Chapter 323: Chapter 323 Getting ready (1)
"You never care!" Jay snapped. "Every time you call, it’s either to scold me or complain. What did I do this time?"
Leo’s eyes flicked toward the stairs, and his tone deepened. "Your sister-in-law is upstairs. With Scarlett."
Jay blinked, trying to make sense of it. "Okay... and? Scarlett’s her friend, right? The one who talks like she’s hosting a rock concert?"
"Exactly." Leo’s voice dropped even lower.
Jay laughed. "So what’s the problem? Let them talk."
Leo’s grip on his phone tightened. "They locked the door."
There was silence. Then a soft snort of laughter from Jay. "You’re not serious."
"I’m completely serious."
Jay could practically hear the tension in his brother’s voice. "Oh my god, you are serious! Bro, you sound like one of those overprotective movie husbands — ’She’s locked in a room, call the SWAT team!’"
"Jay." Leo’s tone was pure warning.
Jay chuckled anyway. "So what? They’re probably gossiping or painting their nails or something. What do you think they’re doing? Planning world domination?"
Leo didn’t answer, which made it worse.
Jay leaned his head back and sighed. "You’re jealous, aren’t you?"
Leo’s eyes narrowed. "I’m not jealous."
"Sure you’re not. You’re just hovering outside her door like a bodyguard who lost his shift schedule."
"I’m ensuring she’s safe. And for your information, I am downstairs."
Jay laughed again. "Safe? From what, nail polish fumes?"
Leo’s voice was ice. "Keep talking. I’ll make sure your plane lands in the ocean next time."
Jay coughed, trying to control his laughter. "Okay, okay! I’ll stop. You’re just worried, huh?"
Leo’s silence was long, and when he finally spoke, his voice had softened — just a little. "She’s... too trusting. And Scarlett is... loud."
Jay smiled faintly through the call. "Okay, I get that you’re worried. But bro, Bella isn’t a three-year-old child. You have to trust her. She can handle herself. And again — she’s not a child!"
Leo didn’t reply.
He just hung up and stood there for a long time, jaw tight and eyes dark.
Yeah, she isn’t a child. It’s not like she’s stupid. She’s so smart — she can handle anything herself.
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Scarlett grinned as she pulled something from her oversized bag and held it up with a flourish. "Tada! I brought a dress for you. I think you’re going to love this one."
Bella blinked in surprise, then her eyes lit up as the dress shimmered under the room light. It was a dark, sparkly piece with delicate straps and a soft, flowing fall. It looked elegant yet slightly daring — a little more revealing than what Bella usually wore, but there was something about it that felt... magical.
"It’s beautiful..." she murmured softly, her fingertips brushing over the glittering fabric.
Scarlett’s grin widened. "Right? I was this close to bringing you a pink one, but this color looked so mysterious and gorgeous in my head — and I was right!" She giggled, tossing her own blood-red dress onto the bed. "See? We’ll be the prettiest duo tonight."
Bella laughed, hugging the dress to her chest. "Thank you, Scarlett. I really love it!"
"Of course you do! Now go shower, missy — we have beauty business to handle." Scarlett waved her toward the bathroom before turning back to unpack what looked like an entire vanity table from her bag. Brushes, lipsticks, palettes, perfumes — it was a glittery explosion.
When Bella finally stepped out, Scarlett froze mid-motion. Her jaw dropped.
"Oh. My. Goddess," she breathed dramatically, one hand flying to her chest. "You... you look insanely pretty!"
Bella blinked shyly, touching the hem of her dress. "Really?"
Scarlett spun her around and nodded so hard her curls bounced. "Really! You’re like an angel pretending to be a heartbreaker. Innocent face, dangerous dress — it’s criminally perfect."
Bella blushed, ducking her head. The dark fabric hugged her figure beautifully, the sparkles catching the light every time she moved. Her sweet, soft features made her look angelic, but the way the dress outlined her gentle curves gave her an unexpected allure — the perfect mix of purity and quiet temptation.
Scarlett let out a playful whistle. "Angel face, devil’s body. You’re going to give people a heart attack tonight, I swear."
Bella covered her face, laughing, her cheeks a shade redder than Scarlett’s dress. "Stop teasing me!"
But Scarlett only grinned wider, eyes gleaming with mischief. "Not a chance. You, my dear, are my masterpiece for tonight."
Later, Scarlett disappeared into the bathroom with her red dress draped over her arm, humming happily under her breath. A few minutes later, when the door opened, Bella’s eyes went wide and her jaw nearly dropped.
Scarlett stepped out in a breathtaking red dress that fit her like it was sewn onto her body. The smooth fabric hugged every curve perfectly, glimmering under the room’s soft light. Her dark hair fell in loose waves around her shoulders.
Bella’s eyes sparkled. She tried to whistle, but all that came out was a puff of air. "Pffff."
Scarlett blinked, then burst out laughing, clutching her stomach. "Oh my god, was that supposed to be a whistle?"
Bella pouted adorably. "I tried! You look sooo good, Scar! Like... dangerously good."
Scarlett tossed her hair dramatically and winked. "Haha, thanks, Bella Bell. I’ll accept that compliment with pride." She grinned and took Bella’s hand, spinning her playfully. "Now come on, my little angel. We’ve got a lot to do — makeup, accessories, hair, maybe a mini glow spell if time allows!"
Bella laughed as Scarlett began arranging makeup items on the table like a professional stylist setting up a studio. "Oh my god, we really have so many things to do," Scarlett said, half talking to herself as she pulled out highlighters, palettes, and little jars of shimmer.
Bella could only shake her head, smiling as she looked at her beautiful, dramatic friend — bold, loud, and full of life. She really did feel lucky to have her.
"Hey, come here! I’ll do yours first," Scarlett called, patting the chair in front of her with a big grin.
Bella obediently walked over and sat down, her hands resting neatly on her lap.