𝓣𝔀𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓣𝓲𝓮𝓼 : 𝒯𝒽ℯ 𝒯𝒶𝓁ℯ 𝓞𝓯 𝓜𝓪𝓵𝓱𝓸𝓽𝓻𝓪'𝓼

◕⁠◕[24]◕◕

Ishita sighed , trying her best to speak because she can't let anyone hurt her reputation like this.

“That’s a lie! The contract was for two weeks. Those papers are forged.”

Manav cut in smoothly, shaking his head with mock sympathy.
“Forged? Mam, you disappoint me. The client’s seal is right there, the dates are clear. If you failed, at least own it instead of insulting everyone’s intelligence.”

The inspector turned to Shivaay.

“And you, Mr. Rathore? As a diamond dealer, why would you support such negligence?”

Shivaay rolled his eyes,his jaw clenching while anger was rushing through his veins.

“Because negligence didn’t happen. Manav  staged this entire drama. Look closer at those papers—the ink, the seals, the handwriting. They scream forgery. He wants her empire destroyed because he can’t compete with her brilliance.”

For a moment, the inspector hesitated, but Manav quickly stepped in, producing his trump card: a USB drive.
“I expected they would claim forgery. That’s why I brought video proof. Surveillance footage—time-stamped—that shows them failing to deliver on schedule.”

The inspector’s eyes widened. The officers inserted the drive. The screen flickered—grainy but clear footage showed ishita workshop with unfinished jewels and a calendar date proving the “missed deadline.”

Ishita eyes went wide. She knew this was edited, doctored… but in that moment, it looked damning.

“This isn’t real… this can’t be real…”

Manav smirked, his victory radiating in the room.

Manav move closer,his voice barely above a whisper.smirk was never leaving his face.

“I warned you,  Reputations are fragile.”

The inspector slammed the file shut.

“Until this is cleared, Miss verma ,your jewellery shipments are on hold. And your license will remain under review.”

Ishita face drained of color. Her empire—her name—was slipping away.she clutched her hands tighter in her lap.

Shivaay reached for her trembling hand under the table, squeezing it firmly.

“This isn’t the end. He’s won this round… but only this round.”

Manav’s chuckle filled the room like poison.

Manav (smirking as he walked out):
“No, shivaay. This isn’t a round. This… is checkmate.”

Ishita closed her eyes, tears burning, as shivaay grip on her hand tightened—not in defeat, but in a silent promise of war.a lone tear escaped from her eyes but she wiped it immediately.

🦋

When Ishita and shivaay stepped out of the police station, a sea of flashing cameras and shouting voices swallowed them whole. Journalists surged forward, microphones thrust in their faces.

Reporter 1:
“miss.verma, is it true you cheated your international clients?”

Reporter 2:
“Miss verma, are you under arrest for fraud?”

Reporter 3 (shouting):
“Did mr.rathore help you in the scam?”

The noise was deafening. Ishita legs felt like lead, her throat dry, but every camera was trained on her pale, broken face.shivaay held her hand tightly, squeezing it gently...telling her that she is not alone.