Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 806

After chatting a bit longer, Bella managed to send her mother away. Her injuries were too severe to risk anyone finding out, even her own mother. Luckily, Sebastian's warning had planted the idea that she was just fighting off a severe flu, giving her the perfect cover.

By the next day, Bella was feeling slightly better, but the deep, throbbing ache remained. Even two days later, the memory of the vicious lashes still burned in her mind.

Years ago, she had endured similar horrors to scrape together enough money to flee the country. She had paved a new path for herself overseas, eventually catching Sebastian's eye and landing a lucrative executive role upon her return to Northwyn. Looking back, she realized how dangerously close she had walked to the edge to reach her current position. The trauma of those old scars had taken years to suppress.

Yet, despite knowing the terrifying risks, she had gone back to the loan sharks. Now, she had to pay them off before things spiraled out of control.

Since Sebastian had insisted she take extra time off, she decided to stay at the hotel. The privacy allowed her to reapply her medicated ointments frequently, speeding up the healing process to ensure no visible marks remained by the wedding day. Walking down the aisle covered in bruises was not an option.

That afternoon, Debbie called her. Bella immediately asked her to come down to her room. Surprisingly, despite staying in the same hotel, Debbie hadn't visited Bella's suite once.

Walking in, Debbie glanced around. "You know, Bella, this suite doesn't seem quite as spacious as mine."

Of course it isn't, Bella thought dryly. You're burning through cash in the penthouse.

Right on cue, Bella continued. "You know my wedding is coming up. The Mercer family's financial mess has drained my resources. To be completely transparent, I took out some high-interest loans to bridge the gap. I cannot bring that kind of baggage into my marriage with Sebastian. I need those debts cleared before the wedding—by the end of this month. When exactly is your friend going to pay you back?"

Debbie held back an eye roll. Bella really didn't get it. That money was gone, swallowed by the casino. But she couldn't say that out loud.

Feigning shock, Debbie grabbed Bella's hands. "Oh, sweetie! You borrowed from loan sharks? Why would you do something so reckless?