She might be dead

The very hand with which Aditya handed Aarav a handkerchief to wipe the blood now gripped Aarav's collar as he hissed through clenched teeth, "If Adi dies, you're coming with him. Let's end it all today. Anyway, Adi despises your filthy face. Because of you, Ray bro doesn't pay him any attention."

Without waiting for a response, Aditya flung himself into the gorge, dragging Aarav down with him.

Reyansh stood still, watching the two plummet. His expression remained unmoved as he turned to leave. But just as he took a step, Aditya's scream echoed through the air, piercing the silence and forcing him to pause.

Despite himself, Reyansh couldn't ignore the cry. His instincts kicked in, and he descended into the gorge.

When Reyansh reached the bottom, his eyes fell on Aditya and Aarav, both standing still, intently focused on something.

The gorge wasn't deep, and their extensive training made the fall trivial. From a young age, all three had undergone rigorous physical conditioning.

For the past five years, they had been trained under Shaolin monks, and two years prior, they had begun the infamous Black Hole training—the toughest in the world.

By the age of twelve, their bodies were as unyielding as stone, hardened by years of brutal physical and psychological challenges. To harm them now—physically or mentally—was akin to attempting to pierce a mountain with a needle.

Reyansh followed their gaze and saw what had captured their attention: a young girl, unconscious and gravely injured, lying motionless on the ground.

As Reyansh approached, he observed her closely. She looked like a wounded princess from a painting—ethereal yet fragile. Her skin was pale as milk, her lips a delicate rose-petal pink. She couldn't have been older than seven or eight.

In a voice cold as frost, Reyansh demanded, "Who is this girl?"

The sudden chill in his tone made both Aditya and Aarav stiffen.

Aditya, always quick to answer, said hurriedly, "We don't know, Ray bro. She was already here when we arrived. She… she might be dead."

Aarav shot Aditya a withering glare. "Idiot! How can you declare her dead without checking? At least check if she's breathing before spouting nonsense."

Aditya's face flushed crimson with anger at being called an idiot. Feeling insulted, he grabbed Aarav's collar and growled, "Who are you calling an idiot? You're the idiot. Your entire family is full of idiots! Just wait—I'll break your face right now!"

Aarav smirked mockingly and replied, "Oh, really? But aren't I part of your family? So, by your logic, you're admitting you're an idiot too. Wow, you're so honest! Don't worry—I'll protect you for life. Honest people like you are rare treasures."

Aditya's anger surged. "You… one day, you'll die by my hand!"

He reached for his sword, intent on striking, but before he could, a sharp, icy voice cut through the tension.

"Adi, stand down."

It was Reyansh.

Aditya's grip on the sword tightened, but he reluctantly obeyed. This was the 506th time his elder brother had stepped in to shield Aarav from his wrath.

Aditya glared at Reyansh with resentment, but Reyansh ignored him and knelt beside the girl. He checked her pulse and breathing, his expression impassive yet decisive.

"She's alive," he murmured.

Aditya's eyes widened. "She's alive, Ray bro? Really?"

"Hmmm," Reyansh affirmed with a nod.

Aditya quickly added, "Then let's take her to the school. She's badly hurt and needs immediate care."

Before Reyansh could respond, Aarav interjected firmly, "No. We can't take her to the school. She might be a spy. Bringing her there would be a risk. If anything happens, we'll be the ones blamed."

Aarav's argument was logical.

The Royal Academy was directly linked to Rockwave, a fortress of power and influence. Many had attempted to infiltrate Rockwave through the academy. Bringing an outsider there was fraught with danger.

Yet, as always, Aditya felt that Aarav was merely trying to steal their elder brother's attention. He prepared to argue further, but when Reyansh nodded in agreement with Aarav, Aditya had no choice but to sulk in silence.

Reyansh broke the silence with a command. "Help me lift her. We'll take her to the outhouse."

Following his lead, Aarav and Aditya carefully lifted the girl.

Though she was light, her body was riddled with fresh, deep wounds. Handling her with utmost care was essential.

