Chapter 319: Chapter 319 Periods
"Good," Leo said, straightening from the door frame, his gaze briefly flicking to Bella. His expression softened for a fleeting second before turning back to Jeffrey. "Because the next time you talk during work hours about bombs or high schoolers, I’ll assign you to real field training. Maybe then you’ll appreciate your desk."
Jeffrey’s mouth opened, closed, then opened again. "F-field training?" he repeated weakly.
Leo gave a faint smile that looked terrifying on him. "Yes. Hands-on experience."
Jeffrey gulped audibly. "N-no, sir. I love my chair. My chair is perfect. My chair is my soulmate."
Leo gave a satisfied nod. "Good." He turned to Bella. "Isaac, stay back after everyone leaves. I need to talk to you."
Bella’s heart skipped a beat, though she kept her expression neutral. "Y-yes, sir."
And with that, Leo walked away, his footsteps controlled and commanding, leaving silence in his wake.
Jeffrey slumped against the nearest wall, wiping imaginary sweat off his brow. "He definitely heard everything," he whispered. "I’m dead. He’s going to make me deliver coffee to the Mafia branch. They’ll feed me to sharks."
Bella covered her mouth to hide her laugh, shaking her head. "Maybe next time, talk less during work hours."
Jeffrey sighed dramatically. "Next time, I’ll sew my mouth shut."
As she watched him sulk away, Bella couldn’t help but smile.
Later that evening, after everyone had left, Bella made her way toward Leo’s office. The hallway was quiet, and every step she took made her wince. A dull ache pulsed low in her stomach, tightening with every movement until she nearly doubled over.
No, not now.
She pressed a hand against her abdomen, her face tightening in pain. Her period had started, of course it had, right in the middle of her busiest week. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself before pushing open the office door.
Leo was standing by the window, one hand in his pocket, the other holding his phone to his ear. The late light washed over his sharp jaw and the broad lines of his shoulders. His gray shirt was slightly unbuttoned, sleeves rolled high, and the deep timbre of his voice carried easily through the room.
Bella forgot the pain for a second, caught by how effortlessly attractive he looked like that—calm, powerful, the kind of man who seemed to command gravity itself.
Then the cramp twisted again.
"Ow..." she whispered under her breath, clutching her stomach.
Leo turned as he ended the call, his expression softening instantly when he saw her. "Isaac," he greeted, a small smile tugging at his lips as he crossed the room toward her. "You came. I was just about to message you."
He opened the drawer, pulling out a neatly folded document. "I got something for you," he said, his voice low and teasing.
Bella blinked, her mind struggling to focus through the pain. "What is it?"
Leo chuckled under his breath at her tone, handing her the papers. "Read."
She glanced over the text and her eyes widened. It was an international hacking competition—massive, elite, something every top hacker dreamed of entering. The reward was ten million dollars, along with recognition from the world’s biggest companies.
"Are you interested?" Leo asked, his eyes studying her closely.
Bella nodded weakly. "Y-yes... it’s incredible," she murmured, though her voice trembled slightly. Her hand pressed tighter to her stomach.
Leo’s smile faded. He watched her more carefully now—her pale face, the way she was trying not to fidget, her normally bright eyes dulled with discomfort. "Isaac?" His tone deepened. "Are you alright?"
"I’m fine, sir. I just..." she hesitated, "feel a little sick. Can I go home?"
He didn’t believe her for a second, but he nodded anyway. "Go," he said quietly.
The moment she left, he set his papers aside, jaw tightening. Something about the way she walked—slow and unsteady—made his chest twist. Without a second thought, he shut his laptop, grabbed his keys, and followed.
He parked near the mall, just in time to see her walk out wearing her usual soft clothes, a loose dress that fluttered gently in the evening breeze. She looked small, tired, and heartbreakingly fragile.
Leo lowered his window. "Come inside," he said firmly.
Bella froze, startled, her heart jumping at the sight of him. "W-what are you doing here?" she asked, pretending not to know why he’d come.
"Passing by," he said smoothly, his tone unreadable. "You look sick. Do you want me to take you to the hospital?"
Her face flushed. "No, I just... need rest."
He didn’t argue. When they reached home, she walked carefully, one hand still on her abdomen, her steps small and hesitant. She looked like a sleepy penguin wobbling across the floor. Leo sighed softly, shaking his head.
Without warning, he stepped forward and scooped her up into his arms.
"Leo!" she gasped, clinging to his shirt, her cheeks burning.
"Be quiet," he said quietly, his voice deep and commanding as his arms tightened around her. "You’re clearly in pain. Let me take you upstairs."
Bella opened her mouth to protest but froze when she saw Lina, Alessandro, and Nonna standing at the end of the hall. All three wore identical teasing smiles.
"Oh my, look at them," Lina whispered loudly.
"Careful with her, Leo, she’s delicate," Alessandro teased.
And Nonna, of course, clasped her hands with a grin. "Finally, he’s carrying his wife properly! Took him long enough!"
Bella’s entire face turned red. She hid it against Leo’s chest as he walked past them, his stride firm and possessive.
Leo didn’t even react. He shot them one sharp glare, his gray eyes warning them all into silence, and then looked down at the girl in his arms, his little hacker, his bunny, her lashes fluttering against his shirt, her breath soft and warm against his collarbone.
"Next time," he murmured close to her ear, his breath warm against her skin, "tell me when you’re in pain, hmm?"
Bella only nodded weakly, her voice too soft to speak. In that dazed little moment, she rubbed her cheek against his chest, just a small, tired movement seeking comfort.
Leo froze. His entire body went still, the warmth of her touch spreading straight through his veins like fire.