𝓣𝔀𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓣𝓲𝓮𝓼 : 𝒯𝒽ℯ 𝒯𝒶𝓁ℯ 𝓞𝓯 𝓜𝓪𝓵𝓱𝓸𝓽𝓻𝓪'𝓼

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Manav stood a few steps away, pretending to shield his eyes from the flashes, but his smirk was unmistakable. He gave a few practiced lines to the reporters—

“I only did what was right for the industry. Trust and deadlines are everything. If we allow negligence, the entire market suffers. I respect Miss verma, but rules are rules.”

The reporters ate it up, scribbling furiously, his words twisting the knife deeper.

A loud chant started from the crowd gathered outside:

“Boycott sanvi! Boycott sanvi!”

She stumbled, the chants piercing through her. Shivaay caught her arm on time, steadying her. He bent close, whispering where no one else could hear.

“Don’t react. Don’t break here. That’s exactly what he wants.”

Ishita forced herself to keep walking, though her chest ached with humiliation. The diamonds she once wore proudly now felt like chains weighing her down.

clients she had worked with for years called her name from the crowd—only to turn away with disgust. That cut deeper than all the insults.

Back in the car, the silence was heavy. Ishita sat with her hands in her lap, staring blankly, her empire collapsing in front of her eyes.

“I’ve lost everything, . The police, the media, my clients… they all believe him.”

Shivaay gaze darkened, but his tone was calm, deliberate, like steel being forged.
“He’s clever. Too clever. But that also means he’s left footprints. Lies don’t stay buried forever. We’ll find them.”

“And until then? Until then I’m finished.”

Tear glistened her eyes.shivaay leaned forward, his voice dropping to a vow.

“Until then, you’re not alone. He won today, sanvi, But in the end… it’ll be his empire that burns.”

Outside the car window, giant screens on buildings replayed breaking news:

“Famous Jeweller Ishita verma Under Fraud Investigation.”

Ishita closed her eyes, her heart sinking lower. And in the reflection of the screen, Manav’s satisfied smile burned like a shadow she couldn’t escape.her phone was buzzing.numerous calls from adrika but she didn't cared.

Her face was getting red by trying to control her tears.

"Drop me at my office"she mumbled while fidgeting with her fingers.

"But—

"Please "she whispered weakly .

He hummed while driving.

After a while they reached to her office.he left her their because he knows she will not break down in front of him and can't even control more.in simple she wants alone time.

Ishita sat in her office at noon, the silence crushing. Her phone buzzed on the desk. For a moment she thought it might be shivaay with some news—but no.
The name flashing on the screen made her stomach tighten.

“Manav".

She hesitated, then answered.

Her voice tired but still carrying that venom for him .“What do you want now? Haven’t you destroyed enough?”

Manav’s voice came smooth, silk laced with venom.“Destroyed? No,  I did what had to be done. But I also have a way to… save you.”

Ishita brows furrowed together.she clenched her jaw while speaking.“Save me? After dragging me through the mud?”