Ashes Of Desire

❀ Touch of Destiny ❀

Quote for the chapter:

"In the presence of undeniable chemistry, even the strongest walls begin to crumble."

Author's POV

The meeting room exuded an air of corporate sophistication, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city skyline.

The polished mahogany table gleamed under the warm glow of overhead lights, surrounded by plush leather chairs where executives from both sides of the negotiation sat.

Reva Malhotra, dressed in a tailored navy blue power suit that accentuated her sharp, confident demeanor, sat at the head of the table. Her jet-black hair was swept back in a sleek ponytail, and her piercing gaze commanded attention as she navigated through the details of the potential multi-million-dollar deal.

As the discussion progressed, tensions simmered beneath the surface. Reva's assistant, Aadhira, presented a critical aspect of the proposal, but a senior executive from the opposing team—a middle-aged man with a condescending air—interrupted with a dismissive comment. "You know, Ms. Malhotra," he began, his tone patronizing, "perhaps it's best if women focus on managing households rather than leading in business. Your assistant seems to have made a slight oversight here."

His remark hung in the air like an unwelcome cloud. The room fell silent, all eyes turning to Reva, waiting to see her reaction.With a steely calmness, Reva leaned forward, her expression unyielding. "Mr. Sharma," she addressed him directly, her voice carrying a commanding edge, "I assure you, my assistant's capabilities are not reflective of my leadership. If you have concerns about the proposal, let's address them professionally."

Mr. Sharma's face reddened, clearly taken aback by Reva's assertiveness. "Well, I just meant—" Reva cut him off, her tone ice-cold. " What you meant is clear. However, what is unacceptable is your outdated attitude towards women in business. My company values merit and hard work. If you can't get behind that, then perhaps it's you who doesn't belong here.If you can't respect that, I see no reason to continue this discussion."

She stood abruptly, her presence radiating authority. "I refuse to engage in business with individuals who undermine women's contributions and capabilities. Good day, gentlemen."

The room erupted in applause, the board members clearly impressed by Reva's poise and conviction. Sharma shifted uncomfortably in his seat, unable to meet her gaze.

With that final declaration, Reva gathered her belongings—a sleek leather portfolio and her smartphone—and walked out of the meeting room without a backward glance. The executives from her team followed her lead, leaving Mr. Sharma and his colleagues stunned in her wake.

Outside the meeting room, in the corridor bathed in soft, ambient lighting, Reva took a moment to compose herself. Her heart raced with a mixture of frustration and pride.

She adjusted her suit jacket with a confident tug and walked away with purpose, leaving behind the echoes of her bold stance and unwavering principles.

In that moment, Reva Malhotra embodied the essence of unapologetic elegance—a woman who not only shattered glass ceilings but also demanded respect on her own terms.

As she approached the elevator, a figure emerged from the shadows, his presence commanding attention. It was Vikram Rathore, a prominent figure in the business world known for his ruthlessness and ambition.