Chapter 24 — The Warning

Chaos still lingered inside the ballroom after Veeresh’s public declaration.

Guests whispered endlessly.

Businessmen looked shocked.

Media cameras were already spreading the scandal across the city.

Meanwhile, the Rathore family stood humiliated and furious near the exit.

Mr. Rathore looked ready to explode, but before he could say anything, Veeresh’s cold voice stopped him.

“One scratch on her,” Veeresh said calmly, “and I won’t stay quiet.”

The threat wasn’t loud.

Which made it even more terrifying.

The Rathores froze.

Because everyone in that room knew Salvatore Dreewan never made empty threats.

Poornima immediately glared at him furiously.

Her eyes practically screamed you psychopath.

But Veeresh only smirked slightly.

Then Poornima turned and walked away with her elder brother without another word, her white gown disappearing into the crowd while the platinum ring remained on her finger.

Veeresh watched her leave silently.

His uncle finally stepped toward him once the Rathores were gone.

“What exactly was that, Veeresh?”

The ballroom quieted again.

Before Veeresh could answer, Rakesh suddenly spoke up.

“Dad,” he said awkwardly, “I already love someone else.”

His father stared at him in disbelief. “What?”

Rakesh scratched the back of his neck slightly. “When you asked before… I didn’t tell you.”

His uncle looked ready to faint from stress.

“And now you’re saying this?”

“Sorry, Dad,” Rakesh admitted honestly. “So I told brother.”

Everyone’s eyes moved toward Veeresh instantly.

Rakesh continued shamelessly, “And he planned everything.”

Mrs. Dreewan closed her eyes briefly like she expected nothing less from her elder son.

Meanwhile, Veeresh looked completely unbothered.

His uncle sighed deeply before walking closer to him.

“Veeresh,” he said seriously, “I trust you.” His expression hardened slightly. “Whatever you’re doing… make sure it doesn’t destroy this family.”

For the first time that night, Veeresh’s expression softened slightly.

“No, uncle,” he answered calmly. “It won’t.”

His father and mother exchanged a glance before Mrs. Dreewan finally stepped forward.

“Take care of her.”

Veeresh looked toward the ballroom exit where Poornima had disappeared moments ago.

Then he nodded once.

“Sure, Dad.”