Kapoor Global Holdings.
Top floor.
The boardroom was silent except for the soft ticking of the wall clock.
A long glass table stretched across the room, surrounded by powerful executives and directors.
At the head of the table sat Kiara Kapoor.
No bridal lehenga now.
She wore a sharp black blazer and ivory silk blouse, her hair tied neatly, her expression calm and unreadable.
The soft bride from the wedding night had completely disappeared.
This was the real Kiara.
The door opened.
Every head in the room turned.
Aarav Malhotra walked in.
Confident. Controlled. Dangerous.
His dark suit was perfectly tailored, his eyes sharp as they immediately locked onto Kiara.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
The air between them felt heavy.
Finally, Aarav stepped forward and pulled out a chair.
"So," he said calmly, sitting down across from her.
"Kiara Mehra… or should I say Kiara Kapoor?"
Kiara leaned back slightly.
"You finally did your research."
Aarav's lips curved faintly.
"You hid it well."
"That was the point."
A few executives exchanged nervous glances.
This wasn't a normal business meeting.
This was two predators studying each other.
Aarav placed a file on the table.
"You're buying shares of Malhotra Industries."
Kiara folded her hands calmly.
"Yes."
"You know that won't give you control."
"I don't need control yet," she replied smoothly.
"Then what do you want?" Aarav asked.
Kiara's eyes met his.
"You started something at the wedding."
Her voice was steady.
"I'm just continuing it."
Aarav leaned slightly forward.
"Let's skip the games."
He tapped the table lightly.
"You trapped me with that clause. Fine. Clever move."
Kiara didn't react.
"But buying shares?" he continued.
"That's not revenge."
Kiara tilted her head.
"Who said this is revenge?"
Aarav's eyes narrowed.
"Then what is it?"
Kiara smiled faintly.
"Strategy."
Silence filled the room again.
Then Aarav chuckled softly.
"You know what's funny?"
Kiara raised a brow.
"What?"
"You think you're the only one capable of planning."
Before anyone could react, Aarav pushed another document across the table.
One of Kapoor Global's directors quickly picked it up.
His eyes widened.
"Miss Kapoor…"
Kiara glanced at the document.
Her calm expression shifted for the first time.
It was a contract.
A joint venture proposal.
Aarav rested his elbows on the table.
"You want Malhotra Industries?" he said.
"Work with me."
The boardroom froze.
Kiara looked at him carefully.
"You're offering a partnership?"
"Temporary," Aarav corrected.
"And why would I agree to that?"
Aarav's gaze darkened slightly.
"Because you're not the only one with enemies."
The room grew even quieter.
"There's someone else moving behind the scenes," Aarav said slowly.
"Someone who benefits if both our companies fall."
Kiara studied his face.
Trying to decide if he was lying.
"Who?" she asked.
Aarav leaned back.
"That," he said calmly,
"Is something we'll discover together."
Their eyes locked again.
Still full of tension.
Still full of challenge.
But now…
There was something else.
A dangerous possibility.
An alliance.
And sometimes—
Alliances between enemies were far more explosive than war.