The music inside the ballroom continued.
But for Aarav and Kiara…
Everything had changed.
Both of them stood near the balcony, watching Vikram Khanna across the hall as he casually talked to a group of investors.
As if he hadn't just dropped a bomb.
Aarav's voice was low.
"You knew him."
Kiara nodded slowly.
"He used to work with my grandfather years ago."
"And you never thought to mention that?" Aarav asked sharply.
Kiara turned toward him.
"You never asked."
Aarav exhaled slowly, trying to control his anger.
"So let me get this straight."
His eyes locked onto hers.
"You're telling me the man who ruined both our families…"
He gestured toward Vikram across the room.
"…is standing ten meters away drinking champagne?"
Kiara's expression hardened.
"Yes."
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Aarav laughed quietly.
Not amused.
Just frustrated.
"All these years…"
His voice darkened.
"I blamed your father."
Kiara looked at him carefully.
"And I blamed yours."
Silence followed.
Because now the truth was becoming clearer.
They had both been fighting the wrong enemy.
Kiara folded her arms.
"Vikram Khanna doesn't show himself unless he already has a plan."
Aarav glanced toward the crowd again.
"So what's his plan now?"
Kiara's voice dropped.
"Probably the same thing he's always wanted."
"What?"
"To control the entire industry."
Aarav smirked slightly.
"He'll have to get through me first."
Kiara raised a brow.
"You think he's scared of you?"
Aarav looked at her.
"No."
Then he added calmly,
"But he should be scared of us."
Kiara paused.
That word lingered.
Us.
"You're suggesting an alliance," she said slowly.
"Temporary," Aarav replied.
Kiara studied him carefully.
"Why should I trust you?"
Aarav stepped closer.
"You shouldn't."
His voice was calm.
"But right now… you need me."
Kiara smirked slightly.
"And you need me."
Aarav didn't deny it.
Because Vikram Khanna wasn't a small enemy.
He was a strategist.
A manipulator.
And he already knew both of them.
Kiara glanced toward the hall again.
Then she extended her hand.
"Fine."
Aarav looked at it for a moment.
Then shook it.
"Temporary alliance."
Kiara nodded.
"Until Vikram Khanna is out of the game."
Aarav's eyes darkened slightly.
"Oh, he will be."
Across the ballroom—
Vikram watched them shake hands.
And slowly smiled.
Because everything was going exactly according to his plan.
What Aarav and Kiara didn't realize yet was—
He had just started the real war.