Chapter 11: Chapter 11

Insecurities are the seed of pain. The deeply embedded remorse is nothing but a poison that makes the soul hollow, eating away happiness.

Earlier Alistair had thought that Karma would now live more freely... that she had him by her side it would lessen her burdens but it was just a mere illusion and it broke as soon as she stepped into the office the next day.

Her head was bowed down a bit, avoiding his eyes and his presence altogether. He watched her sitting at the opposite head of the round table putting her views strongly out there on how should the company must reduce the extra expenses but not once she looked at him.

She looked like the epitome of a doll... beautiful, pristine, and existing, yet lifeless and emotionless.

She was made of solid chrome...stoic.

"So basically you cannot let the fighters take advantage of the facilities for engaging in inappropriate activities but at the same time, they must be provided a level of extravagance so they remain loyal to Arkalos and fight only for us.

Make a hierarchy sure but don't divide them based on their performance. They would feel as if you are placing a prize on their abilities and you think that they are not worthy enough."

The assistants wrote down the objectives stated by her furiously.

"Sir, what are your views?"

Alistair tilted his head observing Karma who treated him like thin air and refused to acknowledge that only yesterday he had shown her his true self and they were friends atleast.

If she wants business, he would do that only.

Showing empathy wasn't his style, if she didn't liked it then so be it.

He disliked her anyways and the avalanche of emotions she bought in him....he discarded it.

Nothing... he must feel nothing for that ungrateful girl.

She was his ladder to success if it took her support to reach the top then so be it, as she had promised.

Without uttering a word he stood up, motioning the people that the meeting was adjourned.

As Alistair walked out, Karma raised her golden head peeking up at him,reminiscing his words...

"I will slaughter all of them and bring their heads as a trophy for you to see and laugh as the heavens rejoice."

Liar

Traitor

Her petite fingers wrapped around the glass, hold tightening in fury. He was another one of them, earlier she had entrusted him with her secret but alas that man disappointed her.

Or maybe she had never even given him a chance... declaring him a backstabber.

Nobody was that selfless, why would he offer her the world at her feet?

What would he gain out of it?

There must be some conspiracy behind his actions but rest assured she would silence him either with his position for Arkalos or with a dagger to his heart.

A heart she had started feeling forbidden emotions for.

Karma shook her head, how could she even think for a second that he was different, none of them were. They were all hungry hyenas waiting for the opportunity to snatch the golden fruit.

But what if...

No ifs and buts, he wasn't hers.

No, Alistair could never belong to her. She hated him but at the same time craved himas well.

His touch melted her darkened soul into the pure crystal waters of Eden. His bronze eyes.... as soon as those beautiful gems clashed with her cold orbs she found herself immersed in the warmth of care.

But why would he do some much for her?She felt a headache forming in her brain.

Enough of this overthinking. Alaric had betrayed her and Alistair.....she was afraid to say the ocean of emotions that stirred for him inside her would bring a tsunami of devastation if he does the same.

And he was bound to be a monster like others. Maybe he was a loyal dog but that was all he was.

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A rift was created between the tigress and the beast. He stated her lust for vengeance; she satisfied his ambition of power and balance.

The anger inside their eyes increased day by day, piling up like a diamond buried under the layers of dust.

The once-blooming and blossoming friendship totally disappeared as they again started watching each other with suspicious eyes finding flaws in each other.

Days passed and just like that they drifted apart, not knowing the thread of fate that bound them together.

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2 months later

"Miss Karma, Mr. Alistair, please have a seat." Karma gave Darius Stone a small smile agreeing politely while Alistair remained warily aware of Darius's son, Oliver who watched Karma as if she was some kind of a miracle.

"Miss Karma, I am Oliver Stone, it's a pleasure meeting you." He took her fingers gently in his hands kissing the back of her hand softly making the girl smile back with a flustered face.

Alistair's left eye twitched in annoyance, fist tightening in rage.

Fuck them, they could do whatever the hell they liked, it wasn't as if he cared but watching the leech sweet-talking Karma his blood boiled.

She was not his.

"I am a painter and I must say, you are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. If you could, someday, then please give me the honor of making you my muse." Karma blushed scarlet making Alistair fume in anger.

She always looked ready to eat him alive. What was in this fucking little boy in front of him that she didn't pull out her fangs yet?

"Mr. Stone, when I called you for a private meeting, I didn't mean that I will see your boy flirt around with the prodigious officer of the finance ministry. I must inform you beforehand, if she gets offended, your empire will shake."

Alistair emphasized the word boy showing Oliver that indeed, he was a boy in comparison to him. Not only Alistair towered the man more than one feet but his frame was larger, much more built than him.

Darius opened his mouth to apologize while Oliver looked afraid.

"I am sorry Mr. Alessandro but I don't mind Mr. Stone. He seems nice. I would be delighted to be your art subject." Karma blushed looking down in embarrassment.

If Alistair could, he would have punched Oliver straight out of the face of the earth.

"But I believe we can't do it anytime soon, not at the time of such distress." Karma sighed looking pitiful making Oliver frown.

"What is the deal, Ma'am?" Darius Stone asked the little fawn in worry.

"The government is extremely wary of your empire, sir. You have not managed the company fora long time and they are afraid that your power is being misused in the underground Mafia racket.

There have been several reports being filed in your name.That the company selling arms and explosives andthe armyis also supplying a part through the illegal trade.

The suspicions and blames could be baseless but Sir, my mentor refused to listen. You not declaring an heir, since so long has made them believe that you are trying to save your son from the wrath of Mafias and now even if he or any of your children do take the company in their capable hands, the government wouldn't be convinced...not anymore.

I am your well-wisher because I am here after Mr. Alessandro himself requested me. I am indebted to him..." Karma eyed Alistair after so many days with an evil spark making her eyes shine and morphing his face into a handsome smirk.

"...for he is my father's friend, basically my guardian who had guided me since the young years of my life...else I wouldn't take this much risk to warn you at all.

Here take a look at these files." Karma presented them the legal copies of the reports and complaints filed against them making the father and son duo sweat in anxiety and fear.

What way was left, what could they do anymore.

"It was four years ago that anyone from your family visited or invested in Arkalos. Your shares would have been reduced drastically if it wasn't for Mr. Alessandro but alas nothing lasts forever..."

Karma shook her head as if struck by grief.

"What does that mean? Mr. Alessandro?"

"I have decided to resign from the position of the CEO. It isn't my birthright and I don't feel the need to take so much pain for the empire I had not many heartfelt connections with.

Furthermore, it isn't like after leaving Arkalos I wouldn't be granted any jobs. They have fallen to my feet to make me accept their offers, but then I was bound by my word but now, nothing is stopping me anymore."

Lies

He had built the place with his sweat and blood, Arkalos would have fallen to dust long ago if he hadn't stepped forward to be their starfighter, managing the monetary as well as the inner matters but they were not to know that.

Darius's face was pale white as if he had seen a ghost while his son shuddered. Maybe their comfortable days were over.

Karma felt the darkening and terrifying aura around him. This wasn't their plan, he did have to say that he was resigning but stating that he didn't care at all.

What was going on? She watched him with wide blue eyes, this time not even acting.

What had made him mad beyond reasoning?

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