His innocent wife is a dangerous hacker.-Chapter 436 Alexa and Alan’s Buried Secret

"In the past," Leo said evenly, "you and Alexa were sleeping together in secret. Then you ended things peacefully. No drama. No emotions. You used each other for physical needs."

Alan’s lips parted, but Leo didn’t stop.

"And here’s the funny part," Leo continued. "I think Alexa pushed you toward Bella. I think she planted the idea in your head." His gaze sharpened. "You didn’t fall in love. You were nudged."

"That’s not true," Alan said quickly. "I don’t love Alexa. Yes, we slept together, but it meant nothing. Nothing." His voice wavered. "I love Bella."

Leo looked at him for a long moment, expression unreadable.

Then he spoke quietly, every word deliberate. "If you loved her, you wouldn’t have followed her. You wouldn’t have investigated her. You wouldn’t have cornered her when she was alone."

Alan’s breathing faltered.

"Love doesn’t scare someone until they forget where the door is," Leo said. "Love doesn’t leave someone shaking, calling names like they’re drowning."

Alan’s face drained of color.

"She trusted me enough to break," Leo continued, his voice lower now. "And you took that trust and crushed it."

"I didn’t mean to—" Alan started.

"I don’t care what you meant," Leo interrupted flatly. "Intent doesn’t erase damage."

Silence fell between them, thick and suffocating.

Leo straightened. "You don’t get to see her. You don’t get to talk to her. And you don’t get forgiveness."

Alan looked up, eyes burning. "So that’s it? You’ll just erase me?"

"Yes," Leo said without hesitation.

He turned slightly, already done. "Leave the city. Tonight. If I see you anywhere near her again, I won’t talk. I won’t warn. And I won’t stop my men."

Alan swallowed hard. "And Alexa?"

Leo paused, then glanced back. "She used you," he said simply. "And you let her."

That was the final blow.

Leo walked away, footsteps steady, bodyguards moving in behind him.

Alan remained standing there alone in the quiet park.

Three years ago, Alexa was the only woman who moved freely within their circle of friends. She was confident, bold, and carried herself with a glow that naturally drew attention. She laughed loudly, spoke without hesitation, and never lowered her gaze in front of anyone. Among men who were powerful, rich, and used to control, Alexa stood out because she never tried to please them.

Alan noticed her. He was drawn to her confidence, her sharp tongue, the way she moved like she owned every space she walked into. There was always tension between them, the kind that lingered quietly in glances, wandering looks, and half-smiles that lasted a second too long.

Alexa, however, loved Leo.

She never hid it. Everyone knew. She admired his authority, his cold calmness, the way he never chased anyone. Leo didn’t encourage her, but he didn’t push her away either. He was indifferent, and to Alexa, that indifference only made him more desirable.

One night, when the tension between them had grown thick and heavy, they drank too much. Words blurred. Boundaries blurred. What should have stopped didn’t.

They slept together.

The next morning, when reality settled in, there was no romance, no promises, no emotional confessions. They talked calmly, almost coldly, and agreed on one thing: it would stay secret. Friends with benefits. Nothing more.

Alexa agreed because loving Leo didn’t erase her own physical needs.

Leo was distant, unreadable, and never emotionally available. Alexa needed warmth, attention, desire, and Alan was right there.

Alan was different. He was experienced, charming in a careless way, and he knew how to please women. He paid attention. He listened. He touched with confidence. And when Alexa needed release, Alan became easy comfort.

They never spoke about feelings. They never promised anything. They used each other to fill empty spaces, pretending it was harmless because neither of them was "in love."

Eventually, tired of each other, they both decided to stop. Peacefully.

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Leo returned quietly to the room, his footsteps deliberately soft, as if even the sound of his presence might disturb the fragile calm that had finally settled. The lights were dim, and the first thing his eyes found was Bella, sleeping unevenly on the bed, her brows faintly drawn even in rest. Only then did he notice Jay and Jace nearby.

Jay had fallen asleep half-sitting, half-leaning against the headboard, his head tilted awkwardly to the side, one arm still stretched toward Bella’s hand as if he had refused to let go even after sleep claimed him. Jace wasn’t any better, slumped in an uncomfortable position on the other side, eyes closed, shoulders tense even in rest. They looked exhausted, careless, and oddly sincere, like two people who had stayed awake far longer than their bodies allowed simply because they were worried.

Leo stood there for a moment, watching them.

A small, reluctant sigh escaped him.

They looked ridiculous... but also strangely sweet.

Without waking Bella, he quietly called a bodyguard inside and gestured toward Jay and Jace. The guard nodded and moved carefully. The moment hands touched Jay’s shoulder, his eyes fluttered open, instinct sharp even in sleep. When he saw Leo standing there, Jay relaxed immediately, murmured something unintelligible, and drifted back to sleep, trusting without question.

Leo watched silently as the guards helped Jay and Jace into a nearby guest room, making sure they were settled properly, blankets pulled over them, lights dimmed. Only when the door closed softly did Leo finally return to Bella’s side.

It was late.

He turned off the remaining lights, the room sinking into a quiet, protective darkness. Then he slipped onto the bed beside her, careful not to jostle her, even though every muscle in his body ached with leftover tension. His forehead throbbed faintly, fear and anger still lingering, but the moment Bella shifted instinctively toward him, that tightness loosened.

He pulled her gently into his arms, one hand resting at her back, the other anchoring her closer. Her face pressed into his chest, breath warm and uneven, but calmer now. He lowered his chin to the top of her head, eyes closing at last.

"It’s okay," he murmured into the dark, more to himself than anyone else. "I’m here."

Bella sighed softly in her sleep, her fingers curling into his shirt as if she’d heard him even there.

Leo held her tighter, guarding her rest, staying awake a little longer before sleep finally claimed him too.

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The next morning

The bathroom door closed softly as Leo stepped out, freshly showered, water still clinging to his hair. His clothes had already been laid out neatly, and he slipped into his usual black shirt and pants. He was fastening the last button when something caught his eye.

Bella was awake.

She sat propped against the pillows, hair slightly messy, cheeks warm with sleep, rubbing her eyes slowly with the back of her hand like a drowsy child waking from a dream. Her expression was blank and confused, lashes fluttering as she tried to understand where she was.

Leo froze. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

For a moment, the sharp edges of his face softened completely.

Hearing his movement, she turned her head. Those big doe-brown eyes lifted to his face, wide and innocent, still clouded with sleep. She stared at him for a second, lips parting as her mind caught up.

"Big brother?" she asked softly, voice small and unsure. "Um... where am I?"