CHAPTER 243: CHAPTER 243 CARELESS

"Let’s go, the party’s about to start," Zion said with a grin, lifting his glass as he motioned toward the main hall.

Everyone drifted together in a loose group, following the current of guests toward the glittering heart of the venue. The chandeliers blazed above, scattering golden light across polished marble floors.

"—Welcome our star of the night, Mr. William!" the host announced, his voice booming through the hall. Applause rippled immediately, polite yet thunderous, echoing against the high ceilings.

Bella clapped along with the crowd, but her hands froze mid-motion when her eyes landed on the man descending the grand, curved staircase. Her breath caught.

William sir.

Her stomach dropped. Cold panic slipped through her veins. She had been careless—so careless. She should have checked the details of this party before agreeing to come. Now, here he was, the very man she had met in secret, the one who had entrusted her with his dangerous project.

"Oh no..." she whispered under her breath. Stupid, stupid. He’ll recognize me for sure.

William, dressed in a sharp dark suit that belied his age, carried himself with a quiet authority. At his side walked a middle-aged man who bore a striking resemblance—his son, no doubt. Their steps matched perfectly, refined, practiced, like men used to command.

And then Bella’s heart raced faster.

Behind them, three men in tailored suits followed. Each face was striking, chiseled, but cold as steel. Their eyes scanned the crowd with detached precision, the kind of men who looked more predator than guest. There was nothing warm about them—only cunning calculation in the way they moved, as if even here in celebration, they were hunting.

Bella’s fingers curled tightly into her palm, and the faint sting grounded her panic. She could feel her pulse fluttering in her throat.

From the corner of her eye, she noticed Stella watching her. Stella’s lips curved into the faintest smile, her gaze sharp and mocking, like a cat who had just cornered a mouse.

Bella’s brows knit together. Then, a shadow fell over her. She looked up and found Leo watching her. His brow was slightly raised, his sharp gray eyes questioning, protective. His presence alone was grounding, and instinctively, she forced a smile, shaking her head quickly.

"I’m fine," she whispered with her eyes, even if she wasn’t.

Leo’s jaw tightened. He didn’t believe her, not for a second, but he let it go. For now.

After William descended, the crowd surged toward him like moths to flame. Every socialite, every ambitious businessman, tried to shake his hand, to offer their wishes. Yet his face aged but commanding remained cold.

Bella watched carefully, biting the inside of her cheek. Stella was first, gliding up with her most delicate smile, her black gown sparkling as though she had prepared this moment for weeks. "Mr. Wilson, what an honor—" she began sweetly, but William didn’t even glance her way. He brushed past her as if she were invisible.

Stella’s smile faltered for a split second before she recovered, though Bella saw the flicker of humiliation in her eyes.

Then Alexa stepped forward, her red gown hugging every curve, her hair straight and shining under the chandelier lights. "Mr. Wilson," she said warmly, her voice rich with practiced elegance, "I’ve heard so much about your achievements. It’s inspiring to meet you."

But William’s gaze remained elsewhere, his expression hard. He didn’t acknowledge her either, his steps steady, as though both women were no more than background noise.

Bella swallowed. He wasn’t interested in small talk or flattery—he had a sharpness about him that cut through pretenses.

"Let’s greet him," Leo murmured beside her, his deep voice making her chest tighten.

Bella nodded, even as a tremor of fear slipped down her spine. Her fingers brushed her dress nervously. He won’t recognize me, right? I’m not Isaac right now. I’m Bella, in this silver gown. He won’t—

She inhaled deeply, forcing her shoulders back. Confidence. She had to act bold, or she’d crumble.

Leo, of course, noticed it all. Only moments ago she looked worried, her eyes darting nervously, and then suddenly it was as if she had been injected with a sudden dose of confidence. Her back straightened, her gaze steadied, and the timid girl was gone in an instant. He almost smirked to himself. His little bunny was always full of contradictions—soft and anxious one second, fearless the next. Strange, funny, and utterly impossible not to watch.

"Leo," William’s voice rang out when his eyes finally landed on them. His stern face softened, even lit up. "Long time no see."

Leo’s lips barely curved, his expression unreadable. "Happy birthday, old man."

"Ouch, you wound me!" William chuckled, pressing a hand to his chest as if struck. "Old man? What’s this? I’m still young, boy." His laugh rolled deep, commanding the attention of those nearby.

But then—his gaze shifted.

And it landed on Bella.

The laughter stilled in his throat. His pupils tightened, and for a split second, his expression cracked open with surprise. His eyes narrowed, sharper, calculating, recognition sparking like fire.

"Isa—" William’s voice caught. His lips curved into a knowing smile, eyes widening with certainty. He knew.

Bella’s breath froze. Her heart slammed in her chest. She saw it in his face—he had recognized her. Isaac.

Panic surged, but she forced her mouth to move. "H-how do you know me?" she asked quickly, nervously, trying to force innocence into her voice.

William chuckled. A rich, unsettling sound. "Hahaha..." His eyes glittered with secret amusement, with the kind of knowledge only two people in the room shared.

"She is Isabella," Leo said suddenly, his arm wrapping around Bella’s waist, pulling her to his side with quiet authority. His tone was calm, but firm, like a man laying claim. "My wife."

William laughed louder, his voice echoing in the grand hall. His laugh drew glances, curious whispers spreading among nearby guests.

Leo’s brows furrowed slightly. His eyes flicked to William with irritation. What the hell was so funny? Did this old man lose his mind or was he playing some game?

Bella’s nails dug into the side of her dress, her throat dry. She prayed Leo wouldn’t notice her nervousness or the way William’s knowing smile seemed to pierce through her.