The ship is sinking

Bella’s brows furrowed in confusion as she addressed Bin, her voice sharp yet composed. “What nonsense are you babbling about, Bin? What compensation? And when did Kartik ever stake Rockwave for me? I don’t recall anything of the sort.”

Bin and Nikhil exchanged glances, their expressions laced with disbelief. Their narrowed eyes made Bella’s patience wear thin.

Fixing them with a frosty glare, Bella warned, “Stop staring at me like that, or I’ll gouge your eyes out.”

Her tone was icy, leaving no room for jest. Instinctively, both men looked away. They weren’t foolish enough to test her resolve, knowing well that Bella’s threats were never hollow.

Breaking the tense silence, Bella demanded again, “Now, explain what you meant by compensation.”

Bin, clearly displeased, crossed his arms and replied, “We’re not saying another word. You’re always so rude to us. Figure it out yourself or ask your husband. We’re done talking.”

A serene smile played on Bella’s lips, but there was a dangerous glint in her eyes—a clear warning. She glanced toward a young woman standing amidst a group of distinguished guests.

“Shelina,” Bella called, her voice carrying effortlessly across the room, “come here. I’ve got some delightful stories about Bin’s middle school antics to share.”

Shelina, Bin’s fiancée, perked up at the mention of her name, eager to join.

Bin’s expression turned frantic, and with a forced smile, he pleaded, “Sister Bella! Let’s not do this. Please spare my dignity. I’ll tell you everything—just don’t embarrass me in front of Shelina!”

Bella arched a brow. “Is that so?”

“Yes, absolutely,” Bin stammered. “Have mercy! I’m the Crown Prince of Dubai, after all. Please, at least respect my title!”

Bella’s lips curled into a satisfied smirk. Turning back to Shelina, who was attempting to free herself from her conversational captors, Bella graciously said, “Shelina, finish entertaining the guests first. We’ll talk later.”

Shelina nodded in acknowledgment, leaving Bin to breathe a sigh of relief.

Bella turned her attention back to Bin. “Now, talk.”

Reluctantly, Bin began. “A few days ago, there was a lecture at Harvard University on Rockwave. Did you hear about it?”

Bella nodded faintly. “Yes, I heard. It struck me as odd, but I was preoccupied at the time and didn’t give it much thought. Why bring it up now?”

“That’s because the lecture was all about you,” Bin said pointedly.

“Me?” Bella’s confusion deepened. “How so?”

“Think about it, Sister Bella,” Bin continued. “Haven’t the valuations of your companies surged recently? I mean, they were already astronomical, but now they’ve reached unprecedented levels.”

Bella’s eyes narrowed as realization began to dawn. It was true—her companies had seen a sudden surge in valuation, though her finance teams had yet to determine why.

Seeing the flicker of understanding in Bella’s eyes, Bin smirked and added, “Chairman sir may have tricked his beloved wifey into stepping down, but he’d never truly abandon you. That lecture at Harvard? It wasn’t for Rockwave—it was to highlight you as its former president.”

Bella’s piercing gaze softened as she pieced everything together.

Previously, Bella’s association with Rockwave was known only among elite circles. However, the lecture at Harvard had thrust her name into the public domain, elevating her already legendary reputation. Naturally, this newfound fame had sent her companies’ valuations soaring.

From the sidelines, Bartik, resting her small head on Nikhil’s shoulder, chimed in softly, “Daddy’s so sweet, isn’t he?”

The words elicited an incredulous chuckle from Bin and Nikhil.

“Sweet?” Nikhil muttered under his breath. “Her daddy is a devil, not sweet.”

Still, neither of them dared voice their thoughts aloud, knowing Kartik’s wrath was something they didn’t wish to provoke.

The evening progressed, and soon it was time for the ring exchange.

By now, the ocean had turned a deep, inky black, but the cruise ship remained a dazzling beacon of light and luxury. Amid cheers and applause, Bin and Shelina exchanged rings, the celebration culminating in a romantic couple’s dance.

The noise, however, began to wear on Bartik. Tugging at Bella’s gown, she whispered, “Mommy, it’s too loud here. I don’t like it. Can we go somewhere quieter?”

Before Bella could respond, Sam interjected, “Sister Bella, if Bartik is uncomfortable, let’s step outside. Besides, Bin is busy playing the charming fiancé now.”

Nikhil scooped Bartik into his arms and added, “Agreed. This party is dragging. Bin always overdoes the theatrics.”

Bella exhaled lightly and said, “Alright. Let’s go.”

A smile lit up Bartik’s face as the group made their way to the ship’s upper deck, leaving the noise and chaos behind.

Once outside, they reveled in the cool ocean breeze, the chatter between them light and carefree.

Until Sam’s voice broke the calm.

“What… what is that?” he stammered, pointing toward the water. “Why is the water level so high?”

Bella, Nikhil, and Bartik followed his gaze, their expressions darkening.

The ocean’s surface had risen alarmingly, the water now lapping dangerously close to the ship’s main deck.

As they stared, the water began to spill over onto the deck below.

Bella’s composure was immediate and unshakable. “The ship is sinking,” she declared. “And no one even realizes it.”

Sam shook his head in disbelief. “How is that possible? Where are the crew? The security? How could they let this happen?”

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