Chapter 283
Bella was floored, her eyes wide. "You seriously just said that?"
Thomas smirked, "If you think I'm bluffing, just wait and see. I always back up my words."
Bella paused, then eyed him. "Are you really gonna help me out?"
Thomas chuckled, "Why would I lie? I'm already a wanted man for life. Might as well use what I've got left to take down Gianna so you can be with Felix."
He didn't love Bella; he just wanted the kid she was carrying to have a shot at a better life.
Bella pressed, "What's your plan?"
Thomas shrugged, "Don't sweat it. You'll find out soon enough."
Bella didn't push further and said flatly, "You take the floor. I'm going back to bed."
Thomas didn't argue, just reached out to touch her belly, then flopped onto the sofa.
Bella bit her lip, sleep the last thing on her mind.
She was torn between helping Thomas or spilling the beans to Felix to get back in his good graces.
But remembering how Felix had blacklisted her last time she called, her eyes turned cold.
Saturday morning rolled around, and neither Felix nor Gianna had plans to go out.
Over breakfast, Gianna brought up Thomas.
"Any luck finding him?" she asked.
Felix shook his head, "Not yet. He vanished after hitting a few spots without cameras. My guys are still on it."
Gianna nodded, "Make sure to beef up security around Natalie and your parents. I'm worried he might target them again."
Felix nodded, "I've already got two bodyguards on it. Until we nab him, make sure you have a bodyguard with you when you go out."
Gianna frowned, "I can handle myself."
Felix insisted, "No, I'll feel better if you have one."
Gianna sighed, remembering Amara Young was coming back soon. She'd need a bodyguard too, so she nodded, "Alright, got it."
After breakfast, Felix and Gianna decided to chill at home with a movie.
They picked an old black-and-white romance flick. The guy was a rich kid who fell for the girl at first sight. Just as they were about to tie the knot, a war broke out.
The guy went off to fight, and the girl waited for him. But the war left her alone and struggling. To make things worse, the guy's mom sent her a letter saying he died in the war. Desperate, she turned to prostitution to survive.
Years later, she ran into the guy at a train station while looking for clients.
She tried to run, but he recognized her. He wanted to marry her, but her past would only bring him shame. After visiting his home once, she didn't want him to be ridiculed and left.
The story ended with the girl dying in a car accident, and the guy haunted the crash site, never seeing her again.
Gianna sighed after the movie. It was a stark reminder of how war wrecks lives.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed.
Seeing Amara's name, Gianna's eyes lit up, and she quickly answered.
Gianna picked up, "Amara, you back in town?"
A sweet voice chimed in, "Yep, just landed. Where you at? Should I grab a cab?"
Gianna replied, "Nah, I'll come get you."
Amara agreed, "Cool, I'll wait here."
After hanging up, Gianna grabbed her keys and was about to head out when Felix stood up, "I'll come with you."
Gianna nodded, "Alright."
An hour later, Gianna stepped out of a sleek black Maybach, and Amara's sunglasses nearly slipped off her face.
"Gianna, it's only been a few years, and you're rolling in it? Why don't you just keep me?" Amara teased.
Standing tall at 5'9", Amara had striking features but gave off a chilly, untouchable vibe. Her style matched—rocking a hot red V-neck dress and killer heels, she looked both stunning and fierce.
But that sweet voice of hers? Total mismatch.
She pulled Gianna into a tight hug, messing with her hair playfully.
Gianna squirmed, "Amara, let go, I can't breathe."
Amara let go, raising an eyebrow, "You used to love my hugs."
Gianna had definitely been trapped in her clutches back then.
Just as she was about to say something, Amara leaned in and whispered, "Who's the hottie who got out of the driver's seat? Is he your husband?"
Amara remembered Gianna had gotten hitched. She'd been swamped with a project overseas, and by the time she heard, Gianna was already married to Felix.
Gianna shook her head, "We divorced. Now we're just dating."
Amara was floored.
Too much info to process.
She'd only been gone a few years, and Gianna had already gone through marriage, divorce, and was now dating her ex.
Thinking about her own non-existent love life, she felt a bit bummed.
While they chatted, Felix walked over.
"Gianna, it's windy. Let's get in the car," he said.
Gianna quickly introduced them, and after some quick hellos, she pulled Amara into the car.
Seeing her sit in the back with Amara, Felix raised an eyebrow.
By the time Felix got in, Gianna and Amara had already picked a spot to eat.
"Felix, take us to Elysium Eateries Restaurant. Amara wants to check out the river view," Gianna said.
Felix nodded, "Sure thing."
He started the car, a bit miffed that Gianna left him up front while she sat in the back with Amara.
But seeing Gianna's eyes light up as she chatted with Amara, his mood lifted, and a smile crept onto his face.
That good mood lasted until they pulled up at Elysium Eateries Restaurant.
Getting out, Gianna turned to Felix, "Amara and I need some girl time. You should head back."
Felix's eyes narrowed. Did she really see him as just a driver?
Seeing the annoyance in his eyes, Gianna quickly pulled him aside, "Today’s special. I know it’s not fair, but I’ll make it up to you later."
Felix's heart skipped a beat, but he played it cool, "How you gonna make it up to me?"
"What do you want?" she asked.
Felix leaned in and whispered something that made Gianna's face turn bright red.
"Pervert!" she shouted.
Felix smirked, "You asked. Gonna back out now?"
