Pampered by my three brothers: the return of the neglected heiress novel Chapter 760

Chapter 760: Sulking

The Pierson family was only elegant and beautiful from afar. If one focused only on their wealth, their status, the accessories they wore, the bags they carried, and the jewelry on their bodies, it could easily mislead anyone about what the family truly was.

Behind the glamour, the display of wealth, and the graceful smiles and laughter were wicked intentions deeply rooted in their hearts. _{freēwēbnovel.com}

"Zoren’s running late," Belle pointed out. "And so is Uncle William."

"It’s Uncle Zoren," Dean corrected lazily. "This is a family gathering. Be careful. Something as small as this can be used against you."

Belle chuckled. "Zoren is our cousin."

"But the family registry says otherwise. Even if he doesn’t mind it, everyone would see this as an opening. Or... did you forget about that as well?"

"Right." Belle raised her brows briefly, maintaining her poise despite having stood for quite some time now.

"Why don’t you sit down?" Dean suggested, casting her a glance. "You’re pregnant. You shouldn’t be standing this long."

"What do you know about pregnancy?"

"Not much, but I know you shouldn’t be wearing those." He briefly glanced at her heels, making her peek down and smile. "You said you wanted your family safe. Those high heels tell a different story."

Belle chuckled as she shifted her attention to him, only to see him look away. "Are you saying I should’ve come to this event in flats?"

"What’s there to worry about?" He shrugged. "You’ve already come here to abandon your last shred of dignity. Wearing something that doesn’t suit the dress shouldn’t matter."

"It shouldn’t, but at least I can pretend that I still stand tall. It’s foolish, but I’d like to believe that this way, I won’t look too small tonight."

"What an irrational reasoning."

"Irrational, but believing — even if it’s impossible hope — is better than nothing at all," she remarked meaningfully. "Zoren used to say that."

Again, Dean stayed quiet, his interest in talking to her having already faded. He didn’t want to dwell on Belle or her affairs. It was unfortunate, but this situation had happened many times before — not just to Belle, but also to other members of the Pierson family.

Belle had long moved far away from the Pierson family. Usually, when a member of the family married, regardless of whether it was a man or a woman, the other party would marry into the Pierson family and take the family name.

Belle didn’t do that. She married and moved away like everyone else, taking her husband’s family name. Her only remaining connection was her small share in the company.

This was why Dean didn’t question why she was here or pry into what exactly had happened to her. Her last connection to the Pierson family was the reason.

"You’re making that face again," she pointed out, leaning forward, head turned to Dean. "Are you worried about me?"

"Not a chance."

"That’s heartless, Dean."

"Belle, leave me alone." This time, he faced her with a stern look. "If you think teasing me or talking to me will gain you sympathy or an ally, you’re wrong. I know that whatever happened to you must be cruel, especially considering you’re carrying a child. But you, of all people, knew this was coming."

The smile on her face slowly faded as Dean’s face hardened.

"I could’ve said it more nicely — that’s true," he whispered, peeling his gaze from her figure to the same scene before him. ’But then again, what I said and how I said it... is just a taste of what you’re about to go through once you surrender the only card that gives you value to these people.’