His innocent wife is a dangerous hacker.-Chapter 604 Exhibition

"It’s a pity. I would have loved to give you advice too, but I’m leaving next week," Jason said sadly, though excitement flashed in his eyes. Finally, after a long time, he was going to join the race again.

Hazel looked at him curiously. "Leaving? Where?"

"Racing circuit," Jason said casually. "Next week. First race of the season."

Hazel blinked. "You’re a racer?"

"Professional," Jason said with a modest shrug. "It’s a whole thing."

Dom snorted into his coffee. "A ’whole thing’? He’s being humble. He’s actually pretty famous in that world."

Hazel’s eyebrows rose. "Really?"

Jason waved a hand dismissively, but a small smile played on his lips. "I do okay."

Dom was not letting him off that easily. "Okay? You won the championship two years ago. You have sponsors. Merchandise. Fans who scream your name."

Hazel looked genuinely impressed. "That’s... unexpected."

"I’m full of surprises," Jason said, grinning.

Bella laughed. "He really is."

"Don’t give him ideas," Dom muttered.

Jay leaned forward. "Which circuit?"

"East International. It’s a good schedule this year."

Hazel studied him for a moment, something like respect flickering in her eyes. "Impressive."

Jason’s grin widened. "Thanks. And hey, if you ever need racing advice, I’m your guy. Better than Dom’s questionable life advice."

"Hey!" Dom protested.

Hazel’s lips curved. "I’ll keep that in mind."

The table laughed.

Dom crossed his arms, pretending to be offended, but he was smiling too.

The morning continued.

After breakfast, Bella’s phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and her face immediately lit up.

"Grandpa!" she answered happily.

William’s warm voice came through the speaker. "Hello, my dear. I hope you’re well rested after your trip."

"I am! It’s so good to hear your voice."

"Listen, Bella, I wanted to ask you something. There’s an exhibition tomorrow, some wonderful artwork I think you’d love. Would you like to accompany your old grandfather?"

Bella’s eyes sparkled. "Yes! Absolutely yes! What time?"

"Come to my place in the afternoon. We’ll go together." He paused, then added gently, "But rest today, alright? You’ve had a long journey. Take it easy."

"Okay, Grandpa. I will. I can’t wait to see you!"

"Me too, my dear. Me too."

He hung up, and Bella clutched her phone to her chest, grinning like a child on Christmas morning.

She was so lost in her excitement that she almost did not notice Leo coming down the stairs.

Almost.

He was wearing a perfectly tailored black suit, hair styled, looking like he had stepped out of a magazine.

Bella’s grin faded into a pout.

"You’re leaving?"

Leo walked toward her, that small smirk playing on his lips. "Yes."

Before she could protest further, he cupped her face gently and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Then, softer, he kissed her lips.

"Be good," he murmured against her mouth.

"You’re abandoning me."

"I’m handling business. There’s a difference."

Behind him, Jay and Jace appeared, both dressed formally, looking ready for whatever the day held.

"Don’t worry, Bella," Jay called out. "We’ll bring him back in one piece."

"Try not to have too much fun without us," Jace added with a small smile.

Bella waved at them half heartedly, still pouting.

At the door, Dom, Jason, and Hazel were gathering their things, preparing to leave together.

"We’re heading out too," Dom announced. "Got to get Hazel settled and all that."

Jason nodded. "Neighbor duties. Very important."

Hazel glanced at Bella, a small smile on her face. "See you later."

"Have fun," Bella said, managing a real smile for them.

Then the door closed.

And Bella was alone.

The house felt suddenly huge and empty.

She looked around the spacious living room, the elegant furniture, the tall windows, the soft morning light.

Just her.

For the whole day.

She flopped onto the couch with a dramatic sigh, staring at the ceiling.

"What do people do when they’re alone?" she wondered aloud.

Her phone buzzed again. A text from Leo:

Miss you already.

She smiled, typing back quickly.

Then come home.

His reply came instantly.

Working. Be good. Eat something.

She laughed softly, clutching the phone to her chest.

Maybe being alone was not so bad. For a few hours, at least.

She then went to the garden, stepping out into the warm afternoon sunlight. The estate’s garden was beautiful, carefully maintained flowers, tall hedges, and a small stone pathway that wound through the greenery.

She walked to her favorite spot, a quiet corner near the old tree where she had spent many hours during her first days in this house.

"Hello, little ones," she called softly.

Within minutes, tiny faces appeared. Chipmunks, her little friends, scampered toward her, clearly remembering the girl who always brought treats. There were three of them today, their cheeks puffing as they eyed her expectantly.

Bella laughed, pulling out the small bag of nuts and seeds she had grabbed from the kitchen.

"Missed me?" she asked, scattering food on the flat stone.

The chipmunks dove in, utterly unbothered by her presence. One of them, the boldest one, with a little scar on its ear, even climbed onto her shoe.

"Hey there, brave one," she whispered, smiling down at it. "You’re getting bigger."

She sat there for a long time, watching them eat and play, the sun warm on her face, the garden peaceful around her. It felt good to be here.

After a while, the chipmunks had their fill and scampered off, one by one, until only the brave one remained. It sat on the stone, looking up at her with tiny bright eyes.

"See you tomorrow?" Bella asked.

The chipmunk twitched its nose, then disappeared into the bushes.

Bella smiled and stood, brushing off her dress.

Time to work.

She walked back inside and up to her room, their room, really, but Leo was not here, so it felt like hers for the day. She grabbed her laptop and settled onto the bed, surrounded by pillows.

She cracked her knuckles and got to work.

The afternoon passed in a comfortable blur of code and systems and the quiet satisfaction of solving problems. Every now and then she would glance at her phone, a message from Leo here, a funny meme from Dom there, a picture from Jason of some ridiculous thing he had found.

She smiled each time, then went back to work.