The conference room was packed.
Senior designers, managers, and project heads sat around the long table while the new project presentation was about to begin.
Anika stood near the screen, holding the remote.
She could feel the eyes on her.
Not the normal professional kind.
The judging kind.
The rumour kind.
Across the table, Rhea sat with a composed smile.
At the head of the table sat Arman Khurana, calm as ever, flipping through the presentation report.
"Let's begin," he said.
Anika started presenting the final design proposal.
Her voice was steady.
Confident.
Professional.
The slides changed smoothly as she explained the sustainable model, cost structure, and layout innovations.
A few people nodded.
But suddenly, someone at the far end of the table spoke.
"Impressive work… for someone new."
The room went quiet.
The man leaned back slightly.
"Though I suppose when the CEO personally selects the designer, the opportunity becomes easier to get."
A few awkward chuckles spread around the room.
Anika felt the sting instantly.
There it was.
The rumour.
Out in the open.
She kept her expression calm, but her fingers tightened around the remote.
Before she could respond—
A voice cut through the room.
Cold.
Sharp.
"Careful with your words."
Every head turned.
Arman Khurana had closed the report file slowly.
His eyes were fixed on the man who spoke.
"Mr. Verma," Arman continued calmly, "are you questioning my professional decisions?"
The man shifted slightly in his chair.
"No, sir. I just meant—"
"You implied that the project was given based on something other than talent."
Silence.
Heavy silence.
Arman leaned forward slightly.
"I selected Anika Kapoor because her proposal was the strongest one presented."
His voice remained calm but carried authority.
"If anyone in this room believes otherwise," he continued, "they're welcome to compete with her design."
No one spoke.
No one moved.
Arman's gaze slowly swept across the table.
"Until someone produces something better," he said, "this project remains hers."
The room fell completely silent.
Even the air felt heavier.
Anika looked at him for a moment.
She hadn't expected that.
Not from him.
Not publicly.
Arman then turned toward her.
"Continue your presentation."
His tone was neutral again.
Professional.
But the message had already been delivered.
Anika nodded slightly and continued explaining the design.
This time—
No one interrupted.
No one whispered.
And across the table, Rhea watched quietly.
Her smile was gone.
Because something had just become very clear.
Arman Khurana didn't just tolerate Anika Kapoor anymore.
He was starting to protect her.