Chapter 18: chapter 18

"Inaya, your reputation is in ruins right now," Neil Gulati said, leaning back in his chair. "So, I’ve arranged for you to take part in some public activities. Hopefully, you can redeem yourself in the eyes of the public."He studied her face, gauging her reaction."Layla’s injured, right? Why don’t you go visit her and take care of her? Show that you’re sorry. Maybe you can win some sympathy votes."Inaya examined Neil’s face, suddenly wondering why she had never noticed before just how disgraceful he was.Layla was clearly using this situation to humiliate her, and yet Neil—her supposed fiancé—was actually suggesting that she willingly walk into the trap."You just need to put on a show for a few minutes in front of the cameras. The footage will be broadcasted live…"Neil fully expected her to refuse. Layla had used her pregnancy as leverage against him to convince him to make this ridiculous request.But to his surprise, Inaya simply nodded."Alright.""You’re willing to do it?" he asked, taken aback."I haven’t had the chance to visit Layla since her accident. This is the perfect opportunity," she replied smoothly, without a hint of emotion."In that case, I’ll have someone escort you. The hospital is surrounded by reporters."Inaya remained perfectly calm, even though she knew Layla’s real plan was to publicly humiliate her. The more arrogant Layla was now, the harder she would fall later.And in the end…The one who would be laughing last was yet to be decided.The Message That Changed EverythingNot long after, Inaya got into Neil’s assistant’s car, heading toward Apollo Hospital. On the way, she pulled out her phone and sent a message."Hubby, don’t worry about any news you see about me. I have a plan. Also, I want to come home tonight. Can you send someone to pick me up from Apollo Hospital? I don’t even know where our new home is…"Across the city, in the middle of a high-profile AR Entertainment meeting, Atharv Singhania’s phone vibrated.For the first time ever, he paused what he was doing. The entire boardroom fell silent as the company’s executives exchanged surprised glances. What kind of person had the power to make Atharv stop mid-meeting?Ignoring their reactions, he focused solely on the message.Her words, especially the last sentence, made something stir inside him. Without hesitation, he replied."Good girl, I will pick you up later."As soon as she saw his reply, a rare, genuine smile crossed Inaya’s face. Her eyes curved like crescent moons as she imagined his expression while sending that message.Meanwhile, in the driver’s seat, Neil’s assistant caught a glimpse of her smile in the rearview mirror. He smirked to himself.Smile while you still can, Inaya. You won’t be smiling for long.She knew the whole world was against her right now. But she had made a decision—she wouldn’t care about their opinions.After messaging Atharv, she sent another text."Yashvi, Neil has arranged for me to visit Layla at the hospital. I’m almost there. Are you ready?"Yashvi Shah, her manager and closest ally, responded instantly."Anyone with half a brain can tell that mistress is setting you up for humiliation. Does she really think it’ll be that easy? I’ve been ready for ages. The public is in for a show—I have pictures and a video.""Release the pictures now. Hold onto the video for later. I want Neil and Layla to argue first.""Got it. We’ll wait for the perfect moment. Once they’re at their highest, I’ll drop the video and seal their fate!"Yashvi’s excitement was palpable even through the text."I want Layla to fall from her highest peak."She hesitated for a moment before adding, "By the way, even though there are so many people insulting you, I’ve noticed a small minority still defending you. There’s some good in this mess, after all.""Thanks, Yashvi. Be careful."After their exchange, Inaya deleted the entire conversation. Her lips curved slightly upward.The SetupIn a private hospital room at Apollo Hospital, Layla Joshi sat in bed, feigning weakness. Her eyes glowed with anticipation.The thought of humiliating Inaya in front of everyone thrilled her.Never in her wildest dreams had she expected Inaya to be so foolish—to take all the blame willingly. Not only had she boosted Layla’s popularity, but she had also secured her spokesperson deal with HF."Layla, Inaya is almost here," Neil said, adjusting his cufflinks. "As soon as she arrives, the cameras will start rolling. The footage will be broadcasted live for three minutes."Layla smirked. "Perfect.""In a moment, I’ll call the doctor in to change your bandages. And at the same time…" His lips curled into a sinister smile. "I’ll make Inaya wash your feet."Layla’s fingers clenched the bedsheet in excitement.Finally.For years, she had been overshadowed by Inaya Desai. But from today onward, she would climb higher and higher. She would trample Inaya beneath her feet, take Neil from her, and become the First Lady of Nova Entertainment."From now on, things will only get better for you," Neil reassured her. "The Annual Top Ten Model Awards are about to make their selections. I’m sure you’ll be chosen. At that point, you’ll be one step closer to becoming a top model."Layla’s smile widened.This was better than anything she had ever dreamed of.Everything was going her way.Her arrogance swelled.But what she didn’t know…Was that the moment of her downfall had already begun.