CHAPTER 242: CHAPTER 242 LEO’S ENEMY

"Bella."

The voice was low, rough, almost urgent. Bella turned, startled, and her wide eyes relieved when she saw him.

"Alan," she said with a small smile, relieved to see a familiar face in the sea of familer strangers.

Alan’s eyes, however, weren’t soft. They were sharp, stormy, fixed not on her but on the man beside her. Giovanni.

"What are you doing here?" Alan asked, his tone clipped, his tall frame blocking part of the light as he towered over them.

Giovanni chuckled smoothly, tilting his glass, unbothered by the tension in Alan’s voice. "What am I doing? Nothing at all. Just having a pleasant conversation with Isabella. Isn’t that right, Bella?"

Bella blinked nervously between them, then nodded, offering a faint smile. "Y-yes, we were just talking."

Alan’s jaw clenched. He didn’t say another word. Instead, he stepped closer, his hand sliding around Bella’s wrist in one swift motion.

"Alan—!" Bella gasped, her eyes widening in shock as he pulled her away.

She stumbled after him, her silver dress brushing against the floor, her heart thudding with both surprise and confusion. Alan didn’t stop until they reached the far hallway, a quieter corner away from the glitter and chatter of the party. Only then did he release her, though his hand lingered an extra heartbeat before he finally let go.

Bella frowned, rubbing her wrist lightly. "What was that about?" she asked, her doe-like eyes narrowing at him in frustration.

Alan’s gaze dropped to her lips for the briefest moment, his body tightening with a desire he barely contained. He forced his eyes upward, his voice dropping into something dark. "Do you even know who Giovanni is?"

Bella blinked, confused. "Giovanni? He’s... he’s just someone I met at a bussiness event with Leo. Why? What’s wrong?"

Alan exhaled sharply, his voice low but heavy with warning. "He’s not just someone. Giovanni is Leo’s enemy."

Bella froze, her lips parting in shock. "...Enemy?"

Alan nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "You shouldn’t even be standing near him, Bella...." His hand rose instinctively, as if he wanted to cup her cheek, but he stopped short, balling his fist instead.

Bella’s lashes fluttered. "But... he seemed kind. He didn’t say anything bad..."

Alan’s lips twisted into something between a sneer and a grimace. "Kind?" His voice dripped with bitterness. "That’s how it starts. Don’t let that face fool you, Bella. Behind it, there’s only danger. If Leo saw you with him..."

Her chest tightened. "...You think Leo would be angry?" she whispered.

Alan’s gaze darkened. His throat bobbed as he forced the truth back. Angry? He’d be furious. Because Giovanni wants to hurt him and what better way than to touch the one thing Leo would kill to protect?

Instead, Alan leaned closer, his voice softer now. "I just don’t want you hurt, Bella. That’s all."

Her eyes widened at the intensity in his voice, her lips parting as if to reply.

"I... I understand," Bella said softly, stepping back a little. Her palms were clammy, and though Alan’s words carried concern, he was standing far too close. She could feel his gaze pressing into her, and it made her heart pound uncomfortably.

Alan’s eyes flickered at her retreat, and he forced a stiff nod. "Okay," he said, his voice low and unreadable.

Before Bella could think of what to say next, another voice broke the heavy silence.

"Bella. Alan."

She froze, then turned quickly. Leo’s deep voice carried across the corridor, steady, commanding. He stood at the end of the hallway, his tall figure casting a long shadow under the warm lights. His gray eyes narrowed ever so slightly as they swept over the scene—Bella standing a steps away from Alan, her hands clenched nervously.

"Leo!" Bella’s eyes lit up the instant she saw him. Relief bloomed across her face as she moved quickly toward him, almost like a rabbit darting to safety.

Leo’s lips curved upward in quiet amusement, a subtle smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as he watched her practically hop toward him. His hand slid into his pocket with practiced calm, but his gaze never wavered from her face.

Behind them, Alan’s eyes darkened. He watched Bella’s expression—so bright, so eager at the mere sight of Leo and then he watched Leo himself. That man, who once carried only emptiness in his expression, whose eyes used to be lifeless and cold like steel... now looked alive. His gaze softened when it rested on Bella. His smile, faint but undeniable, was for her alone.

Alan’s chest twisted painfully. So this is what I could never have.

"We’ll be going," Leo said smoothly, his voice clipped but polite as he glanced at Alan.

Alan gave the smallest nod, though his jaw clenched tight. His silence said enough.

Leo shifted his gaze back to Bella, his hand brushing her lower back as he guided her gently but firmly away from Alan. His touch was possessive, but his expression remained calm, almost casual.

Once they were a few steps away, he bent his head closer to her, his deep voice dropping low enough for only her to hear. "What were you talking about with Alan?"

"Nothing," Bella said quickly, her lips pursing into a small pout. "He just saw me alone and came to talk with me."

Leo’s eyes lingered on her, scanning her face for any sign of discomfort. Seeing only sincerity in her doe-like eyes, he gave a short nod. "Alright." He didn’t press further, though the faint curve of his mouth suggested he’d keep an eye on Alan later.

They walked together.

"Bro!" Suddenly a cheerful voice called out. They turned to see Casper and Zion approaching, both carrying drinks, looking far too relaxed for the serious atmosphere.

Casper’s eyes widened the moment he saw Bella, his grin splitting across his face. "Looking great, little sister-in-law~" he teased, dragging out the words.

Bella blushed at the sudden compliment, but she smiled shyly and murmured, "Thank you..."

Leo’s gaze flickered between them, his lips twitching faintly. He wasn’t the type to show it, but he enjoyed watching her soak up praise—especially when she looked so bashful doing it.