The night before Dragov's arrival was tense.
Guards patrolled every corner of the mansion.
Inside the strategy room, Aryan Malhotra studied the security plans carefully.
Across from him sat Anaya Sen.
"You haven't slept," she said quietly.
Aryan didn't look up.
"Sleep can wait."
Anaya sighed.
"You're human, not a machine."
Aryan finally looked at her.
"In my world, weakness gets people killed."
Before she could respond—
The door suddenly opened.
One of Aryan's most trusted men walked in.
His name was Raghav Mehta.
"Boss, the perimeter is secured," he said.
Aryan nodded.
"Good."
But something felt strange.
Raghav looked unusually nervous.
Anaya noticed it too.
"Is something wrong?" she asked.
Raghav avoided eye contact.
"No… everything is fine."
Aryan's sharp instincts immediately sensed something off.
"What are you hiding?" Aryan asked calmly.
Raghav swallowed nervously.
For a moment he stayed silent.
Then suddenly—
He pulled out a gun and pointed it directly at Aryan.
Anaya gasped.
"Raghav?!"
Aryan's expression didn't change.
"So it's you."
Raghav's voice shook slightly.
"I had no choice."
Aryan crossed his arms calmly.
"Let me guess… Dragov."
Raghav nodded slowly.
"Yes."
Then he continued bitterly.
"He offered me something you never could."
"Freedom."
Anaya stared at him in disbelief.
"You betrayed him for money?!"
Raghav shook his head.
"Not money."
Then he looked at Aryan.
"You built an empire… but you never let your men leave."
"For you, loyalty means lifetime servitude."
Aryan's voice remained cold.
"And betrayal means death."
Raghav tightened his grip on the gun.
"Dragov will be here soon."
"He said if I bring him the girl and the chip…"
"He'll spare my life."
Anaya felt anger rising.
"You're disgusting."
Raghav ignored her.
Instead he stepped closer.
"Give me the chip, Boss."
Aryan looked at him quietly.
Then something unexpected happened.
Aryan slowly started laughing.
Raghav frowned.
"What's funny?"
Aryan's eyes turned cold.
"You really think I didn't expect a traitor?"
Before Raghav could react—
BANG!
A shot rang through the room.
But it didn't come from Aryan.
A sniper from the balcony had already aimed.
Raghav dropped the gun and collapsed on the floor.
Anaya stood frozen.
Aryan calmly walked toward the fallen man.
He looked down without emotion.
"Never betray the cobra."
Then he turned to Anaya.
"Dragov will arrive tomorrow."
"And when he does…"
His voice became deadly calm.
"The snake and the dragon will finally fight."