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Tara's office was a storm of data, graphs, and screens filled with numbers as she and her team analyzed every angle of the recent data leak. The tension was thick as they reviewed their findings, everyone hoping to salvage what they could before the day ended. Tara leaned over her desk, her head throbbing as she scanned through a set of emails, her mind racing with solutions. Her focus was razor-sharp, each breath measured, when suddenly the door burst open.
Her father strode in, his commanding presence filling the room. The entire team fell silent, the air tightening with his arrival. Each team member greeted him with cautious respect, exchanging worried glances. After a moment, he gave a brisk nod, directing his gaze toward the screens. "So," he said in that familiar, stern tone, "how's the damage control going?"
One of the team members cleared his throat and replied, "We're almost there, sir. We've identified the source of the leak and started implementing tighter protocols. We believe we're on the right track now."
Her father nodded curtly, but his gaze lingered on Tara, a frown settling across his face. "Good," he said, dismissing the team with a wave. "Now, if you all don't mind, I need a word with my daughter."
As they filed out, the tension only intensified, and Tara couldn't shake the dread building in her chest. She knew what was coming. Once they were alone, her father turned to her, his voice dropping with disapproval.
"This," he began, gesturing around the room, "is exactly what I said would happen. You're losing your grip on this company, Tara. Losing a deal to the Guptas? Really?" He shook his head, sinking into the chair across from her.
Tara let out a long sigh, rubbing her temples in an attempt to stave off the pounding ache in her head. "Dad, please, not right now," she said, her tone measured but tired. "We're already doing everything we can. I don't want to argue with you."
But her father didn't seem to notice her exhaustion. "What do you mean, 'not right now'? Do you even understand how much this damages the company? This is exactly why I told you not to get distracted by your personal life. If you'd just focused, we wouldn't be in this mess."
Tara closed her eyes briefly, willing herself to stay calm. She was about to respond, but the throbbing in her head spiked, and she winced, pressing a hand to her forehead. Before she could collect herself, the door opened, and Nisha walked in, carrying a file.
"Hey, Tara—" she began cheerfully, but her words trailed off as she took in the atmosphere, her gaze darting from Tara's strained expression to her father's stern face. Nisha quickly pieced together the situation and hesitated, ready to excuse herself.
"Not now, Nisha," her father said impatiently, waving her away. "I need to finish discussing something important with Tara."
Nisha's gaze shifted back to Tara, catching the pained look in her eyes. The faint lines of tension around Tara's mouth told Nisha everything she needed to know. Oh no, she thought, her heart sinking as she noticed Tara's hand pressed against her temple.
