The room reeked of opulence, its walls adorned with intricate golden patterns that shimmered beneath the soft glow of chandeliers.
Plush velvet cushions and silk drapes in shades of crimson and gold framed the space, perfectly complementing the luxurious marble floors. At the room's center, Pratap reclined on a divan, a jewel-encrusted hookah by his side. The scent of fragrant smoke filled the air as he inhaled deeply, his half-closed eyes lost in drowsy contemplation.
Before him, a group of women danced gracefully to the rhythm of traditional instruments. Their movements were fluid and precise, their vibrant garments swirling like flames in the dimly lit room. The atmosphere was one of indulgence and authority, designed to both placate and amuse the man who ruled it all.
A servant approached cautiously, bowing low as he handed Pratap a smartphone. Pratap's eyes, reddened from fatigue and smoke, opened slowly as he took the device with a grunt, shaking his head as if to clear his haze. "What is it now?" heh asked, his voice gruff.
The servant trembled, his lips quivering as he tried to summon the courage to speak. Pratap's sharp, expectant gaze bore into him until he finally blurted, "Sir... Sir... the naval carriers and fleets sent to conquer Nicobar... have failed."
Pratap's expression darkened, his brow furrowing in disbelief. He sat up straight, his voice cutting through the air. "What did you say? I seem to have misheard you."
The servant swallowed hard and repeated, "Sir, the naval carriers and fleets have failed."
The room fell into a stunned silence. The music stopped abruptly and the dancers froze mid-step. All eyes turned to Pratap, who sat motionless, the gravity of the news sinking in. Then, with a roar of fury, he grabbed the hookah and hurled it across the room. It shattered against a wall, scattering embers and glass, and sending everyone into a frenzy of panic.
"What is this?" he bellowed, rising to his feet, his voice booming. "Are you joking with me?"
He began pacing, his fury unrestrained, gesturing wildly. "How the hell did he defeat the naval forces? Isn't he just a businessman? Or has he built an entire army overnight? Don't tell me there's a country backing him!"
The servant quivered, shrinking under Pratap's fiery glare.
"Useless... useless!" Pratap spat. "All of you are utterly useless!" His voice reverberated through the hall. His fists clenched as he seethed with frustration.
He stopped abruptly and turned toward the servant. "Go and find that idiot Jagesh."
"Sir, he's currently in an important meeting—"
Roy, Evan's father, stood stiffly, torn between admiration and unease. His eyes darted between the powerful fleet and the regimented soldiers, reflecting a conflicted mixture of awe and disapproval. His hands twitched, as if unsure whether to applaud or chastise.
"This..." Roy struggled to find words, his voice faltering. "Should I be proud of my son for such a feat, or should I be angry at you for... for playing with your country?"
Evan's smug smile deepened as he turned to his father. "Father, the world isn't what it used to be. Loyalties are commodities now. I've got to do what I need to save myself and others."
Beside them, Claire's face lit up with pride. Her voice was soft but filled with conviction. "Evan, you've achieved what others can only dream of. A vision as bold as this proves your brilliance, courage, and determination. You are the future."
Among the group, the most stunned was Amelia, Suri's mother. Her usually composed demeanor faltered, disbelief etched across her face. She blinked repeatedly, her mouth slightly open, as if questioning whether the sight before her was even real.
Maria, however, seemed to be caught in her own whirlwind of emotions. Her reaction was more physical than verbal. She pinched Sam, who yelped in pain and shot a glare at her.
"What the hell are you doing, Maria?" Sam groaned, rubbing his arm.
"To check if what I'm seeing is real," Maria replied, her tone dazed, her eyes locked on the fleet.
Sam scowled. "Then pinch yourself—"
He was cut off by Maria's glare, sharp enough to make him drop the subject. Crossing her arms, she muttered, "Unbelievable."
Beside her, Aria raised her hands in surrender, her eyes glinting with a mix of pride and amazement. "This is... beyond comprehension. From a rented office floor to this? It's a dream turned into reality. A true marvel."
Suri stepped forward, her calm demeanor masking the storm within her. She addressed Evan directly, her voice steady. "You've taken control of the Prime Minister, but the Rajputs are still a force to be reckoned with. So are the other families."
Evan nodded, acknowledging her concern. "The other families won't pose much of a threat once we dismantle the Rajputs."
"Still, it's better to keep them in check."
"Yes, Ma'am!" Evan replied, his tone resolute.