The news spread like fire.
Screens. Phones. Social media.
Everywhere—
Kiara Kapoor's name.
"Corporate Betrayal."
"Hidden Truth."
"Scandal."
Aurora office turned chaotic again.
Reporters outside.
Calls flooding in.
Investors panicking.
Inside—
Kiara stood still.
Watching everything fall apart.
Again.
Her phone kept ringing.
She didn't pick up.
Because this time—
It wasn't just an attack.
It was exposure.
Aarav walked toward her.
Slowly.
Carefully.
"Kiara…"
She didn't look at him.
"Don't."
Her voice was quiet.
But it stopped him.
"I told you," she said.
"That you wouldn't trust me."
Aarav clenched his jaw.
"This isn't about trust—"
"It is," she cut him off.
Finally turning toward him.
Her eyes—
Not angry.
Not strong.
Just… tired.
"For once," she whispered,
"just tell me honestly…"
She held his gaze.
"Do you think I did it?"
Silence.
That one second—
Felt like everything.
Aarav didn't answer immediately.
And that was enough.
Kiara nodded slowly.
A small, broken smile.
"Got it."
She looked away.
Because that hesitation—
Said more than words.
Outside—
Reporters shouted louder.
"Kiara Kapoor! Is it true?"
"Did you betray Aurora?"
Inside—
Kiara took a deep breath.
Then straightened.
Her expression changed.
Back to strong.
Cold.
Untouchable.
"Call a press conference," she said.
Everyone froze.
"Ma'am?"
Kiara's voice didn't shake.
"If they want answers…"
Her eyes darkened.
"I'll give them answers."
Aarav watched her.
Conflicted.
Because part of him—
Still doubted.
But another part—
Didn't want to.
Kiara walked past him.
Then stopped for a second.
Without looking back—
She said quietly:
"I wish you had trusted me."
And then she walked away.
Aarav stood there.
Silent.
Because for the first time—
He realized something dangerous.
Losing a deal was nothing.
Losing control was nothing.
But losing her trust?
That might be the one thing…
He couldn't fix.