Excessive Joy

After what seemed like forever, Bella finally ended the call.

She let the phone drop onto the bed beside her and ran a hand through her hair, her fingers trembling as they pushed through the strands. Her heart was pounding.

Alexander Voss had just shattered the reality she had always known.

Bella's eyes lifted to meet Rose's. Her assistant was staring at her, concern etched all over her face.

"I'm not Richard's child," Bella said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Rose blinked. "What?"

"I believe Richard has been lying to me," Bella continued, the weight of her own words crashing down on her. "Alexander Voss just told me that Richard has one child. A son. Damien Whitaker."

Rose frowned, pulling out her phone. Within seconds, she was typing furiously, her fingers flying across the screen. Bella watched in silence, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

Rose's face paled as she stared at the results. "Bella… he's right."