The deal was officially announced by evening.
Headlines moved fast.
"K.M. Global and Virex Holdings Enter Strategic Equal Partnership."
"Two Female Powerhouses Redefine Southeast Asian Market."
The media called it historic.
Neither Kashvi nor Anvi commented beyond the formal press statement.
But the press conference room still carried quiet tension.
Cameras flashed as both women stood side by side for photographs.
Polished smiles. Controlled posture. Measured words.
"Today marks the beginning of a strategic expansion built on mutual growth," Anvi stated smoothly.
Kashvi followed, voice steady. "Equal partnership. Equal authority. Sustainable execution."
Flash.
Flash.
Flash.
To the world, they looked aligned.
Only they knew alignment had been negotiated through fire.
Later that night, Singapore's skyline glittered beneath a private networking dinner hosted by Virex.
Investors circulated. Diplomats exchanged cards. Soft instrumental music filled the air.
Kashvi stood near the balcony, a glass of sparkling water in her hand. She preferred clarity.
She sensed Anvi before hearing her.
"You always stand near exits," Anvi said quietly, stepping beside her.
Kashvi didn't look surprised.
"I like knowing where I'm walking."
Anvi glanced toward the city lights.
"You don't trust rooms."
"I trust myself."
A brief silence.
The wind from the bay moved gently, but the space between them remained still.
"Singapore isn't the only expansion coming," Anvi said casually.
Kashvi turned slightly. "Meaning?"
"Meaning markets shift. Alliances shift. And sometimes," Anvi paused, "old connections resurface in unexpected ways."
There was something deliberate in her tone.
Not threat.
Not warning.
Information.
Kashvi studied her carefully.
"If this is about business strategy, I'm listening."
Anvi's lips curved faintly.
"It's never just about business."
Before Kashvi could respond, a senior investor approached, breaking the moment.
Anvi stepped back into CEO mode instantly.
Poised. Untouchable.
Kashvi remained still for a second longer.
Old connections.
The phrase lingered.
Ved was gone.
Krish was in prison.
That chapter was closed.
So what exactly was resurfacing?
Her phone vibrated in her hand.
A message from London.
Unknown sender.
Just three words.
"We need to talk."
No name.
No explanation.
Kashvi's expression didn't change.
But her instincts sharpened.
Across the terrace, Anvi was watching her.
Not openly.
But carefully.
And for the first time since signing the deal—
Kashvi felt it.
This expansion wasn't just geographical.
Something was moving.
And it wasn't random.
She locked her phone screen calmly.
Whatever it was—
It would meet her on her terms.