His innocent wife is a dangerous hacker.-Chapter 442

He walked straight to Bella and lifted her effortlessly into his arms, settling her against his chest as if it were the most natural thing in the world. The moment she was held, Bella sighed in relief, her small arms wrapping around his neck, her cheek pressing comfortably against his shoulder.

"I’m taking her to my room," Leo said calmly, not asking, simply stating it as fact.

No one argued.

As he turned toward the stairs, he glanced down at her, brushing a hand gently over her back. "Aren’t you hungry?" he asked softly.

Bella shook her head against his shoulder, her hair tickling his jaw. "No... no..." she murmured sleepily. "Can I eat later..."

"Hm," Leo replied quietly, adjusting his hold so she was more comfortable.

She rubbed her face against his shoulder like a drowsy child seeking comfort, her fingers curling into his shirt. Within seconds, her breathing slowed, soft and uneven, already half asleep.

Leo climbed the stairs steadily, careful not to jostle her. Each step was measured and protective. When he reached their room, he pushed the door open gently and stepped inside, the familiar space dim and calm. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

He laid her down slowly on the bed, not letting go right away. Bella shifted instinctively, her hand reaching out, fingers closing around his sleeve even in her sleep. Leo sat beside her and allowed her to hold on, his thumb brushing lightly over her knuckles.

"You’re safe," he murmured, more for himself than for her.

Bella hummed faintly, her grip loosening as sleep finally claimed her. Leo stayed there, watching her chest rise and fall, the quiet room filled with nothing but her soft breathing.

Meanwhile, Lina took over downstairs with the ease of someone who had spent her whole life hosting people in this house. She guided Bella’s friends toward the dining area, her tone warm and gentle, as if she understood that each of them carried worry in their hearts.

"Come," Lina said kindly. "You all must be hungry. Lunch is ready."

Scarlett exchanged a look with Jason and Dominique before nodding. Jay followed behind them, still half-distracted, his thoughts clearly lingering upstairs with Bella. The long dining table felt lively despite the lingering concern, plates filling with food as soft conversation slowly returned.

Lina made sure everyone ate properly, placing extra food onto their plates like a mother who didn’t accept refusal. "You can’t think clearly on an empty stomach," she said firmly, and no one dared argue.

After lunch, when the plates were cleared and tea was served, Lina smiled at them again. "You’re welcome to stay," she offered gently. "This house is yours too."

Scarlett shook her head softly. "Not today, Auntie. We’ll come back later. Together."

Jason nodded. "Yeah. Bella needs quiet right now."

Dominique added with a small smile, "We don’t want to overwhelm her."

Lina’s expression softened with understanding. "That’s thoughtful of you."

She walked them to the door herself, thanking them for being there for Bella. As they stepped outside, each of them glanced back once more toward the staircase, silently wishing the girl upstairs a peaceful rest.

"We’ll come later," Scarlett said again before leaving.

Lina watched until they were gone, then closed the door quietly behind them. She stood still for a moment, hands folded, before lifting her gaze upstairs.

"Rest well, child," she murmured softly.

⊹₊˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧˚₊⊹

Bella’s nose twitched first.

Then her brows knitted together in sleepy confusion as a soft, delicious smell wrapped around her senses, warm and inviting. She stirred beneath the blanket, fingers curling as her lashes fluttered and she slowly opened her eyes.

Food.

Her gaze drifted toward the living area of the room, and that was when she saw him.

Leo was leaning casually against the couch, one arm resting along the backrest, his posture relaxed but attentive. In front of him, on the low table, were neatly arranged plates—colorful, warm, and carefully chosen. Soft fruits glistened under the light, small bowls of dessert placed just right, along with simple, healthy food that looked gentle on the stomach.

Just as he expected.

His eyes lifted the moment he sensed movement.

Bella sat up, blinking twice, then once more, before her attention fully locked onto the table. Her lips parted slightly.

"...smells good," she murmured.

A faint smirk curved Leo’s lips.

He straightened just a little, watching her with quiet amusement as she pushed the blanket aside and carefully climbed down from the bed. Her movements were slow and unsteady, like a sleepy bunny waking from a nap. She padded toward the table barefoot, rubbing one eye with the back of her hand, hair messy and undeniably adorable.

Leo didn’t interrupt. He simply watched.

Bella stopped in front of the table and stared at the food as if it were treasure. Her eyes sparkled when she spotted the bowl of sweet fruits.

"Sweet..." she whispered happily.

"Hm," Leo said calmly, already reaching for a plate. "You woke up because of the smell?"

She nodded seriously, as if this were very important information. "My tummy called me."

That earned him a soft chuckle. He had deliberately asked for warm food so the scent would wake her. She had been asleep for nearly two hours.

He pulled out a chair for her without a word, guiding her gently to sit. Bella climbed up obediently, her legs swinging slightly as she leaned forward, inspecting everything with interest.

"Eat slowly," Leo said, placing a fork into her hand. "No rushing."

She nodded again, very solemn, then paused and looked up at him. "Hubby?"

"Yes?"

"You made this?"

He tilted his head slightly. "I helped." Giving instructions to the staff counted as help. At least, he decided it did.

Bella smiled, soft and satisfied, then finally took a bite of fruit. Her eyes closed instantly.

"Mmm..." she hummed, her shoulders relaxing. "Future food is very tasty."

Leo’s smirk deepened.

He leaned back against the couch again, arms folding loosely as he watched her eat.

After she finished, Bella wiped her mouth carefully with the napkin, looking very proud of herself. She slid down from the chair and patted her tummy lightly, satisfied.

Leo watched her for a moment before speaking calmly. "Do you need help with your bath?"

He had already wiped away the remaining makeup earlier and helped her change into comfortable clothes, but she still needed a proper bath.

"Nooo," Bella replied immediately, shaking her head hard. Her cheeks puffed as she looked away shyly. "I do bath myself! Anyway... I am big girl!" she declared, her voice soft but firm.