Chairman's Beloved Wifey

Rawat, though deeply concerned for his boss, discreetly aimed his gun at Emma, ensuring he didn't draw attention.

A deafening gunshot suddenly pierced through the air, echoing across the army base.

"Boss!"

Rawat and the senior military personnel swiftly advanced toward Bella, who staggered back, clutching her arm.

Emma stood frozen, her gaze fixated on the blood trickling from Bella's hand.

The bullet had merely grazed Bella, leaving only a superficial scratch. Yet, the physical wound was insignificant compared to the emotional blow Emma's action had inflicted on Bella.

Bella glanced at the blood on her hand before locking eyes with Emma, her expression a mixture of disbelief and betrayal.

Emma had harbored resentment toward Bella since childhood, but Bella had never imagined that animosity would culminate in this—an actual gunshot.

Emma's composure crumbled as fear consumed her. Her hands trembled uncontrollably, and the gun slipped from her grip, clattering to the ground.

In a voice barely above a whisper, Bella said, "You actually shot me, Emma."

The quiet accusation drained the color from Emma's face, and panic overtook her. Her heartbeat raced as she stammered, "Bella, I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. It was an accident—the trigger slipped. Please forgive me. You know I'd never—"

Bella cut her off, her voice steely as she addressed the head of her security. "Steven, escort her home safely. Ensure that our 'princess' remains confined to the house for the next month. I don't want to see her outside."

Steven nodded. "Understood, Boss." Without hesitation, he took Emma away, ignoring her protests.

---

The lieutenant stepped forward and suggested, "Madam Richard, while your injury seems minor, there's a risk of infection. Please allow me to escort you to the dispensary. It won't take long, and the doctor can treat it properly."

Bella smiled faintly as she dabbed the blood on her arm with a napkin. "Thank you for your concern, Lieutenant Colonel, but there's no need. I wouldn't want to trouble you further. Emma has already caused enough disruption here. I'll take my leave now. My guards will assist with the cleanup, and consider Shadowstrike my compensation for this inconvenience."

Her final words sent a ripple of excitement through the gathered military personnel.

Shadowstrike, the pinnacle of high-tech weaponry, was considered Bella Richard's masterpiece—a weapon that could rival and even surpass Rockwave's most advanced arsenals.

The military team, initially skeptical about securing Shadowstrike after days of negotiations, were stunned when Bella offered it as a gesture of reparation for a relatively minor incident.

The spoiled heiress they had initially perceived Emma to be now seemed like a delicate princess, and any irritation they felt had transformed into gratitude.

After all, it was Emma's recklessness that had led to Bella parting with a treasure like Shadowstrike.

Shortly after, a convoy of sleek black Land Rovers exited the army base, with Bella's signature Rolls-Royce at the center.

Inside the vehicle, Bella leaned back on the plush leather seats. Her shirt sleeve was rolled up, revealing her slender arm, where a fine trickle of blood marred her otherwise flawless skin.

From the front seat, Rawat observed his boss through the rearview mirror. She remained composed, dabbing away at her injury with a napkin, her serene expression betraying none of the turmoil caused by her sister's impulsive actions.

"Boss," Rawat ventured cautiously, "the bleeding seems excessive. Shall we head to the hospital?"

Bella considered briefly before nodding. "Let's go. The wound may not be deep, but the bleeding is persistent."

With her consent, Rawat relayed the instructions to the driver.

Though Bella had initially shrugged off the pain, the continuous loss of blood began to take its toll. Her arm throbbed, growing numb as the discomfort intensified.

She closed her eyes, resting her head against the seat. Her naturally crimson lips pressed into a thin line as she silently endured the pain.

As the car came to a halt outside the hospital, Bella opened her eyes and issued a firm command. "Rawat, ensure that neither Charlie nor Kartik hears about this incident."

Her voice carried a quiet resolve. She had no intention of letting her hot-headed stepbrother Charlie or her mercurial husband Kartik learn about the attack. Their reactions were unpredictable—and Emma might not survive the consequences.

Bella could control empires, but the two men in her life—her husband Kartik and her stepbrother Charlie—had minds of their own.

Rawat hesitated. "Boss, manipulating Charlie is possible, but Kartik Sir… He won't be so easily swayed."

Bella's lips curved into a faint smile. "I know, Rawat. But try anyway."

---

Meanwhile, amid the icy peaks of the Himalayas, where the air itself was a challenge to breathe, a solitary figure sat in deep meditation. His chiseled features, marked by both strength and beauty, radiated an unnatural calm.

The freezing temperatures turned his breath into visible clouds, yet the biting cold had no effect on his unwavering focus.

Bare-chested, save for a pair of black pants, the man's muscular frame seemed impervious to the snow that clung to his body. Even the relentless storm couldn't diminish the sheer power of his presence. His aura, cold and intimidating, surpassed even the harsh environment surrounding him.

The silence was abruptly shattered by the roar of a helicopter slicing through the storm. A sleek black chopper landed nearby, its rotors scattering the snow.

A tall, impeccably dressed man stepped out, clad in a black leather jacket and boots that perfectly complemented his 6'6" frame. His eyes sparkled with mischief, a sly grin playing on his lips as he approached the meditating figure.

"Chairman," he called out, his tone teasing. "This is hardly fair. Your wife has been shot, and yet here you are, engrossed in your penance. At this rate, your dedication to meditation might just cost you your marriage."

The Chairman, Kartik, opened his eyes, revealing a pair of piercing, ocean-blue irises that seemed to harbor a tempest.

Fixing the intruder with an icy glare, Kartik's voice was cold and lethal. "Under such circumstances, your lies may very well become the cause of your death, Akshat Rajvansh."

Unfazed, Akshat smirked. "Brother, I'm no fool. Fearless, yes, but not suicidal. Bella was indeed shot—by none other than Emma Richard. If you don't believe me, come see for yourself. She's currently admitted to R.H. Hospital."

Kartik's expression darkened, his handsome features taking on an ominous edge. His eyes grew colder, his mind already envisioning Emma's demise.

But would Bella allow him to carry out his revenge?

___________________________________

What will Kartik do to Emma?

Will his actions strain his bond with Bella?

To Know…

To be continued…