THE PERFECT DECEPTION

Chapter 15

Anupama

I tug at the hem of my skirt, feeling sweat trickle down my face. Devika attempts to soothe my nerves with her fan, while Naomi slaps my hand away from the skirt. "That hurts," I complain, withdrawing my hand swiftly. "What really hurts is when you teased me about Nico," retorts Naomi, her rich brown skin flushing at his name. I catch Levi dozing on Kinjal's lap, causing her to giggle and shy away. Meanwhile, Nico lets Naomi rest against him, his hand lazily weaving through her braids, exploring their distinctive texture.

Kai chuckled as I pouted, "Come on, Naomi. You and Kinjal seemed very close to the King brothers," he said, winking mockingly at her. Naomi's face flushed with rage as she hurled a pen at his forehead. Onlookers gazed at us as if we were clowns, and Kai gasped mockingly, "Had to throw like a girl." Naomi stamped her foot on the white tiles, "Watch your Korean mouth, that's the last thing those five girls will ever hear from you." Naomi growled, her eyes narrowing as the cleaners frowned at the shoe print on the floor.

"It's not my fault I have needs," Kai retorted, his eyes narrowing as Devika and I groaned in disgust. "Disgusting," I muttered, recalling his escapade with those five girls; I nearly retched until I remembered my own actions. "Anupama, don't pretend to be a saint," Devika groaned loudly, "You stayed at Jonathan's place and got drunk yesterday," I quickly rolled my eyes. Kai let out a soft chuckle, "And I thought I was the desperate one?" he mocked as I flung another pen at his face. Kai scoffed, "Ladies, I know you all want a piece of me, but I'm reserved for Devika," he smirked at her, his gaze lingering. "No way," Devika said, annoyed, while Naomi added with a mocking smirk, "Keep dreaming."

"Ugh! Can we all just be quiet?" I groaned, threading my fingers through my hair nervously. "What, still damp? Didn't Jonathan satisfy you?" Naomi teased. I exhaled deeply as everyone stared at us as if we were a spectacle. We were meant to stride into Forster Design Co as though we owned it, yet the imposing building and scrutinizing gazes felt daunting.

Jonathan, one of their major shareholders, might have already arrived. I had researched on the way while Naomi attempted to dab the sweat from my face. The room also housed two other competitors, not to mention more resolute men adept in the art of bribery. Daniel Steel, the prosperous German CEO of a beer company boasting millions in annual profits. Kegan Torrance, the wealthy owner of a hotel chain, whose billions overshadowed my own words. Anxiety clutched at the hem of my neatly tucked-in shirt. I felt the urge to shield my chest, but Kai insisted it would garner more favor. Using seduction was never a tactic I'd employ against those whose wealth shouted louder than my capabilities.

Brushing myself off, I clasped the silver handle while Naomi nudged me, "What if they devour us?" Her voice quivered, and my hold on the doorknob weakened. Kai scoffed dismissively, "Anupama has her lucky charm with her," he winked. Devika muttered, "What's important is that she has a plan," prompting another sigh from me. "But was I wrong? We only had this morning," Kai remarked, aiming for reason, and his words were undeniably true.

"Even in defeat, there will be renown linked to our attempt. To be acknowledged by such an esteemed company, particularly in design and software, would be an honor. We have value," I whispered, and with a collective nod, they concurred as I turned the knob. The soft clicks and a draft of hesitation washed over me in fleeting breaths as I glanced inside.

Jonathan's head whipped towards me, his blue eyes narrowing with a coldness that ended in a sliver of warmth. I closed my eyes briefly, allowing my posture to snap into perfection, followed by a confident smile. "Good afternoon, gentlemen," I said confidently, striving to keep my voice steady against the tremble in my knees. My gaze swept the room, noting the various shades of grey and black.