Ashton looked at Bella's tearful eyes. "I know you probably don't care about what Grandpa left us."
Bella gave a small shake of her head. "I don't."
"I know." He smiled faintly, almost sadly. "That's what makes this more difficult."
Bella frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"
Ashton lowered his gaze. "I... I'm sorry."
Bella's eyes widened a little. The apology seemed to surprise even Leo.
Ashton continued quietly. "I know we haven't exactly treated you like family." He swallowed. "Especially after Grandpa..." His voice became lower. "We were jealous."
Bella remained silent.
"We thought he was giving you everything because he loved you more." He gave a small, embarrassed laugh. "But apparently, we were so busy counting what you had that we never noticed what you gave him."
Bella looked at him.
Ashton looked back at her with a small smile. "You made him happy." He paused. "And I think... we forgot that was more important than the inheritance."
