Chapter 5: The Return of the Queen
The next morning, the city was already awake by the time Aanya stepped out of the shelter. Sunlight spilled over the glass towers, the streets buzzing with life. But for her, the warmth of the sun carried no comfort.
Her uncle had seen her.
Which meant her reprieve was over.
She leaned against a wall, trying to steady her racing heart.
[Ding!]
Warning: Enemy Awareness Confirmed.
Rajiv Malhotra has initiated background checks in Mumbai.
Host is now a target.
Survival Difficulty: Increased.
Her jaw tightened. "So he knows I'm alive… then let him come. This time, I won't break."
The system chimed again.
New Task Generated:
Step back into the business world within 72 hours.
Requirement: Gain entry into a corporate-level negotiation or board meeting.
Reward: Business Reputation +10, Negotiation Skill Lv.1
Penalty: Public exposure without defense (Rajiv gains control).
Aanya froze. A corporate meeting? In 72 hours? I don't even have a business card.
[Hint: Host has the knowledge. Leverage it.]
Her chest tightened, but a fire lit in her eyes. She had built an empire once. She could do it again.
But first… she needed a plan.
She made her way to the café near The Oberoi, hoping to think in peace. But the moment she sat down with a cup of hot tea, a familiar figure slid into the chair across from her.
"Skipping breakfast?" Arjun asked casually.
She almost choked on her tea. "You—do you follow me everywhere?"
His lips twitched faintly. "Maybe you're just easy to find."
Her eyes narrowed. "Or maybe you're too curious."
He leaned forward slightly. "Curiosity is dangerous, but ignoring what's in front of me is worse."
Her heart skipped at the intensity in his gaze. She forced herself to look away. "Well, thank you for last night. But I can handle myself now."
"Handle yourself?" He arched a brow. "You were almost recognized by half the boardroom. That wasn't handling, that was gambling."
Her hand tightened around her teacup. "Then let me gamble. It's my life."
For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Then Arjun leaned back, his expression unreadable. "Fine. But if you're going to gamble, at least know the stakes."
Before she could reply, a voice interrupted.
"Aanya?"
Her blood ran cold. She turned — and her breath caught.
It was Rohit Mehra, a former business rival of hers. He was younger, but ruthless — and his company had benefited greatly after her fall.
His sharp eyes scanned her from head to toe, recognition dawning. "Well, well. The rumors were true. The fallen queen is alive."
Aanya's fingers curled tightly under the table. "Careful, Rohit. Curiosity can get you killed."
He smirked. "Still sharp-tongued, I see. But let's be honest. You're nothing now. No company, no allies, no power. If your uncle finds you…" He clicked his tongue mockingly. "Game over."
Arjun's jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing dangerously.
Before Aanya could retort, the system chimed in her mind.
[Ding!]
Subtask Generated: Turn the tables on Rohit Mehra.
Reward: Negotiation Skill +3
Penalty: Loss of reputation progress.
Aanya's lips curved into a faint smile. "You're right, Rohit. I don't have power." She leaned closer, her eyes gleaming. "But I do have information."
His smirk faltered. "Information?"
She lowered her voice. "Kaveri Tech. You've been in talks to merge, haven't you? Too bad their patent on medical AI is about to be invalidated."
Rohit's face drained of color. "That's—how do you—"
She sipped her tea calmly. "If you keep pressing me, I might just leak it. Imagine the headlines: Mehra Group's biggest merger collapses overnight."
His fists clenched under the table.
[Ding!]
Subtask Complete.
Reward: Negotiation Skill +3.
Aanya stood gracefully. "Good to see you, Rohit. Do pass my regards to the board."
She walked away, heels clicking against the tile, her chin held high. Arjun followed, glancing back only once to see Rohit glaring daggers at them.
Outside, Arjun let out a low whistle. "You just made an enemy."
She smirked faintly. "He was already one."
Arjun studied her, eyes thoughtful. "You really are something, aren't you?"
She ignored the way her pulse quickened. "Don't flatter me. I need to get into a corporate meeting within 72 hours. Ideas?"
He looked at her for a long moment, then said softly, "I might know someone."
That evening, Arjun drove her through South Mumbai, where old colonial buildings stood beside towering glass offices.
They stopped outside a tall skyscraper, the sign gleaming: Rathore Consultants.
Aanya froze. "Rathore?"
He smiled faintly. "Surprised?"
"I thought you were just a waiter," she said slowly.
"I am. For now." His eyes glinted. "But not all stories are told at once."
Before she could press, a man in a tailored suit greeted Arjun warmly. "Arjun! You're late. The meeting starts in fifteen minutes."
Aanya blinked, realization dawning. He isn't just a waiter. He has connections.
Arjun turned to her. "You wanted a seat at the table? This is your chance."
Her heart pounded. "And if I fail?"
He leaned close, his voice low. "Then you won't. Not with me here."
Her breath caught, but before she could respond, they entered the building.
Inside the boardroom, sleek leather chairs lined the polished table. Men and women in sharp suits turned as Arjun introduced her simply: "A consultant."
Aanya straightened her back, her poise returning as if she had never lost it. The weight of five years in prison fell away, replaced by the queen she once was.
The meeting began, discussing a risky expansion project. Arguments flew, numbers clashed, tempers flared.
Finally, the chairman looked at Aanya. "You've been silent. What's your view?"
Her pulse quickened. She glanced at Arjun, who gave the faintest nod. Then she stood, her voice steady.
"You're focusing on immediate profits," she said, pacing slowly. "But you're ignoring long-term stability. If you expand into Dubai without securing supply chains, your costs will triple in two years. Instead, redirect resources to Southeast Asia. Lower taxes, cheaper labor, and a growing tech market. That's where your future lies."
The room fell silent.
The chairman leaned back, impressed. "And you know this how?"
Aanya smiled faintly. "Because I built an empire once. And I know how easily it can fall."
[Ding!]
Task Completed.
Reward Unlocked: Business Reputation +10, Negotiation Skill Lv.1.
Host Reputation Status: Rising Star.
Murmurs spread around the table. Some looked skeptical, but others nodded in agreement. The chairman finally said, "You've given us much to think about. I'd like you to consult with us further."
Aanya exhaled slowly, a triumphant spark lighting her eyes.
The queen was back.
Later, outside the building, she turned to Arjun. "Why… why are you helping me?"
He looked at her, his gaze shadowed with something unreadable. "Because I know what it's like to lose everything."
Before she could respond, the system chimed again.
[Ding!]
Candidate Trust Progress: 40%.
Warning: Enemy Activity Detected. Rajiv Malhotra has dispatched men to track Host.
Next Task Incoming.
Aanya's blood chilled. "He's coming."
Arjun's jaw tightened, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Then let him. He won't touch you while I'm here."
For the first time, Aanya saw the faintest glimpse of something fierce beneath Arjun's calm exterior — a strength that didn't belong to an ordinary man.
And deep in her chest, she knew: the war had only just begun.