It was a bright, determined morning when all the Vipers decided to skip university for the day—not for pleasure, but purpose. They were headed to Naina's family office, a high-rise glass building nestled in the heart of the city. Naina, now officially the acting CEO of her family business, walked slightly ahead of the group, her confidence building with every step, bolstered by the unwavering support of her closest friends.
"This is it," she said, turning around to face them as they stood outside the lobby. "This company was my father's world. Now it's mine to save."
Ishaan placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You're not doing this alone, Naina. We're all in."
They walked into the sleek boardroom, where a few skeptical-looking board members were already seated. Murmurs floated around the room as the Vipers entered, dressed sharp, oozing confidence.
Ria leaned toward Naina, whispering, "Some of them look like they'd rather watch you fail than see us help."
Naina smirked, her nervousness fading. "Then let's prove them wrong."
As the meeting began, Ishaan stood up, connecting his laptop to the projector. "We've prepared a revitalization proposal," he began. "We believe the company's strongest potential lies in focusing more intensively on the pharma sector, and we have a plan."
Bunny took over next, calm and methodical. "The R&D wing has been underutilized. I propose we expand our drug development line, particularly in mental health and metabolic disorders. There are immense opportunities, and I'm willing to personally take charge of lab integrations."
A board member frowned. "And you are...?"
"Dr. Bunny," Bunny said with a polite but firm smile. "Medical researcher, third-year student, and—yes—friend of your CEO and you might have known my dad Mr. Nanda more."
Murmurs again, this time quieter as they know the real identities of Ishaan, Bunny, Ria, Niall being the heirs of different conglomerate.
Ria tapped on her tablet and continued, "Our financial audit shows suspicious procurement costs and inconsistent billing. We believe there is internal sabotage. With permission, we would like to review all accounts and personnel files."
Niall leaned back, arms crossed. "Give us access. We'll clean house."
There was a pause.
"And what's in it for you kids?" asked one of the older board members.
Naina stood up now, radiating quiet strength. "They're doing this for me. Because they believe in me when I couldn't even ask for help. That's what real allies look like. Now, either you give us a chance, or you watch this company sink."
A hush fell over the room. Then, finally, a nod from the chairman. "Proceed. But you're being watched."
By evening, the tension of the boardroom had transformed into warmth as the Vipers gathered at their favorite underground bar. The familiar dim lights, jazzy music, and clinking glasses created the illusion of calm.
They settled in their usual private booth. Naina, quiet until then, suddenly stood up with her drink.
"I just... need a second," she said, holding her glass with slightly trembling fingers.
Everyone looked at her.
"You guys didn't have to do this," she said, voice cracking. "Not Bunny with his lab, not Ria chasing down suspicious spreadsheets, not Ishaan arguing with arrogant board members. You all had no reason to show up for me like that, but you did. And I don't know how I'll ever repay you."
Ria smiled gently. "Naina, we're not keeping score. That's what family does."
Bunny raised his glass. "To Naina. The only CEO who can terrify board members before lunch and cry at the bar by dinner."
Everyone laughed. The tension broke.
And then Niall stood up.
"Can I say something?"
All eyes turned to him. He rarely looked this serious.
He walked over to Naina and took her hand.
"I heard what you told Ria, Ishaan, and Bunny. About your father. About hiding everything. And I get it. I really do. But I need to tell you something too."
Naina blinked, caught off guard.
"I like you. I think I have for a long time, but I was too stupid or scared to see it. And when I heard about your father, about the debt, it didn't make me think less of you. It made me realize how damn strong you are. And... I want to be someone who stands beside you—not because you need help, but because I want to deserve you."
Gasps. Silence. Even Ishaan, usually smug in these moments, looked genuinely surprised.
Naina didn't move. Her eyes widened.
"You... like me?" she asked, stunned.
Niall nodded, the corners of his mouth twitching nervously. "Yeah. Not sure when it started. Maybe when you beat me in that race. Or when you stood up to your dad. Or maybe it was just always there."
A long beat passed. And then Naina laughed. A soft, teary laugh.
"God, I thought I was imagining it," she said, stepping closer. "You always acted so cold, I just... never thought you felt the same."
He pulled her into a hug, and for a long moment, nothing else mattered.
Bunny clinked his glass again. "Finally. Now maybe we can stop pretending Niall doesn't stare at her during every meeting."
Ria smirked. "And Naina doesn't totally brush her hair extra on race days."
Even Ishaan grinned, his usual cockiness mellowed by the joy in the room.
"This is just the beginning," Naina whispered to Niall.
He nodded. "Let's win everything. Together."
And for the first time in days, they all laughed—not as heirs or elites or warriors in some campus war, but as friends. As family.
The Vipers weren't just surviving anymore. They were building something. Stronger. Together.