The Richard Mansion,

After hearing from Bin that Rockwave wanted her back, Bella's expression remained calm, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of thought. Her poised demeanor made it difficult to discern the storm brewing within her mind.

With a composed tone, she asked, "Why now? Why does Rockwave suddenly want me back? There must be a compelling reason."

Bin, ever polite, smiled faintly. "Indeed, there is. First, it's your unparalleled expertise. Second, the High Chair's… predicament. The Chairman tasked the High Chair with finding an armament engineer more capable than you. Despite their best efforts, they've failed. They even shortlisted someone, but your latest invention, Shadowstrike, rendered their plans futile. The chosen engineer couldn't comprehend its functionality. With the Chairman's deadline looming, the High Chair has no choice but to seek your return."

Bella remained silent, her eyes unwavering, her serene expression masking any trace of emotion.

As the former president of Rockwave, Bella had been a legend in weapon design and engineering. Her contributions were nothing short of revolutionary. But after leaving Rockwave, she had chosen to make her groundbreaking inventions available to smaller nations—an act that unsettled Rockwave's power dynamics.

Even after exhausting their resources, the High Chair had failed to replace her brilliance. Now, they were left with no alternative but to persuade Bella to return.

Bin shifted his tone, attempting to lighten the mood. "By the way, Bella, I heard some rumors about Emma. Is it true that she went to seduce the Chairman?"

At his words, a shadow passed over Bella's otherwise composed face. Her mind raced with memories.

Four Days Ago

The presidential suite of the Royal Hotel exuded a chilling tension as Bella strode in. Her heels clicked against the marble floor, each step deliberate.

Her eyes immediately landed on Kartik, seated languidly on the leather couch. Dressed in an all-black ensemble, a cigar poised between his fingers, he exuded a dangerous allure. The faint glow of the city skyline behind him only heightened the aura of menace that surrounded him.

In stark contrast stood Emma—a vision of audacity, draped in a white dress that barely concealed her intentions. Her sultry gaze was fixed on Kartik, her every move calculated to entice.

Bella's fists clenched at the sight, though her expression remained unreadable. She had dismissed the rumors of Emma's brazen intentions as idle gossip. Now, confronted with the scene before her, anger and unease surged through her.

Emma turned sharply as Bella entered, her voice dripping with irritation. "Bella, what are you doing here? Can't you see we're in the middle of an important… meeting?"

Bella's gaze hardened as she ignored the words, crossing the room with measured strides. Without a word, she grasped Emma's wrist and pulled her towards the door.

"Akira," Bella called, her tone sharp.

Akira, stationed outside, appeared instantly.

"Take her home," Bella commanded.

"Yes, Boss," Akira replied without hesitation, escorting Emma away despite her protests.

Once the door clicked shut, Bella turned her attention to Kartik. He hadn't moved, his expression as impassive as ever.

"Why did you allow her here?" Bella demanded, her voice low but firm. "You know her mental state is unstable."

Kartik stubbed out his cigar with deliberate slowness, his eyes meeting hers with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. "She's your sister, Wifey. My guards wouldn't stop her."

His words were measured, but the faint trace of amusement in his tone only heightened Bella's frustration.

Before she could respond, Kartik's hand shot out, grasping her wrist. In one swift motion, he pulled her onto his lap.

"Relax, wifey," he murmured, his voice dangerously soft. "Were you worried?"

Bella stiffened, her heart pounding, but she held her ground. "I wasn't worried. I was… concerned. And no, Kartik, I don't trust you—not in situations like this."

A slow, almost predatory smile spread across Kartik's face. "Good. Distrust keeps things interesting."

As his lips brushed against her neck, Bella's resolve faltered. His touch, a mix of dominance and tenderness, sent a jolt through her senses.

Kartik's kisses grew more insistent, his hands tracing her waist with a possessive confidence. Despite her earlier indignation, Bella found herself yielding, her fingers clutching his collar as she closed her eyes.

In that moment, Bella knew that Kartik's control over her was absolute—just as hers was over him.

_____________________________

Will Bella return to Rockwave? Or does her path lead elsewhere?

To know…

To Be Continued…

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