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Once satisfied, he moves to the trunk, pulling out a new set of license plates, their numbers glinting under the single, flickering light in the garage. With a steady hand, he replaces the old plates, removing any trace of the car’s previous identity.

As he straightens up and glances into the car’s side mirror, his reflection stares back at him—a chilling white joker mask, painted into a ghastly grin. He tilts his head, the grin stretching wider as he lets out a low chuckle.

“Vengeance waits for no one,” he murmurs to himself before stepping back and admiring his newly painted car. The chase has only just begun.

CHAPTER 13

VISHNU

I push open the door to Simran’s apartment, my footsteps barely making a sound on the hardwood floor. She’s curled up on the couch in the living room, her laptop balanced on her knees and a Bluetooth earpiece glowing softly against her dark hair. She is speaking to someone on the phone, her voice professional and composed, despite everything that’s happened today.

“Mrs. Winchester, I completely understand your concern,” she says, her fingers tapping nervously on the edge of her laptop. “But I assure you, the team I’m sending to your villa tomorrow is exceptionally good. They’ve worked closely with me on several high-profile projects.”

There’s a pause as she listens, and I can see her shoulders tense.

“Yes, I know we discussed a personal consultation, but due to an unexpected family emergency...” She glances up and meets my gaze, and something flickers in her eyes. “I won’t be able to come to the villa or be at the boutique for the next couple of days. But Sarah and Emma will bring all the design samples we discussed, and I’m confident you’ll love what we’ve put together for your daughter’s wedding reception.”

She takes another pause, longer this time. Her knuckles whiten as she grips the laptop harder.

“I understand this is short notice, Mrs. Winchester, and I apologise. If you’d prefer to reschedule the entire consultation until next week when I’m available...” She trails off, listening, and then lets out a small breath of relief. “Thank you for understanding. Yes, Sarah will call you tonight with the exact time. Thank you again.”

She removes her earpiece and lets it rest on the laptop. Just then, Claire approaches me with a warm smile.

“Welcome, Mr. Walia. The guest room is ready for you.”

“You can call me Vishnu,” I say with a slight nod. Claire smiles in response but Simran doesn’t move from the couch, her eyes still glued to her laptop screen.

Claire gestures toward the hallway. “I can show you—”

“I’ll find it myself,” I cut her off, perhaps a bit more abruptly than necessary.

Claire simply nods, then turns to Simran.

“In that case, Simran, I will take your leave for tonight.”

“Where are you going?” I ask sharply, my protective instincts immediately on alert.

“To my son’s home,” Claire explains calmly, unfazed by my tone. “It’s my grandson’s birthday today. Just a small celebration. I’ll be back tomorrow morning.”

“One of my guards will drop you and pick you up tomorrow.”

“Oh, that’s not necessary—”

“It is.” I turn toward the open door and gesture to one of my men waiting outside. He steps in immediately, and I give him a quick nod. “Take Claire to her family, and stay alert. Report any unusual activity.”

Once Claire leaves with my guard, Simran’s voice breaks the silence.

“Thank you for thinking about Claire’s safety.”

“I didn’t do it as a gesture of goodwill.” I turn to her, my jaw tightening. “I need to be sure before I can take Claire off my list of suspects. The guard is there to keep a watchful eye on her and the family she claims to be meeting. That’s all.”

She shakes her head, a hint of frustration crossing her face

“Claire is trustworthy. I trust her completely.”

“But I don’t trust‘your’trust completely,” I snap back. “After everything you hid from me about Veer, I’m not sure I’ll be able to trust you anytime soon.”

I see the hurt flash across her face, but before she can respond, a cry pierces the air from the nursery, breaking the tension. My heart lurches at the sound of my son’s distress, and before I know it, I’m already up, my feet carrying me swiftly down the hallway. I hear Simran’s footsteps behind me, but I reach the nursery first.