Chapter: Lines That Couldn’t Be Crossed

Gayathri’s smile was sharp.

“So this is your choice?” she said mockingly, looking at Veeresh.

“My sister—who isn’t even from a business background?”

Veeresh’s jaw tightened.

Before he could respond, Rehan moved.

The sound echoed across the room.

Gayathri stood frozen—slapped.

“Mind your words,” Rehan said, voice cold and steady.

“You’re speaking about your own sister. And about my brother’s fiancée.”

The room went silent.

Veeresh exhaled slowly, restraining the anger rising in him.

“I’m happy,” he said firmly.

“And I don’t need your approval.”

He looked straight at Gayathri.

“You should be relieved, actually.

She isn’t after Rathore property.”

Gayathri scoffed.

“She already signed everything away.”

Her eyes narrowed.

“How do you know that?”

“Which asshole told you?”

Veeresh stepped forward, his voice dropping—dangerously calm.

“Mind your words,” he said sharply.

“You’re talking about my wife.”

“I didn’t need anyone to tell me,” he continued.

“I found out.”

He paused, then added with certainty,

“She doesn’t need your money.

She doesn’t need Rathore Industries.”

“She’s happy with her work.”

Veeresh’s eyes hardened.

“And if you’re worried—don’t be.

Everything that’s mine will belong to her.”

Gayathri said nothing.

Veeresh turned and walked away.

As he walked, a memory surfaced.

Adwait’s voice, calm and factual, from days ago:

“Sir… they completely removed Miss Poornima from Rathore Industries.

No share. No role. No acknowledgment.

She signed without resistance.

She didn’t argue.

She didn’t ask for anything.”

Veeresh remembered how his chest had tightened then.

They outcast her, he had thought.

And she didn’t even look back.

Back in the present, his steps slowed.

Not out of doubt—

But resolve.

Because a woman who could walk away from everything

without bitterness—

Was someone worth standing in front of the world for.

And Veeresh Devraj was done staying silent.