Bella Woods was left dumbfounded.
She was certain that the call came from Nina Sutton.
Equally certain was the fact that when Nina provoked her, she did so with complete confidence and not as a mere bluff.
Nina was convinced that as long as she made that call, Ashton Marshall would leave.
"You guys go ahead and eat, I have something to take care of." Tim Season stood up, wiping the corners of his mouth.
He said nothing more and rushed off.
Bella glanced over, unable to resist looking at Ashton Marshall's phone, pretty sure Tim Season had gone to help Ashton calm someone down.
Meanwhile, Ashton served Bella some vegetables. "Don't just eat meat."
Bella withdrew her gaze and thoughts, murmuring an "uh-huh" before quietly resuming her meal.
For the rest of the hot pot meal, the three of them didn't say much.
Calvin Marshall left on time, having plans with a friend for another gathering later that evening.
In the end, it was just Ashton Marshall and Bella Woods left.
