Page 90 of The Redemption
“Don’t twist this into something it isn’t,” I say sharply. “Family willalwayscome first.”
“Then act like it.”
“Iamacting like it,” I fire back. “I won’t let any harm come to this family or RK Estate because of Siya. But this is happening.”
Ayaan studies me silently, still not convinced, before finally asking, “When’s the wedding?”
“In five days. That’s all the time Trisha has to infiltrate the Vardhaan Syndicate and bring Siya out before the wedding.”
Ayaan’s eyes flick towards Trisha.
“I cannot approve this. That’s not enough time.”
“It is for her,” I argue. “Trisha has handled missions far more complex than this. And I trust her to pull this off without any trouble.”
Before Ayaan can argue further, I continue. “Parag has already requested a female bodyguard for Siya from Black Vipers Security in Cape Town.”
That gets everyone’s attention.
“He wants eyes on her at all times now that the wedding is close. He doesn’t trust Samarjeet’s guards anymore after Siya kept slipping past them inside RK Estate.”
Trisha uncrosses her arms slowly, already knowing this.
“That’s our entry point,” I say. “Trisha gets access to Siya by becoming that bodyguard.”
Ayaan’s brows pull together sharply while Krish straightens in is chair beside him.
Trisha finally speaks. “I made contact with the Black Vipers network yesterday. They’re willing to send me in under a different identity and vouch for my credentials as trained private security.”
Ayaan’s gaze shifts between both of us, not liking that we bypassed him and moved ahead without his approval.
“You already planned this?” he asks.
Neither Trisha nor I answer immediately, which is answer enough.
Ayaan drags a hand down his face before asking coldly, “And what exactly are the Black Vipers getting in return for risking their necks and keeping their mouths shut?”
For the first time, Trisha hesitates slightly before checking with me.
“Their drug consignment is moving through Naples next week,” she says carefully. “They want guaranteed clean passage for the delivery.”
Ayaan stares at us in disbelief.
“Absolutely not.”
“Let the delivery happen,” I cut in before he can say anything else.
His eyes lock onto mine immediately.
“My men will intercept the shipment after the exchange is completed.” I lean back slightly in my chair. “The Vipers get paidfor a successful delivery. The buyers get caught with the drugs. And GLEN still confiscates the consignment.”
Krish whistles under his breath.
I continue calmly. “The Vipers don’t care what happens after the payment clears. They just want their percentage. We give them what they want, and they give us access to Siya.”
Silence settles over the call again. I can practically see Ayaan calculating outcomes inside his head. Risks. Exposure. