Chapter 23 — Claimed In Public

The ballroom glowed under golden chandeliers as the engagement ceremony officially began.

Every influential business family in Bangalore stood watching the stage. Cameras flashed endlessly while whispers filled the luxurious hall.

Poornima stood beside Rakesh Dreewan in complete silence, her white gown making her look almost unreal beneath the lights.

Emotionless.

Still.

Like she had already accepted her fate.

Then Veeresh’s uncle stepped forward with a proud smile.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he announced loudly, “today marks the alliance between Rathore Industries and the Dreewan family.”

Applause echoed around the ballroom.

“Miss Poornima Rathore and my son, Rakesh Dreewan, are getting engaged today.”

A tray carrying the engagement rings was brought forward.

Rakesh picked up the ring calmly and turned toward Poornima.

But before he could hold her hand—

The ballroom doors opened.

Silence spread instantly.

Veeresh Dreewan walked inside wearing a black suit, his expression calm enough to terrify anyone who truly knew him. Every eye in the room followed him as he walked straight toward the stage without permission, without hesitation.

Even his uncle’s face darkened.

“Veeresh—”

Too late.

Veeresh stepped onto the stage, grabbed Poornima by her waist, and pulled her against him.

Gasps filled the ballroom.

And before anyone could react—

He kissed her.

Right there.

In front of everyone.

The entire hall froze.

Poornima’s eyes widened in shock before she instinctively bit his lower lip hard.

Veeresh pulled back slightly and actually smiled.

“Asshole,” she whispered furiously under her breath. “What are you doing?”

Veeresh’s arm tightened possessively around her waist as cameras flashed wildly around them.

“Claiming my prey.”

The words sent complete chaos through the room.

Rakesh surprisingly looked more amused than angry as he folded his arms slightly, watching the scene unfold.

Then Veeresh slowly removed the ring from his own finger — a black platinum band he always wore.

Without breaking eye contact with Poornima, he took her hand and slid the ring onto her finger.

“Salvatore,” she whispered in shock, “what are you doing?”

Veeresh smiled faintly, leaning close enough that only she could hear him.

“Slowly put the ring on me,” he murmured calmly. “Or do you want me to tell everyone we already spent the night together?”

Poornima stared at him in disbelief.

This man was insane.

Absolutely insane.

Yet her heartbeat betrayed her completely.

The ballroom remained dead silent, waiting.

Finally, Poornima slowly removed the platinum bracelet ring attached beside her chain — the small ring she always carried unconsciously since childhood.

Then, with slightly trembling fingers, she slid it onto Veeresh’s hand.

Veeresh looked down at it once before lifting his gaze toward the crowd.

And then—

The devil smiled.

“We’re engaged.”