Mira was finally better. The color had returned to her cheeks, her eyes were brighter, and she could sit up without wincing. Her parents had stayed with her until she was strong enough to travel, and then they had all returned to City A. Jason had stayed behind. He had meetings, interviews, sponsor obligations. He had waved them off with a grin and a promise to visit soon.

Life resumed its rhythm.

Bella went back to college. Her classes were challenging, her projects demanding, but she threw herself into them with renewed energy. Winter was still working on the robotics project, and they met in the lab most afternoons, their conversations growing easier and more comfortable.

But the most surprising change was Miss J.

She called almost every day now.

Bella didn’t mind. She loved hearing Miss J’s voice, warm and angelic like honey poured over morning sunlight. They talked about everything and nothing. Art, life, books, the weather. Miss J asked about her day, her classes, her friends. She listened carefully, asked thoughtful questions, and remembered every detail.

Bella didn’t understand why Miss J had suddenly become so attentive, but she didn’t question it. She simply soaked in the attention, feeling like a flower finally receiving sunlight.

⊹₊˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧˚₊⊹

The day of Nicolas’s grand party arrived.

The morning had been a whirlwind of preparation. Leo had arranged for a designer to come to the house, and Bella’s dress had arrived just yesterday, carefully wrapped in layers of tissue paper and hung in her closet like a treasure waiting to be discovered.

Now, as the evening approached, the team had arrived, makeup artists, hairstylists, assistants who moved with quiet efficiency, transforming Bella’s old room on the 2nd floor into a small salon. Brushes and palettes covered the vanity and the air smelled of perfume and hairspray.

Bella sat in the chair, her reflection staring back at her from the mirror. Her hair was styled in loose waves, falling softly around her shoulders. Her makeup was light, barely there, enhancing her natural features rather than covering them. A touch of gloss on her lips, a hint of shimmer on her cheekbones, a soft sweep of brown shadow on her eyelids.

She looked beautiful.

But it was the dress that made her heart sing.

It was a light beige, the color of warm sand and morning light. The fabric was soft and flowing, draping over her body like water, hugging her curves in all the right places. The neckline dipped just enough to be elegant, and the back was open, revealing the delicate curve of her spine. The design was simple and understated, but it flattered her figure in a way that made her feel like she was glowing.

She had loved it at first sight.

The team finished their work and stepped back, admiring their handiwork.

Bella studied her reflection.

She felt like a princess.

Leo appeared in the doorway, his intimidating presence filling the room. He was already dressed, a black suit perfectly tailored, his dark hair styled back from his face. His gray eyes swept over her, taking in every detail, and something warm flickered in their depths.

The team exchanged glances. They knew when to leave.

Leo gestured and they filed out silently, closing the door behind them.

Bella watched him in the mirror. He leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed, his gaze fixed on her. In his hand, he held a small brown bag with a beautiful logo.

Their eyes met in the mirror.

He pushed off from the doorframe and walked toward her, his steps slow and light. He stopped behind her, close enough that she could feel the warmth of his body.

"I prepared jewelry for you," he said, his voice low and magnetic.

He set the bag on the vanity table and opened it. Inside, nestled on a bed of black velvet, was a stunning necklace and matching earrings. The necklace was delicate, a thin gold chain with a pendant that caught the light, sparkling like captured stars. The earrings were small, elegant, perfect.

Bella’s breath caught.

"Like it?" he asked.

She nodded, her eyes shining.

He picked up the necklace, his fingers brushing against her skin as he lifted it over her head. She watched him in the mirror as he fastened the clasp, his movements careful and precise.

The necklace settled against her collarbone, cool and perfect.

"Beautiful," he murmured.

She met his eyes in the mirror. "Thank you."

He leaned down, his lips brushing her ear. "Anything for you," he whispered.

Then, before she could respond, he pressed a soft kiss to her neck.

Bella’s eyes fluttered closed.

His lips lingered, warm and gentle, sending a shiver down her spine.

"Leo," she breathed.

"Hmm?"

"We have a party to go to," Bella said softly, her voice carrying a hint of reluctance. She was still looking at herself in the mirror, adjusting the pendant of her necklace, watching the way the light caught the small diamonds.

Pretty.

"Hmm." Leo’s voice was low, distracted. His eyes were fixed on her, watching the way the dress hugged her curves, the way her hair fell across her shoulders, the way her fingers brushed against the necklace he had placed around her neck.

His hand rested on her shoulder, his thumb tracing a slow, lazy circle on her bare skin. The warmth of his hand sent a shiver through her body.

She opened her eyes and looked at him in the mirror. His gray eyes were dark, intense, full of love and desire. They met her gaze, and she could feel the electric pull between them.

Leo controlled himself. But whenever Bella got ready, whenever she stood in front of the mirror in a beautiful dress, her hair styled, her makeup perfect, he felt like he was seeing his crush for the first time. Like he was falling for her all over again, deeper and deeper with no end in sight.

She was stunning.

And she was his.

But they had a party to attend.

"We need to be careful," Leo said, his voice low and serious. His thumb continued its slow path across her shoulder, a quiet reassurance. "Although I believe he was specifically targeting Hazel and Dominique. You and I are just... collateral."