The atmosphere was suffocating.
The Kapoor Industries boardroom was filled with the city's most powerful executives. A long, polished mahogany table stood between Anaya and the people who had just stabbed her in the back.
At the head of the table, Vikram Sethi (posing as Raghav Kapoor) leaned back in his chair, his lips curled into a satisfied smirk.
"It's decided," he announced, his deep voice echoing through the room. "Avni Kapoor will be the new CEO of Kapoor Industries."
A round of approving nods and murmurs filled the air. One by one, the board members raised their hands in favor of Avni.
Nine votes.
Nine people had chosen Avni over Anaya.
Anaya sat there, still and composed, but her nails dug into her palm under the table.
She had expected this. Planned for this.
And yet, it still stung.
Avni, sitting across from her, leaned back in her chair, her lips twitching with barely concealed glee.
She tilted her head mockingly. "I guess people trust me more with Kapoor Industries, sister."
Anaya's jaw tightened. Sister. The word sounded like an insult coming from her mouth.
Vikram folded his hands on the table. "Anaya, I know you're disappointed," he said, feigning concern. "But you must understand—business is about confidence. The board believes Avni is the right choice."
Anaya let out a soft, bitter laugh. The audacity.
Her eyes swept over the board members—men and women her mother had once trusted. People she had fought for. And yet, they had betrayed her for a fraud.
Still, she didn't react.
Instead, she smiled. A knowing, dangerous smile.
"Congratulations, Avni," she said smoothly.
Avni blinked, caught off guard by her calmness. She had expected rage. An outburst.
But Anaya? She was composed. Collected.
And that—that made Avni nervous.
Anaya rose gracefully, adjusting the sleeves of her blazer.
Vikram narrowed his eyes. "Where are you going?"
Anaya met his gaze head-on. Unflinching. Unshaken.
"I have an announcement to make," she said coolly. "But not here."
She turned to Avni, her eyes gleaming with something almost… cruel.
"I'll let the whole world know who truly deserves to sit in that chair," she added softly.
Avni's smirk faltered.
Vikram's fingers tightened into a fist.
And for the first time in years, he felt something he hadn't felt before Fear.
Because he knew Anaya had something up her sleeve.
And when she revealed it?
Here's the high-stakes appointment ceremony where Avni is declared CEO of Kapoor Industries in front of the media, board members, and elite business tycoons. But Anaya has a secret weapon—and she's about to change the game.
---
The grand hall of Kapoor Industries was packed with journalists, photographers, and elite business figures. Flashing cameras, murmuring reporters, and the scent of freshly polished wood filled the air.
At the center of it all stood Vikram Kapoor (Raghav's imposter), Avni Kapoor, and Anaya Kapoor.
Avni wore a pristine ivory-white power suit, standing before the gold-embossed Kapoor Industries banner. She was radiant, triumphant.
Anaya? She stood to the side, her expression unreadable. Too calm. Too composed.
Vikram took the mic, his voice steady. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here on this monumental occasion."
A murmur of anticipation swept through the crowd.
He glanced at Anaya briefly before continuing.
"Kapoor Industries is entering a new era, one of innovation, strength, and leadership. And it is with immense pride that I announce the new CEO of Kapoor Industries—Avni Kapoor."
The room erupted in applause. Cameras clicked. Reporters scrambled to capture the moment.
Avni stepped forward, beaming.
"Thank you, Dad," she said sweetly, glancing at Anaya from the corner of her eye. "I promise to lead Kapoor Industries with integrity, passion, and vision."
Vikram handed her a golden nameplate with "Avni Kapoor – CEO" engraved on it. The symbolic gesture sent a clear message—Anaya had been sidelined.
Journalists began throwing questions.
"Miss Anaya, you were expected to take over Kapoor Industries. How do you feel about your sister's appointment?"
All eyes turned to Anaya.
She smiled. Not forced. Not bitter. But knowing.
She took the mic, her voice smooth and unwavering.
"I believe every decision comes with consequences," she said. "And some secrets, no matter how deeply buried, always find their way to the surface."
A silence fell over the room.
Vikram's grip on the podium tightened. Avni's confident expression wavered for the first time.
What was Anaya implying?
Before anyone could react, a journalist's voice cut through the tension.
"Miss Anaya, are you suggesting something about Kapoor Industries?"
She turned to Vikram. "I was going to remain silent. But perhaps the world deserves to know… the truth."
Gasps. Whispers. The atmosphere shifted.
Anaya's eyes gleamed with calculated precision.
Because of this?
This was just the beginning.
---
The gold-embossed Kapoor Industries banner shimmered under the bright lights. Applause still echoed from Avni's appointment, but then—
PING! PING! PING!
A wave of notification chimes rippled through the hall.
Phones buzzed. Reporters gasped. Board members frowned as they checked their screens.
Then— chaos.
🔹 Breaking News: "Shocking truth about Kapoor family – The heir they rejected might be the real legacy holder!"
🔹 Leaked Documents: Mysterious reports hinting at a hidden past, questioning Avni Kapoor's legitimacy.
🔹 An Anonymous Post: "If Kapoor Industries wants the right leader, maybe they should check their bloodlines first."
Images of confidential papers flashed on every phone.
Avni's smug smile crumbled. "W-What is this?" She grabbed her phone, scrolling furiously.
Vikram's face drained of color. "Who did this?!"
The media sprung into action.
🔹 "Mr. Kapoor, is this true?"
🔹 "Miss Avni, is there something you're hiding?"
🔹 "Miss Anaya, do you know anything about this?"
Anaya tilted her head, pretending to check her own phone. A small, knowing smirk played on her lips.
She looked at Avni.
"Looks like some secrets refuse to stay buried."
The press erupted.
Avni turned to Vikram, panic flashing in her eyes. "Dad—do something!"
But Vikram? He was already on the phone, barking orders. "Find out who leaked this. NOW!"
Anaya took a step forward, her voice calm yet cutting.
"I wonder, Avni…" She met her stepsister's gaze. "Do you really deserve that CEO chair?"
Silence.
Because suddenly—Avni's victory wasn't a celebration. It was a scandal.
And Anaya?
She was just getting started.