Chapter 6

1094 Words
The dawn of a new day was disrupted by the echoing yells and arguments that reached Bella's ears. Groggily, she mumbled, "What is this? I can't even get a good sleep." Curiosity led her to the window, revealing a chaotic scene – her parents embroiled in a clash with stern-looking men in suits, accompanied by a bunch of menacing figures. Checking her phone, the alarm buzzed at midnight. Shocked, she exclaimed, "What? I slept till noon!" The realization hit her as she discovered 12 missed calls from the office. Rushing out of her room, Bella joined her parents outside. "Dad, what's happening here? And who are these thugs?" she questioned. "Don't worry, just don't add to the matter," her mother replied, a sense of caution in her voice. One of the suited figures retorted, "Who are you calling a thug, little girl?" Bella, undeterred, shot back, "Are you asking me, big head? You know I can arrest you for trespassing. This is our property." The boss in the suit laughed, mocking her, and others joined in. "Do you know who you're talking to? Mr. Montenegro, didn't you teach your child well? Your father owes us €2.4 million for the house you live in," one of them declared. "Dad, is it true? Say something," Bella asked, fear creeping into her voice. "Enough, Isabella. We have settled this. Don't add to the problem," her mother intervened, trying to diffuse the escalating tension. The air was thick with uncertainty as the truth hung in the balance, leaving Bella and her family on the precipice of a crisis. "We've had enough, guys. Move out their stuff from the house," the boss declared. "Wait, you can't just throw away our stuff or kick us out. You have to give us at least three months to settle things," Bella interjected, standing firm. "This little girl is still striking a deal," the boss scoffed. "What are you waiting for? Carry out the order." "James, calm down. I'll pay you; just give me a few months," Mr. Montes pleaded. "Mr. Montes, you know that's not possible. But I can make an exception if you give me your daughter," he laughed, and his men joined in. "Are you serious? You mean me?" Bella was furious. Without a second thought, she ran and delivered a swift kick to James's sensitive area. "Bella, what are you doing?" her mother asked, clearly fed up with the escalating chaos. The atmosphere hung heavy with tension, as the Montenegro family faced a ruthless demand that threatened their home. As James moaned in pain, the second boss commanded, "What are you waiting for? Throw all their stuff outside." "No, you can't do that. This is against the law," Bella's father pleaded. "That's how it's going to be. Blame yourself for having a bastard for a daughter," the first boss sneered. Just as despair loomed, a voice interrupted, "Stop right there." Bella recognized the voice and face – it was Marco, the managing director of the Montenegro company. "Who are you? Better not interfere; go your way," the other boss warned. "I'd love to avoid trouble, but this family has someone I know," Marco replied. "How much do they owe you?" The boss scoffed, "Why ask? Can you pay for it?" "It looks like he can. He owns the car over there," one of the thugs pointed out. "They owe us €240,000. Are you paying now or what?" the boss demanded. "I will pay you. Leave them alone, and don't ever bother them again. Break the rule, and you spend your entire life not seeing the sun. Understood?" Marco asserted. "Yes, yes," the boss conceded, and he left with his thugs. Throughout this, Richard had been silently spectating from a distance. Bella's parents expressed their gratitude to Marco, asking why he helped them. "I am Bella's boss," he revealed, evading the truth about the company. Curious, Bella's father inquired about the company. Bella discreetly signaled Marco not to disclose that he worked at a Montenegro firm. Instead, Marco replied, "I work at a small news station." Inviting Marco for dinner, Bella's parents appreciated his kindness. After dinner, Marco prepared to leave. As he departed, Bella confronted him, asking why he came. "You lazy girl, why didn't you show up at work? I thought you had too much alcohol and couldn't make it to the office; that's why I came by," Marco scolded. Surprised, Bella asked, "The CEO didn't say anything about me?" "Were you expecting anything from him?" Marco retorted. "No, no, just asking," Bella shrugged it off. "See you tomorrow at work," Marco said as he entered his car and drove off. Meanwhile, Richard observed the unfolding drama like a spectator in a movie. The plot thickened, leaving Bella caught in a web of secrets and unexpected twists. As Marco departed, Michael arrived, his curiosity piqued. "Who is that?" he asked. "He seems like a rich young man." "That's Marco," Bella replied with a scoff. "You mean Marco of the Montenegro company? What is he doing here? Hope it isn't what I'm thinking," Michael remarked. "Think what you want. Why are you here?" Bella questioned. "Don't give me that; you asked me to come over," Michael insisted. "Me? Are you dreaming? I just turned on my phone since daybreak; I haven't phoned anyone," Bella denied. "Dull head, you messaged me yesterday. You said you have some interesting news on Richard," Michael reminded her. Bella recalled the message, reluctant to discuss the events with Richard. However, she had to say something to Michael if she wanted him to leave. "Yes, I remembered. I wanted to tell you something about Richard. Never mind; it was not accurate," she said, feeling uncomfortable. "Can you at least tell me the inaccurate details?" Michael pressed. "Don't worry; I'll update you once it's finalized," Bella deflected. "Why do I feel like you're hiding something?" Michael questioned. "Are you here to question me? Well, I'm not a suspect. Let's leave that matter aside. I need to go to my part-time job; can you drive me there?" Bella requested. "You only know me when you need something. Hop in, and let's go," Michael replied. As they drove, the conversation continued. "You know, Bella, I've been interested in you since high school," Michael admitted. Bella sighed, "Michael, we've been through this. I value our friendship, but that's all it is." "Maybe things could be different now," Michael suggested. "Let's focus on the road, Michael. My mind is occupied with too many things right now," Bella deflected.
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