Chapter 4 Marriage

In the following days, the Hunter family took turns persuading Bella.

From coercion and inducements to harsh reprimands, and finally to gentle persuasion with emotional appeals, Bella remained unmoved.

Bella's mother was so furious that she scolded, "You ungrateful wretch! What did I do in my past life to deserve such a heartless daughter like you?"

Even her third brother, Dawn, who was filming outside, called her.

"Bella, what's wrong with marrying Eugene? Will it affect your reports at work or your business negotiations? Stop being so selfish, okay?"

Blake, on the other hand, was hypocritical.

"Bella, the shares in Mom and Dad's hands will eventually belong to you and your siblings. If we move them now, it could destabilize the company's internal situation. You should consider the family..."

Bella remained firm-either they transferred shares to her, or Megan would marry into the Scott family instead.

The Hunter family was at a loss. Seeing Bella's unyielding attitude, they had no choice but to compromise.

Mr. Old Scott was pressing them, and they were eager to secure the project and funds, officially establishing ties with the Scott family.

Holding the share transfer agreement, Bella felt relieved, yet a sense of loss lingered.

The familial love she had longed for since childhood had ultimately turned out to be an illusion.

Blake smiled beside her and said, "Bella, these shares were meant for you sooner or later. If you want them now, it's no big deal. If you ever face difficulties in the Scott family, come home. Mr. Old Scott isn't an unreasonable man."

His words were pleasant to hear, but the fact was, they had already decided to sacrifice her. There would be no one to rely on in the future.

Bella saw through everything. "No need. My matters have nothing to do with you anymore."

She glanced at the car sent by the Scott family, waiting outside.

"The benefits you're gaining from the Scott family far exceed these mere 3% shares. Since I'm the one getting married, consider this my payment."

Looking at the various expressions on the Hunter family's faces-some angry, some fake-Bella's voice grew colder. "Let's not contact each other anymore unless absolutely necessary."

Such a family was not worth having.

Liam was the first to sneer, "The way you're talking, as if we actually want to stay in touch with you."

Bella glanced at him, then nodded lightly. "Alright, let's sever ties."

With that, she turned and walked out, stepping into the Scott family's car.

The Hunter family members watched the departing car with mixed emotions.

Liam frowned deeply. "What does Bella mean by this? Is she threatening us?"

Bella's mother looked disappointed. "Is she blaming us? Was bringing her back into the family a mistake?"

Evan stared at the car disappearing at the intersection, a growing unease rising in his chest. A suffocating sense of anxiety overtook him.

Blake's expression darkened. "Bella is really out of line this time."

After all, it was just marriage-an advantageous one at that. There was no need for her to demand his shares. It was completely unnecessary.

Chester, however, remained calm. "Don't worry. Even though Bella is married, she is still the chief secretary of the Hunter Group. We are still a family. She'll come around after a few days."

Bella's mother nodded. "Exactly. Without the Hunter family, she is nothing. She'll obediently come back in a couple of days."

The marriage between the Scott family and the Hunter family did not include a wedding ceremony.

The Scott family first took Bella to meet Mr. Old Scott.

Dressed in a tailcoat, his brows were sharp and his aura exuded authority without anger.

However, due to Eugene's accident, a trace of exhaustion lingered in his eyes.

He looked at Bella with a neutral expression, his tone calm but not unkind.

"Since you're married into the family, you are now part of the Scott family. Follow Jack and get familiar with things. If you have any questions, you can ask him."

Jack was Eugene's assistant.

Bella nodded. "Understood."

"Young Madam, please follow me."

Shortly after, Bella arrived at the second floor of the nursing home, where Eugene lay in bed.

The man was pale, with well-defined features, sharp brows, and thin lips. His dark eyelashes cast faint shadows on his closed eyelids-his appearance was strikingly handsome.

At the moment, his body was covered in plaster casts, and numerous medical devices were connected to him, constantly monitoring his vital signs.

Bella pursed her lips, momentarily stunned.

The Hunter family had developed for years, yet they were nowhere near the top of New York City's elite circles.

If not for the coincidence that Mr. Old Hunter once saved Mr. Old Scott's life, the two families would never have been connected.

She had seen Eugene from a distance once before.

It was at a business banquet-Eugene was dressed in a sleek black suit, standing tall with an exceptionally distinguished appearance. His refined, striking features made him look like a noble prince straight out of a comic book.

His looks and aura were unforgettable at first glance.

Now, as Bella gazed at Eugene lying motionless on the bed, her fingers clenched tightly at her sides.

It took her a while to slowly relax her grip.

Jack had already left, leaving only Bella in the room.

She stood in place for a long moment before taking a deep breath and slowly stepping toward the bedside.

"Hello, my name is Bella. I am... your new wife."

Looking at the breathtakingly handsome man lying before her, her voice unconsciously softened.

"I know that if you were awake, you would most likely not agree to this marriage.

Don't worry, I have no intention of clinging to you. Once you wake up, we can dissolve the marriage anytime."

The hospital room was silent except for the faint beeping of the medical equipment.

Bella stared at the unresponsive man, sighing softly in her heart with a hint of regret in her eyes.

Just then, Blake's call came in.

Bella frowned slightly, withdrawing her gaze from Eugene. She quietly stepped out of the hospital room and answered the call.

"Do you need something?"

Blake's tone was warm. "Bella, you've arrived at the Scott family, right?"

Bella's voice was indifferent. "Yes."

"Good. As long as you've arrived."

Blake chuckled, then continued, "If you're free, head back to the company. You haven't been there for days-your workload must have piled up by now..."

Bella almost laughed out of sheer frustration.

She hadn't understood what Blake was trying to do before, but now, she completely did.

"Mr. Hunter, according to our country's laws, newlyweds are entitled to marital leave. You do know that, right?"

Her smile carried a hint of mischief. "Oh, and by the way, I haven't taken a single vacation in the three years since I joined the company. I think I'll use it all now."

"How can that be?" Blake's tone turned displeased as he instinctively retorted, "If you don't come to the company, who will handle all the work?"

"I don't care," Bella said casually. "If President Hunter is dissatisfied, I can always resign."

There was a brief pause on the other end.

Blake quickly recovered, chuckling as he said, "Bella, why are you saying such things? The position of chief secretary at Hunter Group will always be yours-no one can take it away from you."

His voice became warm again. "Rest for today, but make sure you come to the office tomorrow, alright?"