The sound of the door clicking shut behind me as I leave the terrace echoes in my mind. The feel of Ritika's lingering touch on my skin remains as I make my way to the car waiting outside. I can still feel the possessiveness in her voice, the way she clung to me, unwilling to let me leave, the fire in her eyes when she said, "Only I have that right."

That fire, that intense need to protect me, is what I love about her. My little fox, so fierce and unyielding, willing to burn the world to keep me safe. It's a dangerous love, but that's what makes it so intoxicating.

As the car speeds through the city, my mind starts to drift back to the meeting I'm about to attend. There's something off about the sudden urgency of it. Rudra Oberoi, the snake, has been making too many moves lately, all of them aimed at destabilizing my position. And now, with the recent explosion-an event I know Ritika orchestrated-I can't help but wonder how far he's willing to go.

I've allowed him to play his games, let him think he has the upper hand, but the time for playing is over. Today, I'll show him that his every move has been anticipated, every step carefully monitored. The net is closing in, and soon, he'll realize that it was never about winning; it was about how much I could make him suffer before he finally breaks.

My phone buzzes, breaking me out of my thoughts. It's Riya, my assistant, her usual efficiency evident in the concise message she sends: *The board is ready. Awaiting your arrival.*

I lean back in my seat, allowing a small smirk to tug at the corner of my lips. They think they're ready, but they have no idea what's about to hit them. By the end of this meeting, Rudra will be a ghost, a memory that lingers only as a warning to others.

As the car pulls up to the office building, I step out, feeling the cool morning breeze brush against my skin. The sharp contrast between the calm exterior and the storm brewing inside me is almost laughable. I take a moment to straighten my jacket, a sharp, precise movement that signifies control-control that I'll soon demonstrate to everyone in that boardroom.

But before I enter, I pause, my thoughts drifting back to Ritika. I know she's worried, that her protective instincts are flaring. It's endearing, really, the way she tries to shield me from the world, but she doesn't need to. I'm perfectly capable of handling Rudra and anyone else who dares to challenge me. Still, I can't help but appreciate her fierce love.

I reach into my pocket, feeling the cool metal of the watch she gave me. A gift from my little fox, one I wear as a reminder of her, of us. I press the small button on the side, and the face of the watch flips open, revealing a small picture of Ritika, smiling softly at the camera.

She has no idea how much I cherish this, how much she means to me. But she'll learn soon enough.

As I walk into the building, I feel the shift in the atmosphere. The staff stands a little straighter, their movements more purposeful, as if my presence alone has them on edge. Good. That's exactly how it should be.

I step into the elevator, and as the doors close, I feel a sense of anticipation building inside me. This is the moment I've been waiting for. The moment where everything comes to a head.

The ride to the top floor is smooth and uneventful, but the tension in the air is palpable. I can sense it, the nervous energy of those who know they're about to be tested. And they should be nervous. Today, I'll be making decisions that will determine the future of this company, and of those who stand by me-or against me.

The elevator doors open, and I step into the corridor leading to the boardroom. I can hear the low murmur of voices coming from inside, a hushed conversation that ceases the moment I push the doors open.

All eyes turn to me as I enter, and I can feel the weight of their gazes. Some are apprehensive, others curious, but all are waiting-waiting to see what I'll do next.

"Good morning, gentlemen," I greet them, my tone polite but firm. I take my seat at the head of the table, my movements calculated and deliberate. "Shall we begin?"

The meeting proceeds as expected, with the usual formalities and discussions, but my mind is elsewhere. I'm thinking about the game I'm playing, the pieces I've carefully positioned, and the trap I'm about to spring.

As the conversation turns to Rudra Oberoi, I allow a small smile to play on my lips. "I've taken the liberty of preparing a little something," I say, my voice smooth and composed. "A strategy that will ensure Rudra's... compliance."

I can see the interest spark in their eyes, the shift in their postures as they lean in, eager to hear what I have planned. But I keep it brief, just enough to give them a glimpse of what's to come, without revealing too much.

"The details are in the documents I've provided," I continue, sliding a folder across the table. "You'll find that every aspect has been carefully considered. This isn't just about winning-it's about ensuring that Rudra is left with no options, no allies, and no way out."

There's a murmur of agreement as they begin to peruse the documents, their expressions ranging from impressed to satisfied. But I'm not concerned with their reactions. My focus is on the endgame, on the moment when Rudra realizes that he's been outplayed.

As the meeting draws to a close, I stand, signaling that it's time to wrap things up. "Thank you for your time, gentlemen," I say, my tone final. "I trust that you'll take the necessary steps to implement the strategy. Let's make sure Rudra understands that there's no place for him in this world."

With that, I turn and leave the room, my steps measured and confident. But as I exit the building, my thoughts once again drift back to Ritika.

I know she's worried about me, that she'll do whatever it takes to protect me. But what she doesn't realize is that I've been protecting her all along, making sure that she never has to face the full extent of the danger that surrounds us.

She's my little fox, and I'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe-even if it means letting her believe that she's the one in control.

As I step into the car and it pulls away from the curb, I feel a sense of satisfaction settle over me. The pieces are all in place, and soon, everything will fall into line.

But there's one more move I need to make, one more card I need to play. And when I do, Rudra Oberoi won't know what hit him.

For now, though, I'll return to my little fox, to the woman who has captured my heart and my soul. Because no matter what happens out there, no matter how many battles I fight, she'll always be the one I come home to.

And that's a promise I intend to keep.