His innocent wife is a dangerous hacker.-Chapter 605 Miss J

Next day, Bella woke up early, excitement bubbling in her chest like a child on Christmas morning.

She spent extra time getting ready, humming softly as she moved around the room. Leo had already left for work, pressing his usual kiss to her forehead before disappearing, but his absence did not dampen her mood. Today was about Grandpa.

She stood in front of her closet, surveying her options. Something nice but not too fancy. Comfortable for walking through an exhibition but pretty.

She settled on a simple dress.

Soft lavender color, falling just below her knees. Short sleeves, a delicate collar, and a thin belt at the waist that cinched it just enough. Comfortable flats in a neutral shade. Minimal jewelry, just the small gold hoops Leo had given her and her wedding band.

She looked in the mirror and smiled. Simple. Sweet. Perfect.

The drive to William’s house was short but felt longer with anticipation. When she arrived, he was already waiting on the porch, his eyes lighting up the moment her car pulled in.

"There’s my girl," he said warmly as she approached.

Bella hugged him tightly, breathing in the familiar scent of old books and gentle cologne. "Grandpa. I’m so excited."

"As am I, my dear. As am I."

They drove together to the exhibition center, one of the most prestigious in the city, housed in a beautiful old building with high ceilings and marble floors. William had arranged everything, as he always did, with quiet elegance and care.

Inside, the exhibition was breathtaking.

Paintings lined the walls in soft lighting, each one a window into another world. Landscapes. Portraits. Abstract pieces that made you stop and think. Bella walked slowly, arm linked with William’s, drinking it all in.

"Tell me about this one," she said, stopping before a painting of a stormy sea.

And William did.

He told her about the artist, the technique, the emotion behind the brushstrokes. He pointed out details she would have missed, the way light hit the waves, the hidden figure in the foam, the signature almost invisible in the corner.

Bella listened, captivated.

"I hope you’re enjoying the exhibition, sir."

A man in a sharp suit approached them, his smile warm and professional. He had the polished look of someone who worked in the art world, perfectly styled hair, an expensive watch, confident posture.

William nodded graciously. "Very much. The curation is excellent this year."

The man’s eyes shifted to Bella, curiosity flickering in his expression. "And this lovely young lady? Your granddaughter?"

William’s chest puffed up with pride. He squeezed Bella’s hand gently where it rested on his arm.

"Yes," he said, his voice warm with affection. "My granddaughter, Isabella."

Bella smiled politely as the man extended his hand.

"A pleasure to meet you, ma’am."

He shook her hand briefly, then turned his attention back to William.

"Sir, I thought you should know. Your favorite painter, Miss J, is also here today. Would you like to meet her?"

William’s eyes lit up like a child spotting a gift under the Christmas tree.

"Really?" His voice lifted with genuine excitement. "She’s here? In person?"

"Yes, sir. She rarely attends these events, but she made an exception today. I’m sure she’d be delighted to meet you."

William looked like he might actually tear up.

Bella tugged his sleeve gently. "Who is Miss J, Grandpa?"

William turned to her, his eyes still sparkling. "Ah, my dear. Miss J is something special." He lowered his voice conspiratorially. "She’s a mysterious painter. No one knows her real name. No interviews, no photos, no public appearances, until today, apparently."

Bella’s eyebrows rose. "A secret artist?"

"The best kind." William smiled. "Her work is haunting. Beautiful. Full of emotion. I’ve collected three of her pieces over the years." He paused, then added softly, "They remind me of your grandmother." 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Bella’s heart squeezed.

The man in the suit waited patiently, clearly enjoying William’s reaction.

"Should I arrange an introduction, sir?"

William looked at Bella, a question in his eyes.

She squeezed his arm. "Grandpa, you have to. This is a once in a lifetime chance."

William nodded, his smile widening. "Yes. Please. I would be honored."

The man gestured toward a quiet corner of the gallery, where a figure stood partially hidden behind a large column.

"Right this way, sir. Ma’am."

Bella walked beside her grandfather, her curiosity growing with every step.

A mysterious painter. A secret identity. Art that reminded him of her grandmother.

This exhibition was turning out to be far more interesting than she had expected.

The man led them away from the main exhibition hall, down a short corridor lined with smaller galleries, until they reached a quiet lounge area. The space was elegant but intimate, plush seating, soft lighting, a few smaller paintings adorning the walls. It felt private, removed from the bustle of the main event.

"Please wait here one moment," the man said with a polite nod.

He disappeared through a door at the back of the lounge.

Bella looked around, taking in the comfortable sofas, the small table with fresh flowers, the gentle classical music playing from hidden speakers.

"This is nice," she murmured.

William nodded, but his attention was focused on the door, anticipation clear on his weathered face.

The door opened.

"Ma’am, someone very special would like to meet you," the man said, holding the door and speaking to someone still hidden behind it.

A soft voice replied, "Oh?"

Then she stepped through.

Bella’s eyes widened.

The woman was middle aged, perhaps in her early fifties, with an elegance that seemed effortless. Her dark chocolate hair was swept back in a soft, sophisticated style, with gentle waves framing her face. Her eyes, beautiful warm brown eyes, held a depth that spoke of experience and emotion.

She wore a cream colored silk blouse with delicate ruffles at the collar, paired with a tailored burgundy skirt that fell just below her knees. A simple gold necklace rested at her throat, and matching earrings caught the light when she moved. Everything about her was graceful, refined, quietly stunning.

When she smiled, dimples appeared on her cheeks, softening her elegant features into something approachable and warm.

Bella could not look away.

There was something about her. Something familiar. Something that made Bella’s heart beat a little faster, though she could not explain why.

William’s eyes narrowed slightly.

He looked at the woman, then at Bella.

Then back at the woman.

A flicker of something crossed his face, confusion and suspicion.

The woman’s gaze landed on Bella and her eyes widened.

Just for a moment.

A flash of something, shock, disbelief, recognition, before she composed herself. But Bella caught it. She was sure she caught it.

Then William stepped forward, his voice carefully controlled, a polite smile fixed on his face.

"Miss J," he said smoothly. "What an honor to finally meet you in person. I’ve admired your work for years."

The woman, Miss J, tore her gaze from Bella and focused on William. Her smile returned, warm but slightly tremulous at the edges.

"Thank you," she said softly. "That means more than you know."

Bella stood frozen, her mind racing.

Why had this stranger looked at her like that?