plans to marry you when he returns."
Bella was stunned, her originally fair face turning bright red. She shyly avoided Anna's teasing gaze.
After school, Bella hummed a tune, riding her bike with a joyful expression.
The exquisite birthday gifts, the promise from her crush, and Sterling's departure—all these made Bella incredibly happy today.
Until she saw that familiar car at the school gate, her smile slowly faded.
The Rolls-Royce's window rolled down, and there he was, the detestable Sterling.
"Aren't you supposed to be on a business trip abroad?" Bella asked directly, staring at him.
Sterling's expression turned severe, but he coldly asked, "Are you this happy when I'm not home?"
Bella wanted to nod, knowing it would anger Sterling, so she shook her head against her will. "No, just curious."
She forced a smile, her eyes flickering to hide her true thoughts.
Sterling sneered and opened the car door. "Today is your birthday. Zoe and the others have prepared a party for you. Get in the car, don't keep everyone waiting."
"No need, I ride very fast, and I can get some exercise," Bella quickly refused, trying to avoid being in the same space as him. It was too suffocating.
Sterling's face turned cold, clearly displeased with Bella's refusal and resistance to his arrangements.
The driver, Ryan, sighed, got out of the car, and let the air out of Bella's bike tire, making it flat.
By the time Bella realized it, she could only glare at Ryan as he stuffed the bike into the car's trunk.
Ryan smiled and said, "Get in the car, Miss Gray."
Bella could only sullenly get in.
The entire way, Sterling remained silent, and Bella quietly sat on the other side, watching the scenery fly by outside the window.
As they were approaching the Windsor family's villa, Sterling suddenly said, "Come to my room tonight. Don't be late. If you want to know what time I go to bed, you can ask Zoe."