Chapter 869

Bella’s face lit up with excitement. “Really? I can?”

“Of course you can!” Hailey replied. “Unless… you don’t want to have a sleepover with me anymore?”

Bella nodded eagerly. “I do!”

Celine smiled. “Hailey, wouldn’t it be a bit inconvenient to take Bella back tonight?”

“Not at all, Celine. Bella used to sleep over at my place all the time,” Hailey said.

“That was before,” Celine pointed out, glancing at Jonah. “Things are different now-you’re with Mr. Pilsner. I’m not sure if he’d be okay with it.”

Jonah’s lips curved into a warm smile. “I don’t mind at all. In fact, I really like Bella.”

Bella clapped her hands with excitement. “Yay! That means I get to sleep with Aunt Hailey tonight!”

Not wanting to dampen Bella’s enthusiasm, Celine smiled and said, “Alright then, Hailey. I’ll leave Bella with you. I’ll head out first.”

“Bella, say goodbye to Mommy.”

“Bye-bye, Mommy!”

Once Celine left, Hailey picked up Bella and climbed into Jonah’s luxury car.

Jonah drove, while Hailey and Bella sat in the backseat.

“Aunt Hailey,” Bella called out. “Where are we sleeping tonight?”

“We’ll be at my villa tonight, Bella,” Hailey replied.

Just then, Jonah’s voice came from the front. “You’re welcome to stay at my place instead.”

Hailey glanced up, their eyes meeting through the rearview mirror.

Jonah was looking back at her, silently inviting her and Bella to stay with him.

Hailey fluttered her lashes. “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea,” she said. “Bella’s staying at my villa tonight, and I want to be with her.”

“I like Bella too. I’d really enjoy spending time with her,” Jonah said.

“Aunt Hailey, let’s go to Uncle Jonah’s place then!” Bella chimed in.

To Bella, it was all the same-Hailey’s place or Jonah’s. She was too young to read between the lines.

But Hailey’s cheeks flushed. She knew that if they went to Jonah’s villa, the tension between them would shift into something more.

Hailey carried Bella into Jonah’s villa. It was her first time stepping inside his home.

The house was tucked away in one of the city’s most prestigious neighborhoods, where Jonah had quietly lived for the past three years.

He walked over with two pairs of slippers in hand-one large, one small. “These are for you and Bella,” he said.

“Thank you.”

As they slipped them on, Hailey’s gaze drifted to him. “Why do you already have women’s slippers here?”

Jonah’s lips curled into a teasing smile. “And what exactly are you trying to imply?”

“Nothing. If you don’t want to say, just forget it,” Hailey said, turning away.

But Jonah reached out and took her arm. “I’ve been living here alone for the past three years. No other

house had Mr.

has ever set foot in this

woman

those slippers. If you don’t believe me, you can ask him.” s

Hailey’s expression softened. “I was just asking casually. You didn’t have to explain.”

Jonah gently brushed the tip of her

nose and whispered, “So, are you still planning to take Bella home. tonight, or would you rather stay and sleep with me instead?” s

Hailey’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “Who said I wanted to sleep with you? How shameless!”

“I’m shameless-shameless for you.”

Hailey couldn’t help but laugh.

“Come on,” Jonah said. “Let me show you to the room.”

With that, he led Hailey and Bella into the master bedroom. “I’ve laid out fresh towels and clothes for you. Feel free to take a shower whenever you’d like.”

Hailey gently picked up Bella. “Come on, Bella. Let’s get you in the bath.” Bella nodded. “Okay!”

Hailey and Bella laughed and chatted as they enjoyed their bath together. When they were finished, Hailey gently placed Bella on the bed and dressed her in a nightgown. s

Just then, a knock sounded at the door, followed by Jonah’s voice. “Can I come

in?”

In respecting their privacy, Jonah had stepped out after escorting them to the

room.

Hailey finished adjusting Bella’s nightgown and called, “Come in.”