Chapter 14: Eight-Pack Abs (+5 Free Coins)

Since it was late, everything would be dealt with later.

Sean was immediately renamed Callahan Quirk by David and moved into the Quirk manor to live with Evian.

Upon arriving home, Callahan was dozing off. Despite overwhelming emotions, the growing child was too tired to fight off fatigue. Evian stayed close, unwilling to leave him. David and Selena also visited, their faces full of affection. Alexander arrived later.

"Where is Bella?" Selena asked.

Alexander replied, "She has gone back to her room to rest."

The Quirk family gathered, except for the sleeping Callahan.

"What's going on? Can we truly hear Bella's innermost thoughts?" David questioned.

Alexander explained the day's events at the company. "Right now, only a few of us can hear them."

"We can't hear her now?" Selena asked, confused.

"It's a matter of distance, like ordinary conversations," Alexander said. "You can't hear if you're too far away."

Evian was still dazed. "I owe it to her. She saved me and Cal. How did she know all that information? It all happened so fast, like a dream. If Isabella hadn't revealed the truth, we might have gone our whole lives without recognizing each other. The thought is terrifying."

"I believe she recently gained this superpower. Hearing her thoughts must be an accident. Let's maintain the status quo. Once Chris and Rosie return, we can see if they can hear her too."

The bizarre development left everyone clueless. They decided to do nothing for now.

"I feel like Bella has changed," Evian remarked wistfully. "When she got married, she'd just joined the Quirk family, so we didn't spend much time together. I saw her as reclusive. After her marriage, I constantly heard Mother complain about Alexander and Isabella being unhappy."

"Bella's always been eccentric," Selena recalled. "But after her parents died and she was tormented by relatives, she seemed traumatized, changing her personality drastically. Now, she seems to be reverting to her childhood self."

"Bella resolved your troubles and saved Evie and Cal. You should repay her kindness," David said, patting Alexander's shoulder.

Remembering the day's events, Selena chuckled. "Bella often seems cold but means well. She's actually quite warm-hearted. Be more understanding."

Evian added, "Since you married her, don't let her live the way I did."

They hoped Alexander would see Bella's goodness and that their marital relationship could improve. If not, they hoped for a less resentful separation. Until then, they'd never shared a room.

Alexander, thinking of Isabella's money-mindedness, said, "I'll give them some money."

The others were speechless. Is it possible that she values you, not your money? Can money truly compare to love?

Seemingly reading their thoughts, Alexander said, "She loves money. A financial reward will delight her."

Despite questioning his judgment, the three offered no objections.

Immediately, Alexander furrowed his brows. "Never mind, she doesn't know how to manage money. I'll give her a trust fund instead."

The trio was perplexed but overjoyed. They thought Alexander was showing genuine concern.

In reality, Alexander had selfish motives. If they marry, she'll get her share. If not, I won't fund his wife's search for a younger lover. He still feared Isabella's betrayal.

Alexander planned to discuss investing on Isabella's behalf. Before knocking, a shriek came from inside. Isabella's thoughts and speech were distinct; with practice, one could differentiate them.

(Isabella's thoughts) Ah, I'm rich! Why are David, Selena, and Evian all coming home? Oh gee, they're thanking me for uncovering everything. They're so kind. Good deeds are rewarded! Adding to what I had, I have two million B. I made ten million in a single day! Even if I divorce Alexander and leave with nothing, I have nothing to fear Young lovers, bad boys, six-pack abs, hehe…

Inside, Isabella was on her bed, messaging to express gratitude when she heard a knock.

Puzzled, she opened the door to find Alexander, his expression odd. His dark eyes, framed by long lashes, created an intense gaze.

"What's wrong?" Isabella's heart raced. (Isabella's thoughts) What is he doing here? Ah, he's here to give me a reward! My funds will increase again! Hurray!

Alexander was at a loss for words.

"Hand over all your money."

Isabella was dumbfounded.

"I'll invest it for you. You'll be guaranteed a profit."

Isabella was still shocked.

"Decide, then come see me."

Alexander returned to his room.

In her past life, Isabella was an exhausting salaried employee. In this life, she craved ease. After transmigrating, she checked the original owner's bank account and burst into tears. I'm broke!

The original owner worked in the entertainment industry, lacking talent and relying on looks for mostly advertising work. She secured most jobs through connections, so she didn't earn much. The Quirk elders gave her pocket money, but after marriage, Alexander became responsible for her expenses. Though their relationship was strained, he never restricted her spending; her supplementary card was always active.

Isabella, however, didn't feel secure using a man's credit card. She preferred her own money. She was surprised by the various transfers that day. She wasn't one to sit idly by and was intrigued by Alexander's suggestion. As a salaried employee, she couldn't compete with a corporate prodigy.

After considering, Isabella decided to knock on Alexander's door. After waiting, she grew impatient. (Isabella's thoughts) What's going on? Didn't he tell me to see him?

Evian and the others, hearing her thoughts from the corridor, peeked through a crack in the floor. (Their thoughts) What's going on? Could Alexander finally let Isabella share his bed?

They were thrilled at the thought.

Just as Isabella was about to give up, the door opened. Alexander, in a bathrobe, his hair damp, was drying himself with a towel. His obsidian eyes seemed deeper, a blush on his cheeks. The open bathrobe revealed his physique. Water droplets shimmered on his chest, accentuating his muscles.

Isabella's eyes widened, forgetting her annoyance. (Isabella's thoughts) One, two, three… Dmn, look at those shoulders and abs! This figure is incredible! I think I'm about to faint!

Alexander blushed, then straightened, taking a deep breath. He didn't adjust his clothes. (Isabella's thoughts) Hmm, did you see my eight-pack abs?

Chapter 14: Eight-Pack Abs (+5 Free Coins)