How can you be pregnant?

Bella listened attentively, her calm demeanor unwavering as the girl spoke.

There was no trace of a request in her tone. Instead, it carried the authority of someone delivering a verdict rather than seeking consent.

Before responding, Bella’s gaze shifted to Bartika, who sat quietly, her innocent eyes darting between Bella, the girl, and the guards standing by.

Extending her hand with gentle affection, Bella said, “Baby, come here.”

Bartika obediently rose from the couch and hurried to her mother’s side.

Bartika was naturally composed—a trait rarely found in children her age. It was unusual for her to make noise, cause trouble, or behave mischievously like other kids.

From a tender age, Bartika had exhibited an uncharacteristic calmness and gravity, perhaps a consequence of Bella’s complicated pregnancy. During that time, Bella had been drugged, leading to unforeseen complications.

Running her fingers tenderly along Bartika’s cheek, Bella whispered, “Baby, go to your Uncle Charlie. Mommy needs to have a private conversation with these people, okay?”

With a sweet smile, Bartika replied, “Okay, Mommy. But please finish your meeting soon. I want to have lunch with you today. Only you can feed me.”

Unable to deny her daughter’s innocent demand, Bella kissed her forehead. “Alright, darling. Now go and play with Uncle,” she said.

Bartika gave Bella a quick kiss on the cheek and left the cabin, her small feet padding softly across the floor.

She knew every inch of the sprawling headquarters of Richard Corporation, Infosys, Kapoor Industries, and Raichand Corporation. Bella trusted her enough not to send anyone to accompany her.

Turning her attention back to the girl, Bella noted the simmering irritation in her eyes. It was clear the girl was displeased by Bella’s apparent indifference.

Without offering an explanation, Bella took the black paper from the girl’s hand. It wasn’t just a piece of paper—it was a Black Notice.

Such notices were usually harbingers of ruin, yet today, this one bore an invitation for Bella to reclaim a position of unmatched power and influence.

But was she willing to accept it?

Bella scanned the invitation inscribed on the notice. Her expression remained unreadable as she tore it into pieces with deliberate precision.

Gathering the shredded fragments, she placed them neatly back into the suitcase and pushed it toward the girl. “Take this back,” she said coolly. “And one more thing—tell your High Chair not to indulge in such petty antics again. Last time, I overlooked your failures out of respect for the Chairman. But I won’t do so next time. I’m content and busy with the life I’ve built for myself. Don’t disturb me again. Otherwise, not even your Chairman will be able to protect you from me.”

The girl’s fury was evident, but she swallowed it with visible effort. The High Chair had instructed her to approach Bella with tact and civility.

Forcing a faint smile, she replied, “As you wish. It’s your decision, after all. But do you realize the dangerous consequences of this choice?”

At her words, Bella’s serene gaze hardened. Her striking black eyes now brimmed with restrained anger and disdain.

In an icy tone, Bella responded, “Are you threatening me, Miss Li Hua? And if you are, do you even comprehend what those consequences might entail?”

Hearing her real name, Li Hua’s composed facade faltered.

The identities of those connected to Rockwave were fiercely guarded secrets. It was inconceivable that Bella, who had severed ties with Rockwave four years ago, could know her true name.

This revelation gnawed at Li Hua, unsettling her to the core.

Composing herself with visible effort, Li Hua retorted, “You’re just like your husband—arrogant. But I doubt the Chairman’s mercy will extend to you forever. You may have served Rockwave loyally for a decade, but take this as a warning: tread carefully. The future can be unforgiving.”

Bella’s lips curved into a faint, mocking smile. “Miss Li Hua, thank you for your advice and… compliment. But if you’re done, kindly leave.”

Li Hua offered no response, her thoughts clearly elsewhere. A seed of unease had sprouted within her—an inexplicable foreboding that she couldn’t shake.

Rising from her seat, Li Hua signaled to the guards, who swiftly retrieved the suitcase. Casting one last glance at Bella, she departed without another word.

Bella remained seated, her back resting against the chair, long after Li Hua had left. Her striking black-and-white eyes were lost in thought, perhaps reminiscing or immersed in some deep reflection.

Had anyone else been presented with such a golden opportunity, they would have undoubtedly seized it. But Bella, she chose otherwise.

