Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 790

Bella jumped, glancing nervously left and right. She quickly slid into the back of the black SUV, hitting the lock button the second the door shut.

Mark chuckled. "What's wrong, Miss Ward? Afraid someone might see you? We're just loan sharks, not murderers. Is it really that scandalous? Besides, you didn't act this skittish when you came to us for cash. We called to remind you yesterday, but you didn't pick up. We texted, and you ghosted us. We didn't have a choice but to come find you."

Bella took a deep, shaky breath, her mind a chaotic mess of panic and desperation. But she had to handle this. These loan sharks could ruin her, and Sebastian still had no idea she had borrowed the money. If he found out, the wedding was off.

"Mark, you know who I am," Bella said, forcing her voice to steady. "I've been incredibly busy with work, wedding preparations, and keeping an eye on the group. You know I'm a major shareholder. Isn't it normal to miss a call or two? And how could you come here? If anyone saw us, it would ruin the company's reputation. Are you trying to destroy me?"

"You've got it all wrong, Miss Ward. We're just trying to do our jobs. If we didn't remind you, would you have even remembered that your first installment and interest are due today? You definitely forgot, didn't you?"

Bella knew, but she was completely broke.

"You'll get your money. It's still early. I'll figure it out. I'll wire the funds before midnight."

Once inside her car, Bella immediately dialed Debbie's number. Her first installment was a hundred million dollars. Debbie hadn't mentioned returning the money, and Bella was getting desperate. The phone rang, but no one answered. Bella knew Debbie was probably still asleep. The woman was practically nocturnal. She didn't understand how an older woman could live with such a messed-up sleep schedule. Shouldn't she be focused on her health? She was certainly living it up in Northwyn.

Despite knowing Debbie was asleep, Bella called again and again. She refused to give up until the woman woke up. Finally, after seven or eight tries, the call connected. But the voice on the other end belonged to Lucas.

"Miss Ward, why are you calling so early?" Lucas asked.