Chapter 250

"Thanks, Bella!"

"No need to thank me. It's what I should do." Isabella balanced a stack of clothes in one arm while wedging her phone between her shoulder and ear. Her voice crackled slightly over the line. "Though I never expected you to already be living with the boss. That was... fast."

Evelyn hesitated. Would Bella be shocked if she knew she and Alexander had already signed their marriage papers? Technically, they'd done it ages ago.

"Bella, I'm not judging you, but I need to say something that might sound harsh." Bella's tone shifted, serious now. "Alexander is incredible—handsome, powerful, the whole package. But that's exactly why you need to be careful. I'm not saying he's bad, just... too good. You get what I mean?"

Evelyn understood. Bella wasn’t criticizing—she was worried.

Last time, with Dominic, Evelyn had given everything, only to end up heartbroken. Now, Alexander was on another level entirely. If things went well, great. But if they didn’t?

Wealthy families weren’t kind to outsiders. Bella didn’t want Evelyn to become another cautionary tale.

"I get it," Evelyn said.

"No, you don’t," Bella countered.

Evelyn sighed.

"Alexander is the most eligible bachelor in Veridian City. His world is full of stunning, ambitious women. Evelyn, I’m not trying to jinx you, but you have to protect yourself. Think ahead." Bella paused, then groaned. "Ugh, forget it. I’m rambling."

Evelyn chuckled. "I know you mean well, you nosy little thing. Honestly, I never realized how much of a worrier you were. Tell me—when Harrison drove you home, did you lecture him the whole way?"

The image of stoic, silent Harrison enduring Bella’s chatter made Evelyn grin.

"Hey! I’m being serious, and you’re teasing me? Fine, I’ll shut up." Bella’s voice hitched, and Evelyn could practically hear her blushing.

Harrison was... different. After their rocky first meeting, Bella had to admit—he was solid. Dependable. The kind of man who made you feel safe.

Not like Alexander, who was dazzling but unpredictable.

Bella suddenly snapped back to reality, shaking her head. What am I even thinking?

"Bella? Bella!" Evelyn called when she got no response.

"Y-yeah, I’m here. What?"

"What were you doing? Sounded like you were slapping yourself."

"Mosquito," Bella lied quickly. "Annoying little thing. Anyway, what were you saying?"

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. A mosquito? In this weather?

But she let it go. "About the trip—you had suggestions, right? Alexander said we can plan it ourselves. Let’s meet up and figure it out. When are you free?"

"Today works."

"Perfect. We can grab dinner and—"

Evelyn’s words died as the TV flashed breaking news.

"A severe car accident occurred early this morning in Veridian City. A white Summit Trailhawk veered out of control, colliding with multiple barriers before crashing into a roadside tree. The victim, identified as Dominic Reeves, CEO of DR Holdings, has been rushed to Mercy General Hospital in critical condition. Authorities are investigating the cause. Stay tuned for updates."