“So far, you’re on the money.”
“I’m not finished. You’re also the next in line to take over as CEO of Bharat once your father hits the magic number of sixty-five and is forced to retire at the end of the year. You don’t do interviews, conferences, keynotes, or social media. And, unfortunately, speculation has it you’re the reason Bharat’s gradual profit growth is now suddenly flat.”
The last bit of information stung.
“You know,” he said slowly, “I normally don’t care about public perception. People are talking about me, about my dad and Bharat, and I can’t change that. All that really matters is the respect of my family, the board, and my employees.”
The corner of her mouth curved up. “That’s admirable of you.”
“But,” he said, holding up a hand, “there is something about you that makes me want to convince you that I’m more than a short dossier.”
There was that flash in her eyes again. The same one he saw when he’d leaned in close for the first time. Her voice was low and husky. “I may be open to being convinced.”
“I’ll have to take my time.”
Her expression was a study in surprise, confusion, and then . . . interest. “Mmm-hmm,” she said slowly. “That does sound interesting.”
Ajay almost swore when his phone vibrated in his pocket. It was audible enough to make Raj step back.
“You may want to check that.” She straightened and moved away from the railing.
“No, it’s fine.”
“It’s not. Most likely Mina or one of your brothers. Answer it, Ajay. And remember my advice, will you?” With a slow wink over her shoulder, she sauntered off, weaving through tables and clusters of guests until she disappeared in the crowd.
Ajay pulled out his cell and saw that it was his oldest brother, Hem, calling. How the hell had Raj guessed that one?
“Bhai. What is it?”
“Ajay, you need to brace yourself. Robert Douglass may be there.”
“Robert Douglass?” The name was all too familiar. It hadn’t been that long since Bharat’s shareholder call when they discovered their dirty board members. WTA’s representative, Robert Douglass, was a grade-A asshole and the perfect representative for the tech conglomerate that had purchased Bharat stock in secret, infiltrated their board, and now created chaos with their market shares.
His brother let out a breath. “You know Mina’s best friend, Raj?”
“Yeah, I just met her.”
“Well, Robert Douglass III is her husband.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Douglass apparently left Raj’s company to go to WTA and we don’t know how much Robert was able to find out through her. Mina just made the connection when I told her that WTA, specifically Robert, was on the last shareholder call.”
Ajay gripped the portico railing hard enough for his knuckles to whiten. He’d stood there like a fool, drooling over Rajneet Kaur Hothi, while she knew exactly who he was and what he was doing.
She must have been laughing at him the whole time.
“She’s getting a divorce.”
Hem’s words sliced through this rage.
“A divorce? From Douglass?”
“Yes. It looks like Raj may have asked for a divorce after Robert quit her company and started working for WTA. We don’t have the full story yet, but Mina will most likely get it next week.”
“No,” Ajay said. “I’m going to get it now.”
“Brother, don’t do anything rash.”
“Have I ever?”
“No, but there is always a first time.”
“I’ll call you later.” Ajay hung up his phone and pushed his way through tables looking for the liar in question.
He made it halfway across the dance floor before he saw her.
She was speaking with a group of familiar-looking suits. He would draw attention if he approached her now, and he couldn’t give a damn.
Raj’s eyes widened a fraction at his approach, but she kept speaking to her audience even as he sidled next to her and rested a hand against her lower back.
“—there is a market need for the work. Everyone, I’d like for you to meet Ajay Singh, of Bharat, Inc.”
“The technology company,” an older Hispanic man with a cloud of snow-white hair replied. He stuck out a hand to shake. “I know your father. I own GridX Power. Jose Rivero.”
“Mr. Rivero. Of course,” Ajay said. Returning the shake, he flipped through his mental files. “My father speaks highly of the work you did after hurricane season last year. You were able to get Florida’s grids back up and running before anyone else.”
Mr. Rivero beamed. “We serve our communities the best we can.”
“It shows. Mr. Rivero, everyone, I hate to steal Ms. Hothi away, but we have some unfinished business.”
“Ajay, we can discuss it later,” Raj said.
“Sweetheart,” he said with a saccharine tone. “We need to talk. Now.”
“I don’t think—”
“Do you want me to talk about how you played me in front of spectators?” Ajay asked in Punjabi. “Because, as you said, there are already rumors about me in the media. What’s one more?”
Her irritated expression iced over. Good, he thought. If she was as angry as he was, neither of them would pull their punches.
“Excuse me. We have a small, friendly business matter to address.”
“Emphasis on the friendly,” Ajay said, and winked at Mr. Rivero before leading Raj toward the exit.
“What do you think you’re doing?” she hissed as she matched his long strides. “I thought you were smarter than that. You just insinuated a relationship when—”
“You’re married. Oh, I know. You were right on the money. My brother was the one who called me. I prefer to get the answers to the rest of my questions from you.”
They were almost at the exit when his eyes met the glare of a man who stood in a corner, surrounded by people who looked just like him. Something about his expression made Ajay slow his pace.
“Is that your husband?” He motioned to the man with his chin.
Raj paused, and her spine stiffened under Ajay’s hand. “Yes, that’s Robert.”
Ajay turned and gave Robert a brilliant smile. He waved from across the room as if he was greeting a long-lost friend.
“Stop that,” Raj hissed and marched forward without him.
They circumvented the stragglers having quiet conversations in the lobby before turning left toward the theater. They rounded a corner and made it halfway down the corridor before they were alone and far enough away that no one could hear them.
“What the hell was that?” Raj said. Her accent, which hadn’t been noticeable at all earlier, was now thick in her voice. She pronounced her Ts like his parents did when they spoke English.
Ajay stepped forward until they were inches apart. “What games are you playing?”
“Do you think intimidation works on me?” Raj said, arching one long eyebrow. “I eat men in suits like you for breakfast, Ajay Singh.”
“Your company’s fired,” he replied.
She gaped at him. “That’s a stupid move. You need me.”