Rhea didn't react immediately.
That was her strength.
She didn't shout.
Didn't create scenes.
Didn't lose control.
She planned.
Her cabin was quiet.
Phone in her hand.
Eyes fixed on the screen.
The same photo.
Arman Khurana and Anika Kapoor.
She smiled faintly.
"Defending her publicly…" she murmured,
"interesting."
Her fingers moved.
Dialing a number.
"Hello, Mr. Malhotra," she said smoothly.
"Yes… I'm calling regarding the Eco Tower project."
Pause.
"I think you should recheck the designer's background."
Her smile deepened.
"Some details weren't disclosed to you."
Next morning—
The office was calm.
Too calm.
Anika walked in, unaware.
Arman was already in his cabin, going through emails.
Then—
Meera rushed in.
"Sir, we have a problem."
Arman looked up.
"What happened?"
"The Mumbai client has raised concerns."
His expression turned serious.
"About what?"
Meera hesitated.
"About Anika Kapoor."
Silence.
Cold silence.
"What exactly?"
"They've received information that her past project failed due to structural errors."
Anika, who had just reached the door, froze.
"That's not true," she said immediately.
Both of them turned.
Arman's gaze locked on her.
"Come in."
She stepped inside.
Her voice steady, but her eyes burning—
"That information is false."
Meera added softly,
"They're asking for a review meeting before signing the deal."
Arman's jaw tightened.
"Who sent them this?"
No answer.
But in that silence—
Everyone knew.
Across the office—
Rhea stood near the window.
Watching.
Waiting.
Because this time—
She hadn't just created rumors.
She had attacked Anika's credibility.
Her career.
Her future.
Back in the cabin—
Anika stood still.
"This will ruin everything," she whispered.
Arman walked toward her.
Calm.
Focused.
"No, it won't."
"You don't understand—"
"I understand perfectly."
His voice was firm.
"They're questioning my project."
She shook her head.
"They're questioning me."
Arman stepped closer.
"And I'm not letting that happen."
She looked at him.
For the first time—
There was fear in her eyes.
"What if they don't believe me?"
Arman held her gaze.
"Then I'll make them."
Silence.
Heavy.
Assuring.
Dangerous.
Because this time—
It wasn't just about defending her in the office.
This was bigger.
Public.
Professional.
Risky.
Arman turned to Meera.
"Schedule the review meeting."
"Yes sir."
"And get me every detail of that false report."
Meera nodded and left.
Now it was just them.
Anika and Arman.
"Why are you doing this?" she asked softly.
Arman looked at her.
No hesitation this time.
"Because someone just crossed a line."
His voice dropped—
"And I don't tolerate that."
But deep down—
They both knew.
This wasn't just about business anymore.
Across the floor—
Rhea's phone buzzed.
A message.
"Information delivered."
She smiled.
Because now—
The real game had begun.