The gala slowly continued as if nothing had happened.
Music played.
Guests laughed.
Business deals were discussed.
But Kiara's mind was elsewhere.
Arjun's sudden appearance had disturbed her more than she wanted to admit.
And Aarav had noticed.
Of course he had.
They stood near the balcony area of the ballroom when suddenly the crowd near the entrance shifted.
Whispers spread quickly.
"Is that…?"
"No way."
"He actually came tonight?"
Aarav frowned slightly.
"Who?"
Before Kiara could answer—
The main doors opened.
A tall man in his late forties walked inside.
His presence alone changed the atmosphere of the room.
Powerful.
Confident.
Dangerous.
Several businessmen immediately straightened when they saw him.
Kiara's expression changed instantly.
Her fingers tightened around the glass in her hand.
Aarav noticed.
"Kiara?"
Her voice dropped to a whisper.
"Why is he here…?"
The man's sharp eyes scanned the room.
Then they stopped.
Directly on Kiara.
A slow smile appeared on his face.
And suddenly he started walking toward them.
Aarav's instincts sharpened.
"You know him."
It wasn't a question.
Kiara nodded slowly.
"Yes."
"Who is he?"
Before she could answer—
The man reached them.
"Kiara Kapoor," he said warmly.
"After all these years… you still know how to make an entrance."
Kiara's eyes hardened.
"Mr. Khanna."
Aarav's expression darkened instantly.
Vikram Khanna.
One of the most ruthless businessmen in the country.
A man known for destroying companies and taking over industries.
Vikram glanced toward Aarav.
"And you must be Aarav Malhotra."
He extended his hand calmly.
"I've been wanting to meet you."
Aarav shook it.
His voice cold.
"Why?"
Vikram chuckled softly.
"Because you two are very interesting."
His eyes moved between them.
"A revenge marriage."
"A corporate takeover."
"And now a public power couple."
He leaned slightly closer.
"You've both created quite the entertainment."
Kiara's voice turned icy.
"What do you want?"
Vikram smiled.
"Oh Kiara…"
His tone was almost amused.
"You still don't understand."
Aarav's eyes narrowed.
"Understand what?"
Vikram straightened his jacket.
"The little war between your families?"
He chuckled quietly.
"That was never really between you."
The air between them froze.
Aarav's gaze sharpened.
"What are you talking about?"
Vikram's eyes gleamed with satisfaction.
"Years ago," he said calmly,
"your fathers were partners."
Kiara and Aarav both went still.
"But partnerships can be… manipulated."
Aarav's voice dropped dangerously low.
"Get to the point."
Vikram leaned slightly closer.
"I'm the reason your families destroyed each other."
Silence exploded around them.
Kiara's heart pounded.
Aarav's fists clenched slowly.
Vikram smiled.
"And now…"
His gaze darkened.
"…I'm the reason your companies will fall too."
Then he stepped back calmly.
"Enjoy the evening."
And just like that—
He walked away.
Leaving behind two people who had just realized something terrifying.
Their war…
Their hatred…
Their revenge…
Might have been built on a lie.