Chapter 144: Chapter 144 I’ll be brave
Lina chuckled softly, leaning closer to Alessandro. "She’s so cute," she whispered, her voice warm with affection.
Bella had never felt this embarrassed in her entire life. Shameful! So shameful! she thought, digging her spoon into her cereal with extra force. All because of this devil man!
Leonardo caught her glare again, and this time, his eyes softened for the briefest heartbeat. To him, her angry, pouty expression looked more like an adorable kitten trying to growl. He took another sip of coffee, face as unreadable as ever — but deep down, he couldn’t help the faint warmth blooming in his chest.
Meanwhile, Bella puffed out her cheeks, ready to explode. Just wait, Leonardo Moretti! I’ll show you!
And all Jay Jay could do was giggle like an overgrown child, poking fun at the flustered Bella in their midst.
***
That afternoon, after finishing her guitar class with Theo, Bella tiptoed back to her room and curled up on her bed with Berry, Moonbeam, and Snowball all lined up beside her. She propped up her phone, waiting for Scarlett to pick up her video call.
"Bellaaaa!" Scarlett’s face popped up on the screen, her hair a little messy but her grin wide as ever. "So? Did you ask him for a divorce?"
Bella’s face turned pink as she hugged her knees. "No divorce, but when I tried to ignore him, he said... he’s taking me with him tonight. To that dinner. With her."
Scarlett raised a brow, eyes gleaming. "Her as in Stella? Tsk. At least that means he didn’t believe her fully — good sign, good sign."
Bella nodded, chewing her lower lip. "I guess..." Her voice got softer and softer until Scarlett had to lean closer to her phone.
"It’s also proof that your husband has no feelings for her," Scarlett said, pointing at Bella like a stern teacher. "But Bella, listen to your best friend: you are not allowed to look soft and harmless tonight. That girl’s the type who picks on sweet girls — you gotta be a tiny bit vicious. Just a little."
Scarlett had investigated Stella; her personality wasn’t exactly good and she used to be the queen bee in her school.
"V-vicious?" Bella squeaked. "But how do I do that?"
Scarlett leaned back in her chair, snorting. "First of all — outfit. Do you have anything that makes you look like a goddess? You know, show her you’re not someone she can look down on."
Bella glanced over at her open wardrobe and pouted. "But... I don’t have any goddess clothes. They’re all simple and cute..."
Scarlett gasped dramatically. "Bellatrix, you are the world’s most powerful and dangerous hacker. Go buy yourself a killer dress! You wanna knock that witch right off her throne, don’t you? Video call me when you’re in the store, I’ll help."
Bella looked down at her knees, her voice tiny. "But... should I ask Jay Jay or Leo first? If it’s safe to go out..."
Scarlett’s eyes widened. "Bella! You’re a big girl. Wait — no. Actually, you’re right. Your mafia life is different. You should be careful. Okay, okay — ask Jay or your husband. But you’re going."
Bella giggled, her shoulders relaxing a bit. "But Scar, how do I act vicious? What if I do it wrong? You know I’m not good at being mean. I tried to be mean with Leo, but he didn’t even get scared for a second..."
Scarlett burst into laughter. "Oh, my sweet baby. Okay, think of the meanest person you know. Who’s the biggest snake who ever made you feel small?"
Bella blinked, thinking hard, and then her eyes widened. "...Alexa."
Scarlett slapped her desk and wheezed with laughter. "PERFECT! Channel that bimbo! Flick your hair, roll your eyes, say ’Hmph!’ a lot — you know, her whole routine."
Bella puffed her cheeks, imitating Alexa with a pouty glare. "Hmph. You look cheap today."
Scarlett nearly fell out of her chair. "Yes! Just like that! You’ll terrify Stella and I’ll be so proud."
Bella giggled so hard she covered her face with her plushie. "I’ll try, Scar."
Scarlett winked at her. "That’s my girl. Now — go slay that shopping spree. And tonight, don’t forget: you’re Mrs. Moretti and the world’s most powerful hacker! You can’t let anyone steal your credit!"
Bella felt her heart squeeze, warmth blooming in her chest. "Okay. I promise."
"Good!" Scarlett said. "Now go find Jay or your husband and give him puppy eyes until he says yes."
And just like that, Bella’s mood lifted.
After she ended the call with Scarlett, Bella sat on her bed for a moment, hugging Moonbeam to her chest. The thought of standing beside Leo tonight made her heart flutter but the thought of Stella made her chest feel tight. She puffed out her cheeks. No, I’ll do it. I’ll be brave.
She slipped on her comfy slippers and stepped out of her room, her feet padding softly down the hallway. She paused at the top of the stairs, looking down into the warm, sunlit living room.
"Where is the training ground again...?" she mumbled to herself. She knew Jay Jay and Leo were probably there, but she’d never actually seen where they practiced.
She walked into the kitchen, drawn by the faint, delicious smell of warm milk and cocoa. Aunty Clara was at the stove, humming softly, her apron tied snug around her waist.
"Dear! Are you hungry?" Aunty Clara turned with a gentle smile. "I was about to bring you a cup of hot chocolate."
Bella’s eyes widened. "Oh! That sounds so good... Thank you, Aunt Clara." She took the warm mug in both hands, inhaling the sweet smell. She took a sip — the rich, creamy taste made her eyes sparkle. "Mmm! It’s so yummy!"
Aunty Clara chuckled, reaching to pat Bella’s hand. "You’re a sweet girl. But what brings you down here? Did you want anything else?"
Bella licked a bit of chocolate from her lip and shook her head. "No... I actually wanted to ask — where is the training ground? Jay Jay and... Leo are there, right?"
Aunty Clara’s eyes twinkled with understanding. "Oh, yes! They’re probably still sparring. It’s not far, just behind the east garden. But it’s tricky to find the first time. Let me call someone to take you."
She turned and called for one of the maids, a young woman who was polishing the windows nearby. The maid hurried over, giving Bella a polite smile.
"Would you please show Miss Bella to the training grounds?" Aunty Clara asked kindly.
"Of course, ma’am," the maid said with a respectful nod.