Myra: “So… what are you wearing tonight?”

Aadhira looked up from her file.

Aadhira: “What?”

Myra: “The Rathores invited your family for dinner.”

Aadhira groaned.

Aadhira: “I’m not dressing up for a mafia king.”

Myra smirked.

Myra: “Sure. But if he turns out hot, don’t blame me later.”

Aadhira threw a cushion at her.

Aadhira: “Get out.”

Rajasthan.

Rathore Palace glittered under golden lights while luxury cars entered one after another.

Inside, ministers and businessmen stood nervously.

Because Aryaman Singh Rathore was in a bad mood.

Rudra: “You’ve checked your watch six times.”

Aryaman adjusted his cufflinks coldly.

Aryaman: “I’m waiting for guests.”

Rudra laughed softly.

Rudra: “Right. Guests.”

Aryaman gave him a warning look.

Before Rudra could speak again, a servant announced—

“Kapoor family has arrived.”

Aryaman’s eyes instantly moved toward the entrance.

And then—

He saw her.

Aadhira Kapoor walked inside wearing a black saree with silver detailing.

Confident posture.

Sharp eyes.

No fear.

The entire hall slowly went silent.

Aryaman stared at her without blinking.

Rudra leaned closer.

Rudra: “You’re doomed.”

Aryaman ignored him completely.

Meanwhile…

Aadhira noticed him too.

Black suit.

Dangerously calm expression.

Piercing eyes fixed only on her.

She hated how intimidating he looked.

Bhairav Rathore smiled politically.

Bhairav Rathore: “Welcome to Rathore Palace.”

Dev Kapoor: “Thank you for inviting us.”

Aadhira folded her hands politely but remained quiet.

Rajeshwari Rathore stepped forward warmly.

Rajeshwari: “Aadhira beta, you’re even more beautiful than the photographs.”

Aadhira forced a small smile.

Aadhira: “Thank you.”

Then suddenly—

Aryaman walked toward her.

Slowly.

Calmly.

Like a predator approaching his target.

Everyone around them fell silent automatically.

Aryaman stopped directly in front of her.

For a moment…

Neither of them spoke.

Aryaman’s gaze stayed fixed on her face.

Aadhira crossed her arms slightly.

Aadhira: “Do you always stare at people like this?”

Rudra almost choked trying not to laugh.

Aryaman’s lips curved faintly.

Aryaman: “Only when they’re worth looking at.”

Aadhira narrowed her eyes.

Aadhira: “Smooth lines won’t impress me, Mr. Rathore.”

Aryaman: “Good. I dislike easily impressed people.”

Their eye contact turned intense.

Dangerously intense.

Bhairav interrupted with a smile.

Bhairav Rathore: “You both should talk privately.”

Aadhira immediately replied—

Aadhira: “Not necessary.”

Aryaman spoke at the same time.

Aryaman: “Agreed.”

Everyone looked surprised.

Aryaman finally looked away from her.

Aryaman: “I don’t believe in fake conversations forced by families.”

Aadhira raised an eyebrow slightly.

That was unexpected.

Rajeshwari smiled awkwardly.

Rajeshwari: “Dinner is ready.”

During dinner…

The elders discussed business and politics while Aadhira stayed mostly quiet.

But she noticed everything.

The security around the palace.

The nervous servants.

The ministers acting terrified around Bhairav.

And Aryaman sitting silently beside his father like a shadow king.

Then suddenly—

Bhairav spoke.

Bhairav Rathore: “Aadhira beta, Aryaman tells me you’re a criminal lawyer.”

Aryaman looked up slightly.

Aadhira: “Yes.”

Bhairav Rathore: “Dangerous profession for a young woman.”

Aadhira smiled calmly.

Aadhira: “Criminals are more dangerous than courtrooms.”

For one second—

The atmosphere changed.

Aryaman noticed the way his father’s expression darkened slightly.

But before anyone could react—

A servant rushed inside nervously.

“Sir… one of the warehouse trucks was caught near the border.”

Bhairav’s eyes instantly turned cold.

Aryaman stood up immediately.

Aryaman: “Handle it quietly.”

Aadhira noticed everything carefully.

Warehouse?

Border?

The fear in the servant’s voice?

Something felt wrong.

Very wrong.

Later that night…

Aadhira stood alone on the palace balcony.

Cool wind brushed against her hair.

Then suddenly—

Aryaman’s voice came from behind.

Aryaman: “You investigate people even during dinner?”

Aadhira turned toward him calmly.

Aadhira: “And you hide things badly.”

Aryaman smirked slightly.

Aryaman: “Careful, Mrs. Rathore.”

Aadhira: “Not yet.”

Aryaman stepped closer slowly.

Aryaman: “You will be.”

Aadhira’s heartbeat strangely skipped for a second.

But she quickly controlled herself.

Aadhira: “You sound very confident.”

Aryaman looked directly into her eyes.

Aryaman: “I always get what belongs to me.”

Aadhira moved closer too.

Aadhira: “I don’t belong to anyone.”

For the first time—

Aryaman smiled properly.

And somehow…

That smile looked more dangerous than his silence.