CHAPTER 270: CHAPTER 270 SCARLETT IS BACK

"BELLA BELL! BELLA BELL! I MISSED YOU SOOOO MUCH!!"

Scarlett didn’t even wait for the café doors to fully swing shut before she lunged forward and crushed Bella in one of her bone-breaking hugs. Her perfume, warm vanilla with a sharp citrus note, wrapped around Bella’s senses, and for a second Bella forgot how to breathe.

"I missed you too, Scar!!" Bella laughed, hugging her back just as tightly.

The café was quiet, just the way Bella had hoped. Afternoon sunlight streamed through tall glass windows, turning the marble tabletops a soft golden. Only a handful of people were scattered across the place, whispering over coffee cups. Against that calm, Scarlett’s entrance had been like a storm of sunshine, drawing glances, but she didn’t care.

Once they finally sat down, Scarlett leaned across the table, resting her chin on her hand as her wavy dark hair spilled like silk over her shoulder. Her tan skin glowed under the sunlight, and her eyes sparkled with that familiar mischief Bella adored. She wore a cropped white blouse tucked into high-waist jeans, and even that simple outfit radiated her effortless confidence.

"So..." Scarlett wiggled her brows dramatically, her lips curling into a teasing grin. "Where should we start from? Because I swear, we’ve got months of gossip to catch up on, and I want every single detail."

Bella pressed her lips together, already smiling shyly. "Umm... I’ll start then. Leo actually left for some work for two weeks."

Her voice grew softer, and sadness flickered in her eyes. "Though I’m sad, I already... miss him."

Scarlett’s brows rose, a knowing smile tugging at her mouth. "I see. So, our Bella has really developed feelings for him." She gave a low chuckle and shook her head. "You know, I used to hate him. I thought he was just another cold bastard from those mafia families. But then you told me about that PC room he made for you..." She exhaled and gave an exaggerated shrug. "Honestly? If a man gave me a PC room, I’d probably propose on the spot. PC is life. No doubt."

Bella laughed, hiding her face in her hands. "Scar!"

They spent over an hour talking, laughing, and filling the air with all the little stories they’d missed from each other’s lives. The waitress came by twice to refill their cups, once to replace the empty dessert plate Scarlett had polished off by herself.

Eventually, their chatter drifted toward Bella’s in-laws. Scarlett’s eyes brightened. "Oh, right! Speaking of that family of yours—guess what? Jace actually sent me some photos. And..." She unlocked her phone, swiping through her gallery before turning the screen toward Bella. "Look at this."

On the screen, Jay and Jace stood side by side in summer shirts, grinning broadly at the camera. Behind them stretched a glittering river, and next to them stood a beautiful bride in her wedding gown.

Bella leaned closer, squinting. "Oh my gosh... that looks so pretty. Jay sent me some photos too but... he never sent me the ones with Jace."

Scarlett’s smile softened, but her eyes narrowed slightly. She tapped the photo thoughtfully before locking her phone. "The last time I talked with Jace... he sounded different. Like... off. Almost as if he was hiding something."

Bella blinked. "Hiding?"

Scarlett leaned back, her playful grin dimming. "I don’t know. My gut says something’s going on with him. And if I know Jace..." Her voice lowered, a sly glint flickering in her eyes. "It’s something big."

Bella chewed on her lip, her mind already buzzing with curiosity.

"Oh, secret??" Bella tilted her head, her big eyes glinting with curiosity.

Scarlett laughed, tossing her hair back. "Well, we’ll know anyway. If something is bugging Jace that much, he’ll come to me eventually. For him, I’m basically his personal guru." She made a mock-meditating pose with her fingers, closing her eyes dramatically, and Bella burst into giggles.

After another round of laughter and teasing, Scarlett leaned closer. "Come with me to my apartment. It’s nearby. The company gave me one, fully furnished. I still have a ton of boxes to unpack, but at least the basics are ready. You can be my first guest."

Bella’s eyes lit up immediately. "Really? Then I’ll come!"

Scarlett had arrived in a cab, while Bella came with the car her driver had brought. So Scarlett decided to ride along with Bella, giving the driver her apartment’s address.

Finally, they pulled up in front of a tall, modern glass building. The entrance was lined with neat greenery and soft golden lights embedded in the ground, giving it a luxurious glow. Security guards stood at the door, polite but sharp-eyed, and a valet opened the car door for Scarlett with a bow.

"Whoa..." Bella whispered, holding her purse closer. The tall structure seemed endless, its mirrored surface reflecting the city skyline. The lobby inside was just as grand—white marble floors polished to perfection, a crystal chandelier hanging above, casting rainbow shards of light, and a long reception desk staffed by uniformed attendants. Sofas of leather and velvet sat in waiting areas, where a few residents sipped coffee or scrolled on their phones.

Scarlett walked with easy confidence, her heels clicking against the marble. She swiped her keycard and pressed the elevator button. "Not bad, huh?" she asked, glancing back at Bella with a smirk.

"It’s so pretty!" Bella whispered, looking around with sparkling eyes.

Scarlett chuckled. "Wait till you see the view."

The elevator chimed softly and carried them upward. On the sixth floor, the hallway was carpeted in beige with golden borders, giving it a hotel-like feel. Modern wall lamps cast a warm glow across the quiet space. Scarlett stopped in front of a black-and-gold door, entered her passcode, and the lock clicked open.

"Welcome to my kingdom," Scarlett said playfully, pushing the door open.

Inside, the apartment was modern yet cozy—open living room with large windows showing the city lights, cream-colored sofas with fluffy throw blankets, a stylish glass coffee table scattered with unopened boxes, and tall indoor plants standing in corners. A small open kitchen gleamed with polished counters and stainless steel appliances, clearly untouched. The floor-to-ceiling curtains were sheer white, swaying faintly as the evening breeze slipped in through a half-open window.

Bella stepped inside with wide eyes, her lips parting. "Scar... this is sooo beautiful!"