CHAPTER 4 #2
Before Dolly could finish, Aanya had already begun striding purposefully down the hallway. Panic flared in Dolly’s eyes as she rushed after her. “Ma’am, please! You can’t go in there. He’s in a meeting!”
Aanya didn’t slow. She shoved the conference room door open with both hands, silencing the room in an instant. Three heads turned toward her. But instead of her father, her eyes locked on the last person she expected to see across the polished mahogany table.
Reyansh Chopra.
Her husband.
Fate clearly had a flair for drama.
She blinked away the flicker of surprise and forced her features into a mask of icy indifference. Without acknowledging anyone else in the room, she stepped inside.
“Dad, are the papers ready?” she asked coolly.
“Aanya?” Anand stood up from his chair, clearly rattled. “What are you doing here?”
Reyansh leaned back into his seat, arms folded, his sharp gaze locked on her as if assessing every move she made.
“You never cared where I was all these months. Never asked how I was or what I was doing,” she snapped, eyes narrowing at her father. “So please, let’s not pretend we suddenly care about each other’s whereabouts. I’m here for the paperwork. If it’s ready, I’ll sign and leave.”
A smirk tugged at the corner of Reyansh’s lips, followed by a low, taunting chuckle.
“Mr. Malhotra,” he said dryly, “I don’t have time for theatrics. Ask your daughter to wait outside until we’re done here.”
Anand looked mortified, unsure which way to turn. But Aanya didn’t flinch.
“Why don’t you get out, then?” she fired back at Reyansh, stepping forward.
That was when Kyle stood from her seat.
“Enough, Aanya. Show some respect. He’s not only our most valued client—he’s your husband .”
Aanya threw her head back and laughed, loud and mocking.
“Oh, this is rich. You people crack me up. I’m your daughter, Dad…
but my dignity? That doesn’t matter to you.
And him—” she jerked her thumb toward Reyansh, “—he never gave a damn either. But sure, I’m expected to bow and smile and play the good girl for the two of you. Hilarious.”
Something flickered in Reyansh’s eyes—guilt? No. Whatever it was, it vanished quickly as he stood.
“Mr. Malhotra,” he said, rising up from his seat. “It seems we’ll need to continue this meeting another time.” He then glanced at Aanya once before adding. “Or never.”
Aanya crossed her arms, clearly satisfied and watched with a smug grin as Reyansh made his move to leave.
“Reyansh, please,” Kyle called out in desperation.
“No, Kyle,” he said, halting mid-step. “You both were the ones who insisted I come here and finalize the details of the venture. But your daughter has made it clear where your priorities lie. I don’t offer second chances. Consider this deal terminated.”
Kyle gasped, and Anand paled. Aanya sauntered forward, flopping dramatically into the seat Reyansh had just vacated. She propped her feet on the conference table and gave Reyansh a mock salute.
“Goodbye, Mr. Chopra. The Malhotras are not interested in any future ventures either.” She blew him a kiss and gestured toward the door. “Don’t forget your way out.”
“Aanya, shut up!” Anand shouted, his voice shaking.
Reyansh’s entire posture was taut with rage. He turned and stormed out. Kyle hurried after him, trying to catch up, but he ignored her completely. She stopped short, watching helplessly as he vanished down the hall, then turned back toward the room, her face flushed with fury.
“You foolish girl!” she hissed. “We waited ten months to get him back to the table. Ten months! And you destroyed everything in ten minutes. Couldn’t you hold your tongue for once? Couldn’t you wait five minutes?”
Aanya stuck her fingers in her ears. “Your voice gives me migraines, Kyle. Lower it before you give yourself a heart attack.”
Anand, who had been watching in silence, suddenly exploded. “Enough, Aanya! Kyle is right. You don’t care if this deal falls apart. But we do! That money funds this entire empire. The same money you burn through like water.”
Aanya’s smirk faltered. Her gaze flicked to Anand’s pale face, his one hand clutched his chest, trembling. Suddenly her defiance wavered.
“Anand!” Kyle shouted, rushing to his side with a glass of water. “What’s wrong with you? You look terrible. I’m calling the doctor.”
“No,” Anand rasped, shaking his head. Aanya stood frozen, her eyes locked on him.
“Dad…” she stepped forward, but he brushed off her hand.
“Don’t. You don’t care whether I live or die, I’m the last of your worries, Aanya.”
Her fists clenched. She could’ve said the same to him. Where was he when she needed him? But now wasn’t the time to play that game. He looked genuinely unwell, and her fury cooled just enough to hold back.
“Even if I tell you I care, you won’t believe me,” she said tightly. “I didn’t come here to ruin your meeting. I just want to know where things stand with the paperwork. I’ll be gone the moment it’s done.”
Kyle straightened and stared her down. “You want your paperwork completed? Fine. But first, get Reyansh to come back and agree to the deal.”
Aanya blinked. “What?”
“You heard me. You destroyed the meeting. Now fix it. Until Reyansh agrees to continue this venture, you won’t get a single penny.”
Aanya looked between her father and stepmother, horrified. “This is blackmail.”
“No, it’s consequences ,” Kyle snapped. “You made this mess. Now clean it up.”
Aanya stared at her father, silently daring him to object. But Anand said nothing. His silence hurt more than any words could.
Betrayed and boiling, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the conference room, fuming, frustrated, and more alone than ever.