Chapter 335: Chapter 335 Power of love Scarlett hid her pitying smile behind her glass, watching Bella with the same fondness one would have for a very sweet but hopelessly naïve little sister. Leo and kind? The words almost made her choke on her drink.
Bella spoke with such conviction, her eyes bright, her voice soft and dreamy, that it almost made Scarlett believe it too. Almost.
But she had seen the real Leo. The man was a walking glacier in human form. He didn’t just intimidate people; he froze entire rooms with a single glance.
Yet here Bella was, defending him like he was some misunderstood saint instead of a man who could destroy anyone without blinking.
Scarlett sighed quietly. That’s the power of love, I guess. The guys exchanged amused glances, their smirks saying everything words didn’t need to. They could practically see the invisible pink hearts floating around Bella’s head every time she mentioned Leo’s name. It was ridiculous and adorable.
"Alright, alright, forget your Mafia Prince Charming for a moment," Dominic teased, leaning lazily back in his seat with that signature grin of his. "Tell me something, Bella, why are you drinking juice? That’s a crime in itself. Have something real." He winked, his tone playful and wicked.
Bella blinked in alarm, clutching her glass. "No! I don’t want to drink," she said quickly, shaking her head, her hair bouncing a little.
Dominic only smirked wider. "You say that like I’m offering poison." He raised his hand and called the server before she could protest again. "One fruit wine, sweet, the pink kind."
Scarlett gave him a look that said you’re going to regret that, but he only shrugged. "Relax, it’s fruit wine. She’ll love it."
When the server returned, she placed the glass in front of Bella, a delicate pink drink that shimmered faintly under the lounge lights. It looked almost too pretty to drink. Bella’s eyes widened instantly.
"Oh, it’s beautiful," she whispered, completely mesmerized.
Dominic grinned, victorious. "See? At least have a sip. It’s practically juice with attitude."
Bella hesitated for a second, then smiled shyly and lifted the glass. "Just a little," she murmured, taking the tiniest sip.
The moment the liquid touched her tongue, her whole expression changed. Her eyes brightened, her lips curved into a small, delighted smile. "It’s so sweet," she said softly, almost in awe.
Jason leaned forward, resting his chin on his palm. "There it is, the Bellatrix seal of approval. Once she smiles like that, you know it’s over. She’s officially converted."
Zeke chuckled. "Just wait. Next thing you know, she’ll order a second glass."
Bella shook her head quickly, embarrassed, her cheeks pinker than the wine. "N-no! Just one! I don’t drink much!"
Dominic laughed, eyes glinting. "Yeah, sure, tell that to your glowing face, sunshine."
Scarlett sighed with a helpless smile.
Bella’s cheeks had turned pinker than the wine she was sipping, her giggles floating through the air like bubbles. Scarlett was speechless. This girl was glowing like she had downed a full bottle of vodka instead of fruit wine.
"Bella, sweetie, are you drunk already?" Scarlett asked, half amused and half in disbelief.
Bella shook her head, grinning dreamily. "Nooo, I’m just... happy!" she declared, holding up her glass proudly before nearly spilling it on herself.
Scarlett sighed. Yep. Definitely drunk. But before anyone could tease her further, a loud crash and muffled shouting came from the hallway. Everyone froze.
"What the hell is that noise?" Zeke frowned, sitting upright.
The door suddenly burst open with a bang, and a panicked man stumbled inside, nearly tripping over his own feet. His hair was a mess, his shirt half-tucked, and his eyes darted around wildly.
Jason immediately stood up. "Hey! What the hell are you doing here? This is a private lounge!"
"I–I’m sorry!" the man gasped. "Someone’s following me! Please, just let me hide!" He didn’t wait for a response. He bolted to the corner and crouched behind a large armchair, shaking like a leaf.
Everyone blinked at each other. Scarlett slowly raised a brow. "Did we just get invaded by a discount action movie?"
Then a voice thundered from outside, deep, sharp, and terrifyingly familiar.
"WHERE IS HE? YOU THINK YOU CAN RUN AFTER STEALING MY MONEY?"
The room went dead silent.
Bella’s eyes widened, her heartbeat skipping as that familiar tone wrapped around her like a spark. "Leo?" she whispered.
The door flew open again, slamming against the wall.
Leonardo Moretti strode in, his presence enough to make the entire atmosphere shift. He wore a dark shirt with the top few buttons undone, the fabric stretching slightly across his chest. His sleeves were rolled to his forearms, veins visible, and his silver-gray eyes burned with fury as he scanned the room.
. Everyone looked at him.
Bella, tipsy as she was, couldn’t help smiling. "Leo?" she said softly.
The second he saw her, his expression softened just a little. "Bunny," he said in that deep, low tone that sent a shiver down her spine. "Have you seen a man, dark hair, scar on his cheek?"
Bella blinked innocently and pointed toward the corner. "He’s hiding behind that chair."
Everyone turned. The trembling man whimpered.
"Got him," Leo muttered, motioning to his guards. Two men in black suits rushed in, dragging the guy out as he screamed apologies.
And while all this happened, Dominic, who was sitting comfortably on the couch, went pale as snow.
He leaned toward Jason and whispered hoarsely, "Oh my god, I owe that man money too. What’ll happen if he knows about me?"
Leo glanced around once more, his jaw tight, before turning back to Bella. His tone shifted completely. "You should enjoy your night, bunny. I didn’t mean to interrupt."
He turned to leave, but Bella caught his sleeve. "No, Leo, wait! Let me introduce you to everyone!" she said sweetly, her voice soft and hopeful.
His gray eyes met hers, and for a second, the dangerous Mafia King looked completely undone.
And right then, Zion, who had been standing awkwardly by the door, peeked in.
"Um... should I come in too?" he asked.
Bella smiled. "Yes! Come!"
Scarlett leaned back, crossing her arms as she looked between Leo, Zion, and the rest of the stunned group. "Oh, this is going to be very entertaining."
Jason muttered under his breath, "Yeah, especially if Dom dies before the night’s even over."
Dominic’s eyes snapped open like a triggered alarm. "WHAT did you just say, you walking disaster?"