Arya!
No one but Nathan has called me that. Reaching into my purse, I pull out my iPad and place it between us. Powering it on, I open the notes app. “Since you didn’t want to address the allegations, I’m working on getting the article taken down. The editor who wrote it has been known to write superficial conspiracies and blow things out of proportion. So, it should be easy. Even if it doesn’t, we can threaten to file a defamation lawsuit.”
“What if it does the opposite?” counters Nathan. “I don’t want to go into an unnecessary legal battle and have people dig deeper into my past.”
“Don’t worry, it won’t come to that.” Smiling reassuringly, I say, “The editor,Harshita, gets scared easily. She’s trying toearn clout by targeting the Singhania brothers. Although I’m certain she doesn’t want to face Kian’s wrath. His reputation precedes him about how protective he is of Iris. Plus, she’s known to go after him and his businesses quite often. We’re implying this instance is exactly that.”
Nathan’s lips purse angrily as he demands in a low tone, “Shouldn’t you have discussed with me first before using my brother’s name?”
“Is that an issue for you?” I curiously ask, unafraid of him. I’m just doing my job. “The sooner we put the rumor to rest, the sooner our lives, including Iris’s, go back to normal. Was I wrong to presume that protecting her is one of your priorities?”
“My priority was to untangle her and my name, not twist it harder.”
“How about you trust me to know what I’m doing?”
“You better.” His silky voice drips with danger. “Because you don’t want to facemywrath, let alone my brother’s.”
My stomach knots.
Was Anaya right? Did Nathan fall in love with his fake fiancée? How deeply?
Narrowing my gaze, I defend myself. “No need for threats, Nathan. In case you forgot, I’m on your side. Hurting you or the people you care about doesn’t benefit me.”
“Make sure it stays that way. Next time, check in with me before you involve my brother and his fiancée.”
“Fine.”
“What else?”
“I looked into all the board members of your firm.” I’ve spent the past week learning about each of them. Their likes and dislikes. Their roles in the company. Their relationships with each other. “Have you spent time alone with them personally?”
“Not outside of our meetings.” He frowns. “Why?”
“You need to build a rapport with them, Nathan.”
“Did you forget that I don’t trust them? They are waiting to stab me in the back,” he retorts sharply, sitting back with his legs crossed. “Why would I want to spend time with them?”
“Because they’re an integral part of the company. Don’t let your ego triumph over intelligence. There’s truth to the saying… keep your friends close and your enemies closer. I bet some of them will genuinely listen to you if you make an effort to know them. Otherwise, they’ll keep leaning toward your father.”
His fingers tap rhythmically on his knee as he mulls over my answer. “I’m not being egotistic, Arya. Our revenues have soared ever since I took over. I’ve proved myself as a good leader countless times. If all of that doesn’t convince them I’m worthy of my position, what else do you suggest?”
“There’s a charity auction coming up, where most of them will be in attendance. You should use this as an opportunity to interact with them. Work on gaining their trust. Tell them the plans you have for the business,” I convey my strategy. “Little steps like this will do wonders. I will also set up one-on-one meetings with Erika’s help. I’ll share the notes I’ve made on them that you can use.”
Kian and Iris are also on the guest list. I don’t tell him that. Partly because Kian isn’t known to attend these functions. When he does, he doesn’t stay for long. I’m hoping he and Iris make an exception at this gala. People seeing the Singhania brothers together and acting as normal will be advantageous to us.
“May I see your notes?” Nathan points at my iPad.
I clutch the device. “They aren’t organized. I can email you a copy later after I double-check them.”
“Text me the link to the doc. My assistant goes through my inbox. Any exchange of information related to our meetings stays between us.”
I can’t tell if it’s paranoia or a real hazard when Nathan insinuates that his employees are stalking his every move.
“If you have a private email, I can use that.”
“I’ll share it later.” Uncrossing his legs, he leans forward to grab the glass of water and raise it to his lips. After taking a sip that draws attention to his Adam’s apple, he renders me stunned, uttering, “I want you to attend the gala with me.”
It’s not a request. “Why?”
