Bella's POV
Richard's cold stare fixed on Gideon as he barked, "Shut your mouth."
Gideon snorted with irritation and looked away.
Richard then faced me, asking, "Bella, do you understand what you did wrong?"
"I don't believe I've made any mistakes." I kept my voice steady, meeting his eyes without showing even a hint of remorse.
Richard saw this as nothing but defiance—pure insolence.
He drew in a long breath, wrestling with his fury, then attempted to be reasonable. "Have you considered Ivy's feelings when you broke off the engagement? After this scandal, how will she ever marry into the Thorne family?"
"Bella, she's your sister. How can you be so self-centered?"
Ivy started weeping again. With red-rimmed eyes, she gazed up at Richard and managed through her tears, "Father, please don't blame Bella. I was the one who stole her engagement. If she hates me, I can understand—it's perfectly normal."
