The morning after their tearful reunion, Abhimaan woke early, Naina curled against him, her pregnant belly a warm curve under his arm. He kissed her forehead softly, slipping out of bed to handle the storm brewing back at the mansion. 'Stay here today, babygirl,' he whispered, though she was still asleep. 'Daddy's got unfinished business.' He dressed sharply—crisp white shirt, tailored pants—his face set in a mask of controlled fury as he drove back.

By noon, the mansion buzzed with activity. Abhimaan summoned the entire staff to the grand hall, from cooks to gardeners, even the distant relatives who lingered for status. Urmila, sensing trouble, arrived last, her silk saree impeccable, chin high. But when she saw Abhimaan's glare, her confidence wavered.