The room fell silent the moment Arman stepped in.
Crystal chandeliers shimmered above, reflecting the wealth and power gathered inside the boardroom. Every seat was filled—directors, investors, and rivals who smiled with polished masks. But tonight, something felt different.
Tonight, the enemy was no longer hiding.
Arman Khan walked forward with steady steps, his sharp eyes scanning every face. He could feel it—the tension, the whispers, the subtle fear.
At the far end of the table sat a man he hadn't seen in years.
Rashid Mallick.
The name alone was enough to awaken old wounds.
Rashid leaned back in his chair, a slow, confident smile forming on his lips. "Welcome, Mr. Khan," he said calmly. "It's been a long time."
Arman stopped. His expression remained cold, but inside, memories burned like fire.
"Not long enough," Arman replied.
A murmur spread across the room.
Everyone knew there was history—but no one knew how deep it went.
Rashid folded his hands. "I heard you've been doing… impressive work. Rising from nowhere to the top. Quite inspiring."
Arman smirked slightly. "And I heard you've been busy… stealing what isn't yours."
The air turned heavy.
Rashid's smile faded just a little. "Careful with your words."
"Or what?" Arman stepped closer. "You'll destroy me again?"
Silence.
For a moment, their eyes locked—past and present colliding in a single glance.
Years ago, Rashid had betrayed Arman. Stolen his ideas. Destroyed his reputation. Left him with nothing.
But that was the past.
Now, Arman was no longer the man who lost everything.
He was the man who came back for revenge.
"I'm not here to fight," Rashid said, though his voice had a hidden edge. "I'm here to propose a partnership."
That made everyone in the room look up.
A partnership?
Arman let out a soft laugh. "You think I would ever work with you?"
Rashid leaned forward. "You don't have a choice."
At that moment, the screen behind him lit up.
Documents. Contracts. Numbers.
And one shocking truth.
Rashid now owned a significant share of Arman's company.
The room erupted into whispers.
Arman's jaw tightened—but his face stayed calm.
"So this is your move," he said quietly.
Rashid smiled again. "The game has changed. I'm no longer behind you…"
He paused.
"I'm in front of you."
For the first time, the battlefield was clear.
No more hidden enemies.
No more shadows.
Just two powerful men, standing face to face.
Arman adjusted his suit, his eyes turning colder than ever.
"Good," he said.
"I prefer my enemies where I can see them."
The war had officially begun.