ANGEL: You said people’s pets and you don’t get along. I think the problem is you.
ANGEL: It’s okay to admit furry animals scare you. I won’t tell anyone.
ME: I’m not scared of them. I just don’t trust them.
ANGEL: Says the man who let Pihu nap on his lap all afternoon.
ME: Only so she wouldn’t put her little paws in the ice cream.
ANGEL: Liar. Pihu’s a good girl.
ME: Have you been a good girl and invited Anaya?
A picture of Anaya lying on the bed and surfing on her phone comes through. The lingering tension in my shoulders disperses knowing she isn’t alone.
I’m about to reply when a call comes. Sanjay Kelkar’s name flashes on the screen.
I accept it, pressing the phone to my ear. “Sanjay.”
“Hope I’m not disturbing you, Nathan.”
“You’re not.”
“I talked to the others,” he says without beating around the bush. “They share our concerns too regarding Arnav.”
“But?” I sense it in his tone.
“But they’re hesitant to stand up to your father.”
He must have something on them that he could be using to blackmail and buy their votes. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have revealed even this much.
“There’s a solution,” Sanjay says. “If you bring a business proposal or a client that’s more profitable than Arnav, all of us will vote for you.”
“Why should I believe you?”
“Because Rakesh’s behavior is getting out of hand with his demands. It’s obvious stepping down as the CEO has been hard for him. It’s not just you he’s trying to micromanage, but all of us. And we’ve had enough. My loyalty has always been with the company where I’ve worked for more than half my life. You have my word that we’ll have your back.”
I gauge his tone and he sounds genuine. There’s always the risk of plans going awry, however it’s one I’ll have to take.
Discretion will be of utmost importance while I work on solidifying the merger again with Lance Corps. I won’t let my father sabotage it like last time.
“Fine, Sanjay,” I answer. “I’m trusting you.”
“Just one more thing.”
“What?”
“You cannot be involved in more scandals, Nathan. You represent the company and your legacy. We cannot afford any more hits on our reputation. It sends a bad message.”
“I’m taking care of it.”
“You hired a publicist, correct?”
“Yes.”
“Is she good?” He hums, sounding doubtful. “I’ve heard she’s young.”
“Arya is more than capable,” I defend her. “In fact, it was her idea I meet with you.”
