Without another word, she grabbed her coat and walked past him, leaving Abhay standing there with a storm brewing in his eyes.
Anaya arrived at the private dining area to find Aryan already seated, casually sipping his black coffee. He glanced up as she entered, a knowing smirk touching his lips.
"I wasn't sure if you'd come."
She slid into the seat opposite him. "Curiosity won."
He chuckled, setting his cup down. "Good. I was hoping we could talk without the theatrics of last night."
Anaya lifted a brow. "Theatrics? That's an interesting choice of words."
Aryan leaned forward slightly. "You and I both know this game is bigger than Kapoor Industries. Whatever brought you back, it's more than just a claim to your family's empire."
She met his gaze, unflinching. "And you? Why are you here, Aryan?"
A flicker of something unreadable crossed his face before he masked it with a lazy smirk. "Let's just say our interests might be more aligned than you think."
Anaya narrowed her eyes. "I don't believe in coincidences."
"Neither do I," he admitted, his voice dropping to a lower, more serious tone. "Which is why I'm offering you something rare, Anaya."
She tilted her head. "And what would that be?"
His smirk faded, replaced by something far more dangerous.
"An alliance."
The weight of his words hung between them, charged with unspoken implications.
Anaya stared at him, measuring, calculating. An alliance with Aryan Rathore was not a simple offer—it was a gamble. A move that could either elevate her position or ruin her completely.
But she was never one to back down from a challenge.
She reached for her coffee, taking a slow sip before replying.
"I'm listening."
The silence between them stretched, charged with unspoken calculations. Anaya set her cup down, fingers resting lightly on the rim as she held Aryan's gaze.
"An alliance implies trust," she said coolly. "And I don't trust you."
Aryan chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Good. I'd be disappointed if you did. But trust isn't necessary for a successful partnership. Mutual benefit, however, is."
She studied him, looking for any cracks in the confident facade. He was unreadable, as always. A man who had mastered the art of withholding just enough to keep people guessing. That made him dangerous—but also intriguing.
"And what exactly are you proposing?" she asked, tilting her head.
"A temporary truce," Aryan said, his voice even. "We both have enemies. Some are the same, some aren't. But the reality is, I can be an asset to you, just as you can be to me."
Anaya leaned forward slightly. "And what do you gain from this alliance?"
He smirked. "Information. Leverage. And perhaps a front-row seat to whatever storm you're planning to unleash."
Anaya narrowed her eyes. "You think this is just about revenge?"
"Isn't it?" His expression turned knowing. "Your return. Your moves. Your calculated presence. You're not just here to reclaim Kapoor Industries—you're here to burn those who wronged you."
She didn't confirm or deny it, simply watching him with guarded curiosity. "And if I am?"
Aryan's smile was slow, almost approving. "Then I'm offering you an extra pair of hands to hold the match."
Anaya exhaled, considering the offer. An alliance with Aryan was dangerous, but so was rejecting one outright. She had spent years preparing for this moment, every step meticulously planned. And yet, he was an unexpected variable. One she wasn't sure if she could control—or if she even wanted to.
"You're assuming I need your help," she said, her voice measured.
Aryan's smirk deepened. "Not help. Leverage. A counterbalance. Your enemies have numbers, Anaya. You need more than just strategy. You need power. And that's what I can give you."
She tapped a finger against her cup, weighing his words. "And in return?"
"When the time comes, you'll stand by me." His tone turned serious. "No betrayals. No backstabbing. Just a clean, mutual understanding."
Anaya let the words sink in. If she aligned with Aryan, she could gain an edge she didn't have before. But it also meant entangling herself with someone whose motives weren't entirely clear. And in her world, alliances often came at a cost.
"I'll consider it," she finally said, pushing her chair back. "But don't mistake that for agreement."
Aryan inclined his head, amusement flickering in his eyes. "I wouldn't dream of it."
She turned to leave, her mind already racing through the implications. As she stepped away, his voice followed her, soft yet pointed.
"Be careful, Anaya. You're playing with fire."
She paused for the briefest second before continuing without looking back.
"I always have."