A Dangerous Invitation

Devraj Malhotra was many things—ruthless, manipulative, and calculating. But if there was one thing he prided himself on, it was his ability to see weakness and exploit it.

And right now, the Oberoi family looked like a broken empire, its rulers at war with each other.

So, he made his move.

A single invitation was sent—to Avni.

The message was simple:

"You deserve better than being caught between their war. Let’s talk."

Avni stared at her phone, her fingers tightening around it.

She knew this was exactly what Arnav had predicted. Devraj believed she was young, vulnerable, and easy to manipulate.

He wanted her to switch sides.

Her pulse raced.

This was it.

This was the moment she had to step into the fire.

The Meeting

The restaurant was high-end, private, and exclusive. Devraj had chosen the perfect place—somewhere she wouldn’t feel threatened, but somewhere he had full control.

Avni walked in, her chin high, her expression carefully crafted to look uncertain but curious.

Devraj was waiting, his signature smirk in place. "Avni. I was hoping you’d come."

She slid into the seat across from him, her hands gripping her lap beneath the table.

"Why wouldn’t I?" she said, forcing just the right amount of bitterness into her tone. "My brothers clearly don’t care what happens to me."

Devraj’s smirk widened. "Exactly."

She could feel his eyes studying her, weighing whether she was truly breakable.

He leaned in. "You don’t have to stay with them, Avni. You’ve seen how they treat you. Always an afterthought. Always controlled."

She bit her lip—just enough hesitation to make it real.

"What are you offering?" she asked.

Devraj’s smile was slow and calculated. "Freedom. Protection. A life on your own terms."

Avni swallowed. "And in return?"

His gaze darkened. "Just loyalty."

The air around them shifted.

This was it.

She was playing with fire.

Meanwhile: The Brothers Watch

From a nearby car, Anirudh clenched his fists as he watched through the tinted windows.

"I don’t like this," he muttered.

Aryan, sitting next to him, nodded. "Same. She’s alone in there with him."

Ayush, unusually quiet, exhaled sharply. "She can handle herself. We have to trust her."

Arnav, seated in the driver’s seat, remained unreadable.

His gaze was fixed on Avni through the glass. His fingers drummed against the steering wheel.

"She’ll get him to slip," he said, voice calm but lethal. "And the second he does… we end this."

Avni’s Next Move

Avni forced herself to keep eye contact with Devraj. She needed him to believe she was cracking.

She sighed, pretending to hesitate.

"I need to think about it."

Devraj tilted his head. "Of course. Take your time."

But the glint in his eyes said something else.

He was confident. He believed he had her exactly where he wanted.

Avni stood. "I’ll let you know soon."

And with that, she turned and walked away—without looking back.

The Moment of Truth

As soon as she slid into the car, her breath came out shaky.

"That was insane," she muttered.

Arnav finally looked at her. "Did he take the bait?"

She met his gaze.

"He thinks I’m on his side."

For the first time in years, a small, dangerous smile touched Arnav’s lips.

"Then let’s make him regret it."

To Be Continued…