His innocent wife is a dangerous hacker.-Chapter 511

Next day, 10:45 AM

"I miss you," Bella whispered, rising onto her toes to brush a gentle kiss against his lips.

Leo smiled faintly, his hand lifting to cradle her cheek. "Then I’ll kiss you more when I’m back," he murmured, leaning down to press another slow kiss to her lips, unhurried and reassuring. They pulled apart only slightly, foreheads touching, both smiling in that quiet, private way that belonged only to them.

"Take care, okay?" he said softly, his thumb brushing her jaw.

Before she could answer, a very deliberate cough echoed behind them.

"Cough. Cough."

Both of them turned at the same time.

William stood there with a knowing look, far too amused for his own good. Leo’s expression didn’t change at all, calm, composed, unreadable, but Bella’s cheeks flushed instantly, warmth rushing up her face as she stepped back half a pace.

"If you’re done," William said cheerfully, clearly enjoying himself, "may I finally show my granddaughter my house?"

Leo shot the old man a flat glare, said nothing, and simply turned toward the car. Bella laughed under her breath, lifting her hand to wave as Leo got in. The tall black gate slid open slowly, and his car disappeared down the long driveway.

"Bye," she called softly, her hand still raised even after he was gone.

William watched her for a moment, something gentle and proud flickering in his eyes. "Come," he said at last. "You’ll like it."

The house stood in a quiet, elegant part of the city, surrounded by a wide stretch of land that felt almost unreal. A vast garden spread out in front of it, filled with rows of tulips in soft reds, pinks, and pale whites, their petals swaying lightly in the breeze. At the center stood a graceful fountain, clear water glimmering as it spilled over smooth stone, a pair of white swans gliding peacefully across the surface.

Bella slowed without realizing it, taking it all in.

The house itself rose behind the garden, tall and beautiful, with wide glass windows that caught the sunlight and reflected the sky.

"Well?" William asked, watching her carefully.

Bella smiled, her eyes shining. "It’s... beautiful."

"Come, come," William said eagerly, already moving ahead. "Let me show you inside. I even prepared a room just for you."

Bella followed him through the grand entrance, her steps slowing as she took in the interior. The house felt modern yet warm, a careful balance of clean lines and quiet luxury. Soft light flowed through tall windows, touching antique vases placed thoughtfully in corners, while paintings lined the corridor walls, mostly modern pieces, bold yet calming, each one chosen with care rather than excess. It didn’t feel like a museum. It felt lived in.

William stopped in front of a beautiful wooden door and turned the handle.

Bella’s eyes widened the moment it opened.

The room was unexpectedly cozy, the kind of space that made her chest feel light the instant she stepped inside. The bed rested near the corner, positioned perfectly in front of large windows that let daylight spill in gently. A plush, beige, round furry carpet surrounded the bed, soft enough that she imagined sinking into it barefoot. A side table stood nearby with a warm lamp, its glow subtle and comforting.

Across from it was a graceful wardrobe, simple but elegant, and beside it, a spacious bathroom with glass panels and soft toned tiles. On the other side of the room sat a small couch and a coffee table, arranged like a quiet reading corner. And beside it was a bookshelf. But not for show. Its shelves were lined with titles she recognized, the latest volumes on coding languages and software architecture, their spines perfectly aligned.

Then she saw it.

Positioned to catch the best light near the window was a study nook. A beautiful, ergonomic chair was tucked under a desk that held a state of the art computer setup, the monitors slim, the keyboard sleek. Every wire was hidden, every detail considered.

Bella turned a full circle, her heart swelling against her ribs, a sudden thickness in her throat.

"This..." she managed, her voice barely a whisper. She looked at William, her eyes shimmering. "It’s perfect."

William watched her closely, his expression gentle and satisfied. "I thought you’d like it," he said. "I wanted it to feel like a place where you can rest, work, and feel at home. Not like a guest."

Bella didn’t answer with words. She stepped forward instead, slowly, as if afraid the moment might break if she moved too fast, and wrapped her arms around him. Her hug was gentle, careful, the way one hugs someone precious.

"Thank you, Grandpa," she whispered.

He stiffened for only a second, surprised, before his arms came up to fold carefully around her. She felt him draw in a shaky breath, and when she pulled back just enough to see his face, her own breath caught.

His eyes, usually so bright and shrewd, were glistening, overwhelmed by a surge of emotion that turned them glassy. A single tear escaped, tracing a slow path down his cheek.

Bella was startled for only a moment before her instincts took over. "Oh, Grandpa," she murmured. And she hugged him again, holding him tighter, her small hand patting his back in slow, comforting circles, the way one might soothe a child. She rested her cheek against the soft wool of his sweater, holding space for his emotion, her own silent tears soaking into the fabric.

"Thank you... thank you... my child," William said as he finally broke the hug, his voice still a little thick, but a wide, almost boyish smile spreading across his face.

Bella smiled back at him, her own eyes warm. She felt lighter somehow, as if something that had always been missing had quietly settled into place.

"I want to talk with you," he said eagerly, as if afraid the time might slip away. "There are so many things. So many years."

She nodded without hesitation. "I want that too."

He led her through the back doors and into the garden behind the house. The air was softer there, scented faintly with flowers and fresh earth. Beneath a large, old tree, an outdoor seating area had been arranged neatly. A wooden swing hung from one of the thick branches, cushions placed carefully on it, while a small table nearby held snacks, tea, and neatly cut fruit.

Bella’s eyes lit up the moment she saw the swing. She walked over and sat down, her hands gripping the ropes as she gave it a gentle push.

"I like swings," William said, settling into the chair beside her, watching her with quiet fondness.

"Me too," Bella replied, smiling as the swing moved slowly back and forth.