Years ago, a lapse in Rockwave’s security system, caused by the negligence of the Tech Department, had created a vulnerability. It was this very loophole that led the rebels and the cannibal tribes to discover Bella’s identity, forcing her to resign from her position—paying the price for others’ mistakes, without having committed any herself.

In truth, it was Kartik who had cunningly coerced Bella into leaving Rockwave. It was his actions that had driven her away from a place she once held dear.

Yet, Bella’s bond with Rockwave ran deep.

Rockwave had been created by Mr. Rudra Kapoor, Kartik’s father, who was also Bella’s mentor. After being ousted from Rockwave, Bella had fallen into a prolonged depression. How could she ever return to the very institution that had caused her so much hurt, without any fault of her own?

With a deep breath, Bella stood up from her chair and exited the cabin. Her office was located on the top floor of the building.

On this floor, besides Bella, only Akira, Roy, and Rawat had cabins.

As she emerged, Bella’s gaze fell upon Charlie and Bartika, sitting on the couch at the far end of the hall, engrossed in a game of chess. Rawat stood nearby, observing their match.

A soft smile graced Bella’s lips as she walked toward them.

Upon reaching them, Bartika’s gentle voice reached Bella’s ears, "Again, checkmate, Uncle!"

Charlie, despite his tendency to lose his temper over trivial matters, smiled after his second defeat, pinching Bartika’s cheek and saying, "You know, sweetheart, I don’t like kids at all. I don’t even care for your two mischievous brothers. But I like you. Actually, you're a genius, and that’s why I like you. Now, let’s go for lunch. I don’t want to lose to you anymore. And I’m hungry."

Upon hearing Charlie’s words, Bartika giggled sweetly and lifted her small head. That’s when she noticed Bella standing behind Charlie.

"Mommy!"

"Let’s go, baby, for lunch."

"Hmm, let’s go."

It was lunchtime, and at Bella’s invitation, Rawat and Akira joined them.

A short while later, they sat together at a table in the office cafeteria, enjoying their meal—except for Charlie, who seemed absorbed in his thoughts.

Charlie was staring intently at Bella, who was feeding Bartika with her own hands.

Noticing Charlie’s gaze, Bella asked, "What is it? What’s bothering you now?"

Charlie remained silent, continuing to stare at Bartika, whose cheek had swollen from the food.

Bella followed Charlie’s gaze, and suddenly, it seemed as though a realization dawned upon her.

Taking a deep breath, Bella picked up a bite of food and extended it toward Charlie.

"Here, eat."

Upon hearing Bella’s words, Charlie’s eyes lit up, and he eagerly took the bite.

From that moment on, Bella fed Bartika one bite, Charlie the next, and kept one for herself.

In the midst of their meal, Charlie offered Bella a serving of papaya salad and said, "Sister Bella, I know this is your favorite. I had it specially prepared for you."

Rawat, unable to suppress a chuckle, remarked, "Charlie! Why papaya salad? Don’t you know papayas are not recommended during pregnancy?"

It took Charlie a moment to process Rawat’s words. Then, his eyes widened in realization. "Pregnancy… wait! Did you just say pregnancy? Does that mean Sister Bella is pregnant?"

"Of course! Didn’t you know?" Rawat replied, feigning surprise. In truth, Rawat had known all along, his act of ignorance part of a carefully crafted plan.

Charlie, caught in Rawat’s scheme, glared at Bella as though she had committed a grave wrong.

He then glared at Bella, Bartika, and her belly in turn, before suddenly exclaiming, "Sister Bella! How can you be pregnant?"

Everyone at the table stared at him, surprised by his outburst.

Akira, who had been silently observing, now turned to Charlie with a cold stare, her voice icy. "Haven’t you studied biology? Don’t you know the process of reproduction? If not, I suggest you study it again and stop asking such foolish questions. You’re embarrassing the boss."

After hearing Akira’s words and feeling Bella’s piercing gaze, Charlie immediately corrected himself, "I didn’t mean it like that. I don’t have a problem with your children. I was just excited to ask."

"Excited?" Bella raised an eyebrow.

“Yes.”

Seeing Charlie backpedal, Bella decided not to press the matter further.

______

Evening, Rockwave City,

Three state-of-the-art helicopters touched down simultaneously on the helipad.

Charlie stepped out of the middle helicopter, accompanied by the guards. After a few moments, Bella emerged from the same chopper.

_______________________________

What is the source of Li Hua’s fear?

To know…

To be continued...

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