The conference room felt colder than usual.
Not because of the AC.
But because of the tension.
On the large screen, the Mumbai investors were already connected. Serious faces. Formal expressions.
No smiles this time.
No casual tone.
This wasn't a presentation.
This was a test.
Anika stood near the screen.
File in her hand.
Heart steady… but heavy.
Beside her—
Arman Khurana.
Calm. Still. Unshaken.
As if none of this affected him.
But his presence?
It was enough to control the entire room.
"Let's begin," one of the investors said.
His tone was polite.
But distant.
"We've received some concerning information regarding the structural credibility of this project."
Anika inhaled slowly.
"This project is structurally sound," she said clearly.
"The information you received is incorrect."
The investor leaned back slightly.
"Then explain the previous failure linked to your name."
Silence.
Every eye in the room shifted to her.
Anika didn't move.
Didn't panic.
"That project," she said calmly,
"was altered without my approval before final execution."
A pause.
"I wasn't responsible for the final failure."
The investors exchanged looks.
Not fully convinced.
Then—
Arman spoke.
"She's telling the truth."
His voice was calm.
But carried authority.
The room stilled.
One of the investors looked at him.
"And how can you guarantee that, Mr. Khurana?"
Arman stepped forward.
"Because I verified her work personally."
Silence.
"I reviewed every detail of her design," he continued.
"And I stand by it."
The words were simple.
But powerful.
Because Arman Khurana—
Didn't stand by people easily.
The investor leaned forward slightly.
"You're willing to risk your company's reputation on this?"
A pause.
Then Arman answered—
Without hesitation.
"Yes."
Anika's breath caught.
She turned to look at him.
But he didn't look at her.
His eyes were fixed on the screen.
Steady.
Certain.
The room fell silent.
Completely.
Because that wasn't just support.
That was trust.
Public. Direct. Unshakable.
"Very well," the investor said finally.
"We'll proceed with the deal… on one condition."
Anika's fingers tightened around the file.
"What condition?" Arman asked.
"We want Ms. Anika Kapoor to personally supervise the project execution."
A pause.
"And we expect full accountability."
Anika nodded immediately.
"You'll have it."
The meeting ended.
The screen went black.
And the tension…
Finally broke.
Anika exhaled slowly.
Relief flooding through her.
But before she could say anything—
She turned toward Arman.
"Why did you do that?"
He looked at her.
"You already asked that."
"No," she said softly.
"This time it's different."
Silence.
"Today… you risked everything."
Arman held her gaze.
"For the project."
She shook her head.
"Not just for the project."
Their eyes locked.
And for a moment—
Neither looked away.
Arman stepped closer.
His voice low.
"Does it matter?"
Anika's heart raced.
"Yes."
A pause.
"Because I need to know…"
Her voice softened.
"…if this is still just business for you."
Silence.
Heavy.
Real.
Arman looked at her.
And for the first time—
He didn't have a quick answer.
"Focus on the project, Anika," he said finally.
Back to control.
Back to distance.
But this time—
It didn't feel real.
Anika nodded slowly.
But inside—
She knew.
Something had changed.
And whatever it was…
It wasn't simple anymore.
Across the office—
Rhea stood still.
Her expression no longer calm.
Because her plan—
Had failed.
Completely.
And now—
Arman Khurana was not just protecting Anika Kapoor.
He was standing beside her.