Owned by Her

It was past midnight when Khushi's car rolled into the grand driveway of the Shergill mansion. The towering gates opened, revealing the sprawling estate, dimly illuminated under the moonlight. She stepped out of the car, her heels clicking softly against the stone pavement, her face betraying no sign of exhaustion after the long journey.

Stepping inside, she handed her coat to the butler and made her way to her grandfather's study. The sound of her heels echoed softly on the marble floor. She paused briefly outside the door before pushing it open.

Inside, Ranvijay Shergill sat in his high-backed chair, an aura of authority surrounding him. His silver hair gleamed under the warm light of the desk lamp, and his sharp eyes immediately locked onto Khushi. A glass of vintage scotch rested in his hand, untouched.

You're late. Ranvijay said calmly

Business in Europe doesn't follow a clock. Khushi said coldly

Ranvijay gestured for her to sit. Khushi complied, crossing her legs and leaning back in her chair, her posture exuding confidence.

How was Europe? Ranvijay asked

Productive. The deals are secured, and everything is under control. Khushi said

And Daksh Vardhan? Did he give you trouble? Ranvijay asked

A flicker of something unidentifiable crossed her eyes, but her voice remained steady, her eyes glinting with icy assurance.

Daksh Vardhan is exactly where I need him to be, in my control. Everything else is secondary. Khushi said

Ranvijay leaned forward slightly, studying her face as if searching for a crack in her armor.

Control is an illusion, Khushi. Especially with men like him. Don't forget who he is. Ranvijay said

Khushi's eyes hardened, her voice steady and bold.

I haven't forgotten, Dadaji. Daksh Vardhan is our enemy. But enemies are best handled when you know their every move. He's predictable. Khushi said

Ranvijay chuckled, a low, almost dangerous sound.

Predictable? That's a dangerous assumption, my dear. Men like him thrive on unpredictability. They play the long game, just like us. Never underestimate him. Ranvijay said

Khushi straightened, her tone unyielding.

I don't underestimate anyone. But I also don't overestimate them. Daksh thinks he's charming and clever. Let him think that. I'll use it to our advantage. Khushi said

Ranvijay nodded, a flicker of pride in his sharp gaze.

You remind me of your father when it comes to business. Ruthless, calculating. But he... he had a weakness. He was too kind. Ranvijay said

Khushi's jaw tightened slightly at the mention of her father.

Kindness has no place in this world. It makes you vulnerable. And vulnerability gets you killed. Khushi said

Ranvijay leaned back, swirling the untouched scotch in his glass.

And that's why you'll succeed where he couldn't. Because in this world, weakness isn't forgiven. Not by enemies, and not by fate. Ranvijay said

Khushi nodded, her head, her expression unreadable.

How's Saumya? Khushi asked

She's asleep. Poor child's been staying up late for her exams. I told her to rest tonight. Ranvijay said

Khushi's lips tightened into a thin line, a rare glimpse of concern flashing in her cold eyes.

She's working too hard. Make sure she doesn't burn herself out. Khushi said