Rudy Pov:

"Rai?" I murmured, astonished. She wasn't supposed to be here in front of reporters, but something in her aura told me she had come to reclaim her narrative, ready to crush the lies that threatened her empire. The tension shifted palpably, and I could see the uncertainty flickering in Charishma's eyes as Rai stepped forward, ready to confront the chaos head-on. This battle was far from over, and I knew Rai was more than capable of taking charge. She was a force of nature, and I was here for it.

"From whom should I hide? ...a bitch like you?!" she said, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to the storm brewing around us. The reporters, now alert to her presence, exchanged puzzled glances, clearly unsure of who this fierce woman was.

"What did you just call me?" Charishma snapped, her voice sharp enough to cut glass.

"Bitch! I called you bitch! Which language do you prefer? Tell me... so that I can translate for you!" Rai shot back, a smirk dancing on her lips. This girl had a fire in her that was impossible to ignore, and I couldn't help but admire her audacity.

Charishma glared daggers at her, then turned to the reporters, feigning hurt. "See how she is behaving! She is the real CEO of RO Enterprise!" Her tone dripped with indignation, as if Rai's defiance was a personal affront.

"Aww, did I offend you?" Rai asked innocently, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She stepped in front of the reporters, her posture radiating authority. "Well, by now you get to know who I am, but still, let me introduce myself officially. I am the CEO of RO ENTERPRISE, Raiya Oberoi. The well-known model Charishma Roy is throwing really unnecessary false allegations on us. You all already saw the proofs."

"But how can we trust those proofs? I mean, those can also be false!" a reporter interjected, skepticism lacing his voice. Charishma smirked at that question, a glint of triumph in her eyes.

"I know, that's why I have something to show you all to prove how pathetic she can be for her own selfishness! ...may I?" Rai's smirk widened as she pulled her phone from her pocket. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as she prepared to unveil her evidence.

As she played the video, I stood behind, unable to see the screen but feeling the weight of the moment. The reporters leaned in, their cameras clicking, capturing every second of this unfolding drama. Rai had clearly prepared for this moment, and I could only imagine the content of the footage. It was a calculated move, one that would either solidify her position or plunge her deeper into the chaos.

"Look at her!" Rai exclaimed, gesturing toward the screen. "This is the real Charishma Roy, the one who will do anything to protect her image, even if it means dragging others down with her. You see, she thrives on manipulation and deceit." The reporters were captivated, their attention fully on the screen. Charishma's expression shifted from smug confidence to a mask of disbelief. 

"This is a setup!" she shouted, her voice rising in pitch. "You can't believe her!"

"Oh, but I think they can," Rai replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "After all, the truth has a way of coming out, doesn't it?"The tension in the room was electric. 

I could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on us all. Rai was not just fighting for her reputation; she was fighting for her very identity, and she was doing it with a fierce determination that was both inspiring and terrifying.

As the video continued to play, I could hear snippets of conversation, accusations, and the unmistakable sound of Charishma's voice, laced with desperation.

"Is this what you want, Charishma?" Rai continued, her voice steady and unwavering. "To play the victim while you're the one pulling the strings. The world deserves to see the truth, and I'm here to make sure they do."

The reporters were scribbling notes, their expressions shifting from skepticism to intrigue. Rai had taken control of the narrative, and I couldn't help but admire her bravery. This was more than just a confrontation; it was a declaration of war against the lies that had threatened to consume her.

 In that moment, I realized that Rai is a woman who commanded respect and fear in equal measure. The battle was far from over, but with Rai at the helm, I knew she would fight tooth and nail to reclaim her empire. And as I watched her stand tall, unyielding in the face of adversity, I felt a rush of admiration and something deeper—a connection that was impossible to ignore. This was her moment, and I was honored to witness it.

Rai Pov:

The tension in the air was palpable, a storm brewing beneath the surface of my carefully curated composure. I had just faced the brunt of a malicious attack on my company—baseless allegations thrown around like confetti, all for a handful of cash.

If I hadn't intervened when I did, chaos would have erupted, spiraling out of control. But I stood my ground, revealing my true identity to quell the storm. And despite the turmoil, I didn't regret a single moment. It was a necessary risk, one that was worth every ounce of frustration.

Across the room, Rudy was engaged in a seemingly endless conversation with Kriti's assistant. Kriti, my head secretary and trusted aide, was the epitome of efficiency, and of course she is my friend. There was something about the way Rudy leaned in, his eyes sparkling with interest, that stirred an uninvited jealousy within me. Why was he so absorbed in the inner workings of my company? The whir of the coffee machine and the chatter around us faded into the background as my mind spiraled.

"Just admit it—you're jealous because he's monopolizing her time!" my inner voice taunted, a mischievous whisper that I tried desperately to shoo away.

I pushed the thought aside, taking a deep breath to regain my focus. This was not the time to succumb to petty emotions.

With a surge of determination, I reached for my phone, dialing the number of my most trusted confidant. The call connected almost instantly. "Kevin! I need you to do something for me," I commanded, my tone brisk and authoritative. "Keep an eye on the model Charishma Roy. When the opportunity arises, bring her to my secret penthouse. I trust you understand the gravity of this task."

"Understood, boss. It will be handled as you've instructed," Kevin replied, his voice steady and reassuring.

I hung up, only to find Rudy's gaze fixed on me, a curious expression etched across his features.

"What?" I snapped, the edge in my voice sharper than intended.

"What are you planning to do with her?" he asked, his question laced with intrigue and a hint of concern.

"That's none of your business," I shot back, my heart racing at the thought of revealing any part of my plans. "But I appreciate your support today. If you ever need my assistance, don't hesitate to ask." I let the words hang in the air, hoping to deflect his curiosity.

The girl with whom he had been conversing had vanished, and suddenly, the room felt charged with unspoken words. "Why are you being so tough?" Rudy probed, his tone softening slightly.

"It's just who I am. Now, if you don't mind, I have work to do. Remember, you have your own company to focus on," I replied, my eyes glued to the files scattered across my desk, refusing to let him see the turmoil brewing within me.

"Hmmm. I'm leaving, but I need to say something," Rudy said, his voice low, drawing closer until he was just inches from my ear.

"I will find out who this chosen bride is that you mentioned. If that's the reason for your rejection, then brace yourself, darling. I will make you pay for turning me down over something so trivial," he whispered, his breath sending shivers down my spine.

I sat frozen, a wave of shock washing over me, my heart pounding in my chest. As he exited my office, I remained still, grappling with the weight of his words. "It's not that simple," I thought to myself, my mind racing. "Your family has already chosen someone for you, and I refuse to be the complication that tears you away from them."

But as I contemplated the tangled web of emotions and obligations, my heart couldn't ignore the undeniable chemistry that crackled between us. A dangerous game was afoot, and I was caught right in the middle of it.

_________________________________

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