Inside Regal Club's private room, Neelima Menon's shoulders slumped, her pride yielding to desperation. "Fine, Seth," she said, her voice low but resolute. "I accept your terms—10 unconditional orders to save my life. I've no other choice." Her admission, forced by the poison's grip, marked her surrender to Robin Seth's audacious deal.
Robin's eyes glinted, his voice calm but commanding. "No contract needed," he said, leaning forward. "Betray me, and I'll reclaim your life myself." His confidence solidified his control, Neelima's gaze flickering with unease but respect for his unyielding stance.
Neelima tilted her head, her tone curious, almost playful. "Aisha divorced you," she said, her eyes studying him. "Why? Your skills, your presence—they outshine Vikram Malhotra's by miles." Her intrigue hinted at admiration, her perception of Robin shifting as she questioned Aisha's choice.
Robin began Neelima's treatment, his fingers applying a precise acupressure technique, derived from his modernized Ayurveda skills, targeting key points with surgical precision. The method, honed through years in, drew out the poison's effects, easing Neelima's chronic pain. "This is no ordinary skill," she gasped, her voice awed, as his exceptional precision confirmed his mastery.
Neelima's tension melted, her strongwoman facade crumbling under the relief. "You're more than I thought," she murmured, her eyes soft, her trust in Robin deepening as the pain faded. For the first time, she let her guard down, her vulnerability exposed in his presence.
Her voice turned serious, her gaze sharp. "What do I do about Sanjay?" she asked, her tone torn between rage and caution. "Kill him? Interrogate him?" Robin's expression hardened, his voice strategic. "Wait," he said. "Sanjay's a pawn. Confronting him now risks letting the mastermind behind your poisoning slip away."
Robin's plan to delay action against Sanjay aimed to lure out the true orchestrator, preventing them from escaping and posing future threats to Neelima and Regal Club. "Patience will expose the real enemy," he said, his tone resolute, aligning with his vow to crush poisoners.
Neelima's lips curved, her voice playful yet calculated. "Maybe I should keep you close, Seth," she teased, leaning closer, her lehenga shimmering. "A relationship could secure your loyalty—and Global Exports' resources." Her flirtation tested his resolve, but Robin's gaze remained steady. "Our deal's enough," he said, his focus unwavering on their agreement.
The door swung open, and Priya Reddy and Chetan Rana entered, freezing at the sight of Neelima's disheveled state, her hair loose from the treatment. Chetan's eyes widened, whispering to Priya, "He's got her under his thumb." Priya's face tightened, her hand brushing Robin's arm possessively, her voice sharp. "Everything alright, Robin?" Her tone betrayed concern, Neelima's flirtations threatening her bond with him.
Priya's possessive display signaled her growing unease, intensifying the personal and professional rivalry as Robin neared securing Global Exports' liquor supply. Neelima's eyes flicked between them, a smirk playing on her lips, but Robin's focus held firm. "We're on track," he said, his voice commanding, the tension in the room a spark in the storm poised to reshape Hyderabad's elite circles.