A Dangerous Alliance

The morning sun filtered through the massive windows of Dhruv’s mansion, casting golden light across the room. He had barely slept the night before, his mind too consumed with thoughts of his next move. Kartik had humiliated him in front of the entire class, and Jasmine’s betrayal had only added fuel to the fire. But now, Dhruv held the cards. He had the power, the wealth, and the information to destroy Kartik’s carefully curated life. And he was ready to use it.

As he sipped his coffee, Dhruv’s phone buzzed. It was Aman.

“The meeting with the media is set for tomorrow. Are you sure you want to go through with this?” the message read.

Dhruv stared at the text for a moment before replying, “Absolutely. Kartik has it coming.”

He knew this wasn’t just about revenge anymore. It was about proving to himself that he wasn’t weak, that he wasn’t the same person who had been trampled on by people like Kartik. His newfound power gave him the confidence to take what he wanted. And what he wanted right now was for Kartik to suffer the same humiliation he had endured.

---

Later that day, Dhruv met with Mr. Mehta in his office. The attorney had arranged a series of meetings with important business contacts who could help Dhruv consolidate his newfound power.

“I’ve set up a dinner meeting with Mr. Dev, a powerful figure in the business world,” Mr. Mehta said, looking over his calendar. “He was one of your father’s closest associates. If you can gain his trust, it will open many doors for you.”

Dhruv leaned back in his chair, thinking. “Dev… I’ve heard his name before. He’s ruthless, isn’t he?”

Mr. Mehta nodded. “Very. But he’s also extremely loyal to those who prove themselves valuable to him. This is an important step if you want to solidify your place in this world.”

Dhruv smirked. “Then let’s meet him. I’m ready.”

---

That evening, Dhruv arrived at the luxurious rooftop restaurant where the meeting with Mr. Dev was scheduled. He was dressed in a tailored suit that exuded confidence and sophistication. It was his first time stepping into such high-class circles, but he was determined to make an impression.

As he entered the restaurant, a tall, imposing figure greeted him. Mr. Dev was everything Dhruv had expected—sharp, calculating eyes, a cold demeanor, and an air of authority that made everyone around him nervous.

“Mr. Sharma,” Dev said, extending his hand. “I’ve heard quite a bit about you recently.”

Dhruv shook his hand firmly, meeting Dev’s gaze without flinching. “Likewise. I’m looking forward to seeing how we can work together.”

They sat at a secluded table overlooking the city skyline. As the night progressed, Dev asked pointed questions about Dhruv’s plans, his goals, and his vision for his father’s empire. Dhruv answered confidently, making it clear that he wasn’t here to play small. He was here to take control, to expand, and to leave a legacy that would rival even his father’s.

“You’re ambitious, Mr. Sharma,” Dev said, a slight smile curling on his lips. “I like that. But ambition can be dangerous in this world, especially when there are people who want to see you fail.”

Dhruv leaned forward, his expression hardening. “I’m not afraid of competition. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect what’s mine.”

Dev’s smile widened. “Good. That’s exactly what I wanted to hear.”

As the dinner came to a close, Dev extended an invitation. “There’s a private event happening tomorrow night. A gathering of some of the most powerful people in the city. It would be a good opportunity for you to meet them and make some important connections.”

Dhruv’s heart raced. This was exactly what he needed—a chance to cement his place among the elite. “I’ll be there.”

---

The next evening, Dhruv arrived at the exclusive event hosted at one of the city’s most prestigious hotels. The atmosphere was electric, filled with powerful business figures, politicians, and influencers. It was a world Dhruv had only ever dreamed of entering, and now he was right in the middle of it.

He scanned the room, taking in the wealth and opulence that surrounded him. But he wasn’t here to be dazzled by it. He was here to network, to make alliances, and to solidify his power.

As he moved through the crowd, exchanging pleasantries and making introductions, he spotted someone he didn’t expect to see.

Jasmine.

She was standing across the room, dressed in a stunning gown, laughing with a group of people. Dhruv’s heart skipped a beat. He hadn’t seen her in person since the day he found out about her betrayal. She looked radiant, as if nothing had happened, as if she hadn’t torn his heart to pieces.

Before he could process his emotions, Jasmine noticed him. Her eyes widened in shock for a brief moment before she composed herself, giving him a small smile and starting to walk toward him.

Dhruv’s pulse quickened. He had no intention of talking to her, but here she was, closing the distance between them.

“Dhruv,” Jasmine said, her voice soft and sweet, as if they were still together, as if she hadn’t betrayed him. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“I’m sure you didn’t,” Dhruv replied, his voice cold.

She bit her lip, looking nervous. “Look, I’ve been trying to reach you. I know what happened hurt you, but can’t we talk? I never meant for things to go the way they did.”

Dhruv crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. “There’s nothing to talk about, Jasmine. You made your choice. Now I’m making mine.”

She looked down, clearly upset. “It wasn’t that simple…”

Dhruv raised an eyebrow. “Wasn’t it? You chose Kartik over me. You humiliated me. There’s no coming back from that.”

Jasmine’s eyes flickered with regret, but before she could respond, Dhruv turned and walked away, leaving her standing alone in the middle of the crowded room.

As Dhruv walked toward the bar, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Seeing Jasmine again had stirred up old emotions, but it also reminded him of how far he had come since that day. He wasn’t the same man anymore. He had power now—real power—and Jasmine was no longer a part of his story.

But even as he felt the satisfaction of walking away from her, Dhruv knew that this was just the beginning. Kartik was still out there, and he was the real target.

As Dhruv ordered a drink, his phone buzzed in his pocket. It was Aman.

“The first article about Kartik’s family just went live. Check it out.”

Dhruv’s lips curled into a slow, calculated smile as he read the message. The game had officially begun, and Kartik had no idea what was coming for him.

---

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***