Four days after the attack, the penthouse was under heavy security. Guards patrolled the lobby, cameras were upgraded, and Rohini's schedule became a closely guarded secret.
But security didn't stop the whispers.
At the Kothari board meeting, she noticed it—the smirks, the sideways glances, the barely concealed satisfaction on a few directors' faces. Vikrant was winning their trust, spinning the shooting as a "sign the company needs a stronger, male leader."
That night, over a quiet dinner at home, Shivansh pushed a file toward her.
"I've been tracking the board's voting patterns. Your brother's been buying loyalty with bribes disguised as investment bonuses. In six months, he could have enough votes to push you out."
Rohini set down her fork. "Then we hit back before that."
Shivansh leaned forward. "I can cut his funding sources, but it'll be risky. If I'm wrong about the numbers, he'll know we're moving against him."
Her lips curved into the faintest smile. "Good. Let him know. Sometimes fear works better than loyalty."
But before they could discuss further, the doorbell rang.
When Rohini opened it, her expression hardened instantly.
Kanika stood there—perfectly dressed, perfectly poised, holding a gift box.
"I'm here to congratulate you both," Kanika said sweetly, though her eyes flickered over Shivansh like a storm. "I read about the attack. I thought… maybe I should check in."
Rohini didn't move from the doorway. "How touching. And how exactly did you get past security?"
"I told them I was family," Kanika replied, with just enough emphasis to sting.
Shivansh finally stepped forward. "Kanika, this isn't the time—"
"Oh, I think it is," she cut in, her voice low but sharp. "I made a mistake, Shivansh. I walked away when I should've stayed. And I'm not going to pretend I don't regret it."
Rohini's gaze was ice. "You're too late."
Kanika's smile didn't falter. "We'll see."
When she left, the air in the room felt heavier. Rohini crossed her arms. "She's not just here for you. Vikrant probably sent her. A woman scorned makes a perfect weapon."
Shivansh exhaled slowly. "Then we play smarter."
For the first time, Rohini realized something about Shivansh Mehra—
He wasn't just here to fulfill a contract.
He was starting to fight for her.
And that made him both her greatest asset… and her greatest risk.