Lara's Office
"Hi, Lara," Nick said as he stepped into the cabin, a bouquet in his hands.
Daisy rolled her eyes the moment she saw him.
"These are for you. Congrats on landing your first big deal," Nick said, offering the flowers with a hopeful smile. "I'd love to throw a party for your company."
"Thanks, Nick. I already took the team out to dinner, and everyone's back to work now. We're good," Lara replied, polite but firm. "Still, I appreciate the gesture."
"Oh… okay," he said, the disappointment obvious. After a pause, he added, "Our companies could collaborate. I can fund you, Lara."
"As I've said before, I want to build this as just Lara, not Lara Celeste," she said without looking up. "So thank you—but not right now."
Nick sighed and turned to Daisy. "Why does she keep rejecting me? Can't you talk to her?"
"Sorry, Nick," Daisy said, shaking her head. "She's trying to grow on her own, and she's doing well. You'll have to respect that."
He nodded reluctantly. "Alright. Work hard, you two. Bye."
The door clicked shut. Daisy spun toward Lara, irritation flashing across her face. "I really don't like him! You treat him like a brother, fine, but flowers, cakes… now everyone thinks he's your boyfriend!"
"He's just being nice," Lara said calmly. "I don't think he enjoys the rumors either. And stop hating on him."
Daisy huffed, recalling everything she'd heard from friends about Nick back in school, how he had dealt with anyone who dared to admire Lara. Lara had no idea, of course. Not a clue. Only Daisy knew the truth, and that knowledge made her cautious… and a little protective.
Lara straightened, her expression shifting. "Daisy, tomorrow we move on Dane—the underworld don. We need him, fast. Inform the team lead to take over our responsibilities on this project."
Daisy nodded, a flicker of determination in her eyes. "Understood. I'll take care."
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In an abandoned godown…
"Make sure all the goods—and the women—are moved out of the country on time. If we miss the schedule, we don't get paid. Boss will be back in five to ten days," the masked man warned his workers.
"Oh, so your boss is out of town, buddy?" Lara smirked.
"Cowards always hide," Daisy added.
The masked man stiffened. "How did they get in? Where are the guards?" He snapped his fingers sharply. "Boys, teach these girls a lesson they won't forget. After that, put them with the others."
Bang.
Bang.