Chapter 01

The warehouse was sealed shut, its concrete walls absorbing every sound—except the one that mattered.

Pain.

The man lying on the floor could barely recognize himself anymore. His body trembled with every breath, his strength long gone. Standing above him was the reason for that suffering—Manik Malhotra. Calm. Controlled. Merciless.

Manik didn’t enjoy violence.

He simply believed in consequences.

The man crawled forward, gripping Manik’s shoes with shaking hands. “Please,” he cried. “I made a mistake. I won’t do it again. I swear.”

Manik looked down at him, his expression unreadable.

“A mistake?” he repeated quietly. “You sold my information. You chose money over loyalty.”

The man shook his head violently. “Please… I’ll disappear. I’ll leave the country.”

Manik crouched in front of him, his eyes cold enough to freeze blood.

“I never forgive betrayal,” he said. “It’s a sin that demands payment.”

He stood up, pulled out his gun, and ended it without hesitation.

Silence followed—thick and heavy.

Moments later, footsteps echoed as Cabir and Dhruv entered.

Cabir folded his hands. “May his soul find peace.”

Dhruv groaned. “Not now, Cabir.”

“I’m serious,” Cabir argued. “Someone always says it in situations like this.”

Manik turned slowly. “Both of you—enough.”

They fell silent immediately.

“Dhruv,” Manik said, walking toward the door, “I want tonight arranged.”

“Yes, boss,” Dhruv replied. “But she’s demanding more money.”

Manik scoffed. “Money solves everything.”

Cabir frowned. “Manik, this lifestyle—how long will you keep running from yourself?”

Manik stopped and looked back sharply. “I’m not running.”

Dhruv hesitated. “Boss… ever thought about settling down?”

That earned them both a glare.

“Marriage isn’t for people like me,” Manik said coldly. “And neither is love.”

Cabir muttered, “At least try not to destroy yourself.”

Manik stepped forward, and Cabir bolted.

“Clean this place,” Manik ordered. “Send the body back to his family. Give them compensation. Say he left the city.”

Because even monsters followed rules.

The Empire

Manik Malhotra didn’t just rule fear—he ruled an empire.

Malhotra Hotels stood tall across cities, symbols of luxury and respectability. To the world, Manik was a successful businessman. Polished. Charismatic. Untouchable.

Only a few knew the truth.

That night, he entered the presidential suite of his hotel. The city lights outside meant nothing to him. Inside, everything felt hollow.

Another woman. Another attempt to silence his mind.

Hours later, when the silence returned, Manik lay awake, staring at the ceiling.

For the first time in years, something unsettled him.

A strange feeling that his carefully controlled world wouldn’t remain untouched for long.

Somewhere out there, destiny was preparing his downfall.

Her name would be Nandini.