Chapter 137: Chapter 137 Reward
As they walked further inside, Jessica wrapped an arm around her daughter’s waist like she was the crown jewel returning to its box. She lowered her voice just for Stella.
"You know, dear... you left so much chaos behind you. That Bella girl — Isabella — she’s been enjoying what was supposed to be yours. But now that you’re home, you’ll get your spot back. Mommy will take care of everything."
Stella hesitated, chewing on her lip. "Really, Mom? You think Leo... he’ll even look at me again?"
Jessica laughed lightly, her nails tapping Stella’s back. "Oh, sweetheart, of course. Men are all the same. They say they love innocence, but they crave spice — they crave what you have. And that Bella? She’s nothing compared to you. Just trust Mommy, hmm?"
Sam, who had walked ahead to grab drinks, called out over his shoulder. "Let the girl breathe, Jess! Stella, sit, eat — we’ll talk about your next steps later."
Stella glanced between her parents, a small, shaky smile forming on her lips. "Thank you, Mom... thank you, Dad... I won’t disappoint you this time."
Jessica’s eyes glinted like a snake’s in the dark as she kissed Stella’s temple. "Good girl. Now, let’s feed you up, hmm? We have a lot of work to do."
They sat around the wide dining table, laughter echoing through the chandelier-lit room like an eerie reminder of how sweet poison could taste. Stella spooned the last bit of soup into her mouth, wiping her lips daintily, her eyes sparkling with a mix of resentment and excitement.
"So... tell us what really happened over there, Stella?" Sam leaned forward, swirling the wine in his glass. His voice was gentle but his eyes were sharp, probing his daughter for every detail.
Stella huffed dramatically, slamming her spoon down. "Daddy! Tom was useless — absolutely useless! Other than his pretty face, there was nothing good about him. I had to cook for myself, clean up after him... I even did laundry! Can you believe that? Me?" She pouted like a wronged princess.
Jessica’s eyes narrowed with rage as she reached over to stroke Stella’s hair. "My poor baby... you’ve never even touched a dirty dish here! That scumbag — all looks, no backbone."
Sam’s eyes glistened, but his jaw clenched in anger. "Who does he think he is? Making my princess work like a maid?"
Stella giggled at their reactions, soaking in their fury as if it were a warm bath. "Don’t worry, Daddy. I’m back now. And I will make sure I take revenge on that so-called friend who tricked me into thinking Leo was an old man! She ruined my life!"
Jessica scoffed, her lips curling into a venomous smile. "You must crush her, Stella. Otherwise, what’s the point of you running away in the first place? She made a fool of you — humiliated you."
Sam banged his palm lightly on the table, his deep voice cold. "Just give me her family name. I’ll wipe it from every record. No one makes my daughter cry and walks away breathing."
Stella’s eyes sparkled as she leaned across the table and kissed his cheek. "Thank you, Daddy! You’re the best."
Jessica shot Sam a look filled with twisted pride — they always agreed when it came to revenge. Then Stella leaned back in her chair, playing with her glass.
Her mind drifted to that one glimpse she’d caught on her phone — Leonardo’s photo. The sharp jawline, the broad shoulders under that crisp suit, the eyes that looked like they could freeze or burn you alive.
"Leo..." she murmured, a sly smile playing at her lips. "He’s so much better than that loser Tom. He’s not just handsome — he’s... powerful."
Jessica raised an eyebrow, amused. "What’s that look, dear?"
Stella tilted her head innocently. "Nothing, Mommy. I was just thinking... this time, I’ll make sure I get what was mine in the first place."
Jessica let out a soft, menacing laugh and clinked her glass with Sam’s. "That’s my girl. Play sweet. Play patient. And when the time is right — take everything."
Stella’s smile widened. "Yes, Mommy. I’ll make him forget that little mouse Isabella ever existed."
***
Next morning, Bella woke up feeling strangely light like the heavy cloud that had been pressing on her chest for days had finally drifted away. She pulled her hair into a loose ponytail and hugged Moonbeam, snowball and Berry, whispering, "Let’s have a good day, okay?"
She padded down the stairs, the smell of fresh bread and warm butter drifting from the dining area. Her eyes brightened instantly when she saw Jay sitting at the table, mumbling about training. Lina was reading the morning paper, Alessandro was pouring himself coffee, and the hum of quiet conversation made the house feel like a real home.
Everyone’s here today, Bella thought happily. Her smile stretched wide until her gaze landed on Leonardo. He wasn’t eating with them; instead, he stood near the window, phone in one hand, thumb swiping the screen with that familiar cold expression carved into his face. He looked so distant, so unreachable but she still felt a funny warmth in her chest seeing him home.
She took her seat beside Jay, who immediately leaned over, whispering loud enough for Lina to flick his forehead. "You know, Bellsy, yesterday was a nightmare! But someone helped us — a really skilled hacker. Brother’s been digging into it all night." He nudged her playfully. "He’s obsessed with rewarding that person, whoever they are. He even said they can ask anything — money, protection, anything!"
Bella’s fingers tightened around her spoon, her heartbeat suddenly picking up speed. Me? She looked down quickly, cheeks warm. She stirred her porridge just to keep her hands busy, the spoon clinking gently against the bowl.
Jay kept babbling, clearly excited by the whole thing. "It was insane — the attack just stopped! Firewall went stronger than ever. Big brother’s got everyone hunting to find out who it was. You should’ve seen his face when he heard we were saved — so rare to see him that tense, right?" He laughed.
Bella forced a small smile, stealing a shy glance at Leonardo’s tall figure by the window. If he finds out it was me... would he really reward me?