chapter 31

"Inaya Desai, I am the President of Nova Entertainment. The final decision lies with me, not you!" Neil Gulati shouted angrily, glaring at her. "Why are you so bent on taking Layla’s contract?""You think I wanted to take that deal?" Inaya asked calmly. "It was hf who requested the switch. I was just afraid we’d end up losing everything, so I tried to hold onto the contract—for you. At first, I didn’t believe the gossip about you and Layla. But now, seeing how far you’re willing to go just to protect her interests… it’s making me question everything."Neil’s face turned red, "Are you even listening to yourself? There’s nothing going on between me and Layla! What nonsense are you imagining?""If that’s true," Inaya said, voice colder now, "then why did you say I should just stay home and take care of the family? Is that all I am to you now?""We’re getting married soon, Inaya," Neil said with a sigh, softening his tone. "Can’t you just step back a little, enjoy life, and focus on our future?""Then go and explain that to Mr. Gupta yourself," Inaya said, her voice filled with disappointment as she set the phone down. "Also, what do you mean I took the deal from Layla? Haven’t I given her enough chances already? I’ve stood up for her, supported her... and how does she repay me? By pretending like my help never existed?"At that moment, Layla couldn’t hold back anymore. "Inaya, it was you who suddenly announced retirement from the industry! That’s why your projects were passed to me. Don’t act like you gave them to me out of charity.""And with your popularity and situation right now," Layla added, her voice rising, "do you really think people will believe that I ever needed your help? Please."Inaya didn’t flinch. "Fine," she said with a straight face. "If you can convince Mr. Gupta to take you back as the face of hf, I’ll step aside. I won’t say a single word after that."Neil now found himself stuck between two powerful women—both angry, both unwilling to back down. But deep down, he knew Inaya would never go against him unless she was deeply hurt. And he couldn’t deny the truth—hf had requested for Inaya.In the end, Neil sighed heavily and stepped between them. "That’s enough! Since hf asked for the change, we’ll follow through. The brand spokesperson will be Inaya.""Neil!" Layla cried out, full of fake hurt."It’s final," Neil said firmly. "Both of you can leave now. Inaya, call Yashvi Shah in."His voice had turned cold. It was clear he felt humiliated that he couldn’t control Inaya like before.But Inaya wasn’t blind. She could read Neil like a book. She knew exactly what he was thinking. And if he thought she’d continue tiptoeing around his ego like always......he was dreaming!He was in for a rude shock.