Bella’s jaw dropped. "Date?!"
Scarlett laughed and gently pinched her cheek. "Just kidding... maybe. Unless you say yes."
Bella hid her face in her hands, her ears now turning red. "You’re teasing !"
"Only a little," Scarlett chuckled, and then softened. "But seriously, Bella. I ca because I care about you. And I wanted you to know you’re not alone, okay? If those people ever try to touch a hair on your head again—I’ll erase their existence off every digital platform."
Bella peeked from behind her fingers, her heart full. "You’re so cool..."
Scarlett wiggled her brows. "I know. So, how about we go teach so people a lesson after breakfast, huh?"
"No... that’s not good," Bella said softly, shaking her head. Her big eyes were gentle, full of worry. "I don’t want to create more trouble. It’s okay. I’ll be fine."
Scarlett rolled her eyes and looked away, clicking her tongue. "Tsk."
But she didn’t say anything more.
Instead, her gaze wandered to the window, her fingers tapping lightly against her thigh. She blinked slowly, eyes glistening—not from tears, but from the weight of her own thoughts. That soft girl beside her... really didn’t know how much she deserved to be protected.
Scarlett was the vengeful type. Always had been. She couldn’t sit still when people hurt soone she cared about. But seeing Bella inocent eyes and a sincere heart, she knew—this girl wouldn’t even kill an ant.
Bella was the kind who’d cry over hurting soone by accident. The kind who’d carry guilt for months over saying sothing wrong. The kind who never asked for anything back after giving.
And Scarlett suddenly rembered how, when Bella first entered the hacker world, she did countless jobs for free. Risky ones. Smart ones. So that saved actual lives. All for strangers.
She could’ve been a millionaire by now—people had begged her to na her price. But Bella never cared for that.
Scarlett glanced sideways and watched the girl nibble on a piece of toast. How could soone so pure exist in such a dark world?
Scarlett clenched her fist under the table.
She wouldn’t say anything. She wouldn’t ruin Bella’s peace.
But deep down, she had already made up her mind.
Those who hurt her Bella... wouldn’t sleep peacefully for long.
"So," Scarlett said as she leaned back after finishing the last bite of her toast. "How about we go outside and have so fun, hmm? Your husband is clearly too busy with his very important business to pay attention to his adorable wife."
She rolled her eyes so hard it was practically audible.
Isabella blinked, then giggled softly behind her hand. "Okay!" she said, eyes sparkling with sudden excitent. "I really want to see more of the city!"
Scarlett grinned, loving the way Bella’s face lit up like a child being offered candy. "That’s the spirit, baby girl! Go get ready. We’re going out."
"Should I wear sothing fancy?" Bella asked as she stood up and looked down at her lavender dress.
Scarlett looked her up and down with a teasing smirk. "Unless you want to cause a traffic jam with how cute you are, then yes—get dressed."
Bella giggled and rushed off to the wardrobe, her long brown hair bouncing behind her.
Bella stepped out of her room in a soft red dress that flowed just above her knees. The straps sat gently on her shoulders, and the delicate fabric moved with every step she took. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, unsure if she looked too bold in red. But when Scarlett saw her, she let out a loud, impressed whistle.
"Damn, Bella! Who gave you the right to look this cute and hot at the sa ti?" Scarlett grinned, resting her hand dramatically over her heart. "This dress is doing things."
Bella blushed instantly and clutched her small handbag nervously. "Is it too much?" she asked, glancing down at herself.
"Nope. It’s perfect. You look like a walking love letter," Scarlett said proudly as she gave her a little wink. "Now let’s go ruin so jealous girls’ day just by existing."
The two girls walked through the quiet hallway together, Scarlett’s confident steps beside Bella’s shy ones. When they reached the living room, it was practically empty—only faint traces of last night’s ss remained, and a maid passed by carrying a tray.
Bella paused and glanced back over her shoulder. Her brows furrowed slightly.
"What’s wrong?" Scarlett asked.
"I was just wondering..." Bella mumbled, "I don’t know which room Leo is staying in."
Scarlett raised an eyebrow. "You live in the sa villa and you don’t know?"
Bella nodded slowly. "We don’t... sleep in the sa room."
Scarlett sighed through her nose. "Okay, that’s getting added to my list of why I don’t like him."
Bella gave a sheepish smile and looked away, clutching her handbag tighter as they stepped outside. The sunlight felt warm, the sky was bright, and a light breeze played with the ends of her hair.
Just behind them, a few suited bodyguards began following at a respectful distance.
Scarlett looked back and smirked. "So your Mafia husband really does send his shadows with you, huh?"
Bella nodded. "He said I’m allowed to go outside but they’ll follow from a distance..."
Scarlett made a face and looped her arm with Bella’s. "Well, let them follow. We’re about to have a fabulous girls’ day. They can just enjoy the view."
Bella giggled softly, her heart feeling strangely light as the two of them walked down the path—one confident and protective, the other still blooming.
***
The sun was bright, casting a golden glow over the sparkling waves as Scarlett and Isabella walked hand in hand across the soft, warm sand. Bella’s red dress fluttered in the breeze, her sandals leaving gentle prints behind. The beach stretched endlessly, filled with people playing volleyball, building sandcastles, and soaking in the sun. But Scarlett’s sharp eyes caught sothing more thrilling—a sleek white speedboat bobbing near the dock, glinting under the morning light.
"Ohhh yes," Scarlett muttered with a mischievous grin, pointing at the boat like a pirate spotting treasure. "We are so getting on that."
"Huh?" Bella blinked, squinting in the direction Scarlett was pointing. Her eyes widened when she saw the speedboat. "You an... that one?"
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