The three of them finally left the Beach House.
Tristan decided to drive alone and not drive a luxury car so as not to attract the attention of others; instead, he drove an SUV. A vehicle that is often found in Nova City.
The sun shone, and the temperature was perfect for enjoying the day outside—not too cold or hot, with plenty of sunshine and excellent humidity.
However, within ten minutes after they left the Beach House, when the car entered the public road, Bella became suspicious of the two vehicles seemingly following the last two turns their vehicle had taken while always keeping their distance several car lines behind.
Bella’s suspicions grew even more because the two cars had the opportunity to pass their vehicle several times, but only one passed them.
After the next turn, the one that stayed behind made a different turn, but not long after that, the passed car suddenly showed up behind her car again.
The two vehicles continuously switch while following their car.
Bella, who had recently become wary of a mafia organization tracking her identity, was very alert. She continued observing the suspicious two cars’ switching movements.
’Dark Skull, are they following me here!?’ she wonders, nervous because Dax is with them. She worries that the Dark Skull knows about her son and is endangering him.
She didn’t tell Tristan about it immediately but continued to watch the car behind for a few minutes. She did not lose sight of the tailing vehicles even when the road got more crowded.
Nevertheless, the cars still followed their car despite more crowded traffic and taking a few turns.
Bella couldn’t take it anymore, so she leaned closer to Tristan and whispered.
"Did you see the two black cars behind?"
She spoke barely audibly, and only Tristan could hear her. She didn’t want Dax to listen to them; he may be curious or afraid.
Tristan quickly glanced at the rearview mirror to check the cars Bella mentioned. Then he glanced at her and nodded to respond.
"The cars have been following us since we left the beach house. I’m afraid they are not good people. Can you try to get away from them?"
He smiled, hearing her worried tone. "Don’t worry; they are my bodyguards," he said casually, but Bella could feel the annoyance in his tone.
Bella was relieved to hear that but also amused when she realized she was worrying too much. She leaned back casually in her seat and asked him, "So the rumor that you have an army… I mean, having a lot of bodyguards following you is true!?"
She glanced at him, curious to hear his answer.
Tristan chuckled at her words. "Well, they shouldn’t be visible. Now, I’m amazed... how did you recognize them right away!? It looks like I need to discipline them all," he said casually, but Bella could feel he was disappointed with his guards and serious about punishing them.
Instantly, she felt terrible about exposing them. "Oh, please, Tristan... there’s no need to discipline them. Maybe I am just too sensitive to someone following us; you must know my reason, right?"
Bella smiled when she saw Tristan turn to look at her. "I’m worried about your mother..." She didn’t say her last words, but when she saw Tristan nod, she knew he had to understand.
"Please, Tristan, you don’t have to do anything to your guard," Bella pleaded; she felt sorry for his guards if he punished them.
"Hmm, of course. I will do whatever you want, darling."
Bella, "...."
While Bella chatted with Tristan, Dax, who sat in the back row, secretly listened to their conversation. He was curious to know why his father had so many bodyguards! He could see two black vans following them. He guessed there were ten or more people there.
After a pause, Dax finally had a chance to speak.
"Dad, why did you bring so many bodyguards to protect you? Geoffrey told me you were good at martial arts and even stronger than him. So, I don’t think you need that much protection." Dax asked as his eyes fell on Tristan.
Bella was surprised to hear Dax’s question. She turned to look at him and smiled when she saw his expression. Her son’s eyes glinted with curiosity as he looked at his father. Then she also turned to Tristan, curious to hear his answer.
Tristan glanced at Dax in the rearview mirror before responding.
"Because I can’t deal with bad people. So, my bodyguards will take care of them."
"Dad, you didn’t answer my question..." Dax wasn’t satisfied with his father’s answer.
Bella, "...."
Tristan, "...."
They were both speechless when hearing of Dax’s curiosity.
"That’s because—" Tristan paused momentarily, fixing his gaze again on the street ahead and considering the right words to explain to his son.
"Because I can’t afford to get hurt or create negative news. I have a lot of responsibilities in taking care of the company. If I get hurt, it will be troublesome for the company; negative news can make our company’s share price drop. The company would suffer." Tristan wanted to say those words, but he was concerned Dax might not fully understand.
After a few seconds, Tristan finally found the correct answer. However, before he could speak, Bella chimed in.
"Because your Dad can’t display his strength," she smiled at Tristan, who briefly glanced at her.
Dax turned to his mom, his brow slightly furrowed. "Dad, can’t display his strength!? What do you mean, Mom!?"
Bella silently chuckled with Dax’s curiosity.
"I’ve read books about strategy, business, or war. It’s best if the enemy doesn’t know our strength. We don’t need to show it to them if it’s unnecessary. That’s why your dad avoids danger and lets his bodyguard take care of it."
Bella knew Tristan was having trouble answering Dax. And this was the only answer she could give to prevent their son from asking further questions.
Dax nodded, agreeing with his mother.
"Now I remember. My teacher Geoffrey also said that. He said I needed to learn martial arts to strengthen my body and discipline, not to show off my strength to others."
Bella was relieved that Geoffrey had taught Dax about it.