“Scheduling. Documentation. Correspondence. Notes for every meeting.” His gaze did not move. “You will work right under my nose when a new buyer arrives.”
“That is not my job.”
“It is now.”
“You cannot simply…”
“I own this property. You work for this property. I assign duties.” A slight tilt of his head. “Unless you prefer to resign. Or want me to close the temple.”
She stared at him.
He waited. Still. Patient in a way that left no space to push.
She opened her mouth.
Closed it.
Tried again.
Nothing came.
Every argument she reached for had already been accounted for. He had come prepared. Several steps ahead.
This was going very badly, and the trace of cedar, combined with his proximity, was not helping. She needed to leave before her composure slipped.
She stepped back, straightened, drew a breath.
“Fine.” The word came clipped. “Anything else, Boss?”
“That will do for now.”
She gave a single nod, turned, and walked out.
She did not slam the door.
She was a professional.
She very much wanted to slam the door.
Instead, she pulled it shut with a decisive click that somehow carried more weight.
Inside, Abhinav remained where he was.
His heartbeat was faster than it should have been after a conversation conducted entirely in controlled voices.
He had won.
Completely.
The threat had worked. The reassignment had cornered her. No argument remained.
He had won.
He picked up the estate file, and sat down.
Opened it.
No, Boss.
