Chapter Six: Who dare bully my wife

ADAM BELLA

"Dad," the little boy called again as David carried him, gently ruffling his hair.

"She’s a friend," David replied nonchalantly.

Wait, did he just call me a friend? I could feel the frustration building inside me. First, I find out he has a son, and now, in front of everyone, I’m just his friend? We’re married, for crying out loud! Couldn’t he at least keep up appearances? I smiled to myself, hatching a small plan for revenge.

"Hi, my name is Jasper Copperfield," a small voice interrupted my thoughts, accompanied by a gentle tug on my sleeve.

I looked down and saw the most adorable boy, with large gray eyes that seemed to hold the wisdom of someone far beyond his five years.

"Hello, my name is Adam Bella. I’m your dad’s... friend," I replied, throwing a glance at David, irritation bubbling up again. "How old are you?" I added, rubbing his soft hair.

"You know, your dad’s a little crazy," I whispered conspiratorially.

Jasper giggled, edging closer to me. I bent down to meet him at eye level. "You’re right. My dad is crazy," he said with a mischievous grin.

I laughed. Looks like I’ve found my gossip buddy. Elowen must hear about this.

"Can we be friends?" Jasper asked.

"Friends?" I was taken aback for a moment. "How old are you?" I asked again, trying to keep the conversation going.

"I’m five years old. I can tell you everything about me what I like, what I don’t like if we’re friends," he said, flashing a grin that reminded me a little too much of his father’s smugness.

"Making deals, huh? Just like your dad," I teased. "Alright, it’s a deal," I said, shaking his tiny hand.

As soon as I looked up, I realized everyone was staring at me, eyes wide, jaws slack. Even David, the king of stone-faced expressions, looked shocked. What did I do wrong?

DAVID

I had never seen Jasper warm up to anyone, let alone laugh and talk like this. He barely speaks to me, yet here he is, acting like a normal child with her.

What on earth are they talking about? If that little rabbit says anything about our arrangement to him, I swear I’ll…

I walked over, trying to maintain my composure. "Follow me," I said flatly as Bella reached for her briefcase.

"Don’t worry about that," I waved one of the maids over. "Take her things to the room."

She didn’t even flinch. "Why was everyone staring at me like that just now?" she asked as we walked.

I didn’t bother answering. "There are rules," I began. "I value my privacy. The third floor is off-limits. Understood?" I turned to see her nodding like an obedient rabbit.

I smiled faintly, enjoying the control. "The head maid will show you to your room and provide whatever you need. Remember," I added darkly, "if I catch you on the third floor, you won’t like what happens next."

"Okay," she whispered, taking a cautious step back.

I turned, leaving her staring after me as my assistant caught up.

"Find everything about her," I ordered without slowing my pace.

"We’ve already gathered some info. She broke up with her boyfriend yesterday. It seems she came from his place when you met her."

"And?" I asked impatiently.

"Her ex is Michael, the manager at B Group."

I stopped abruptly. "B Group? My competitor?" My interest piqued, the edge of anger creeping into my voice.

"Yes. She sent him to school, helped him get a job, and now he’s engaged to Vivian, your grandfather’s head maid’s daughter."

I felt a slow, dangerous smile spread across my face. "Vivian," I muttered. "A gold-digger through and through, pretending to be my sister." I paused. "Let her play her little game, as long as she stays in her lane."

"There’s more," my assistant added. "Bella works at one of your companies."

I raised an eyebrow. "Which one?"

"The new one you launched last year. She’s been bullied by Vivian because everyone assumes Vivian is your sister."

A sharp crack echoed as I snapped the pen in my hand. "She bullied my wife?" I growled.

"Reschedule all my meetings tomorrow. I’m paying a visit to that company. Let’s see who dares mess with my little rabbit.”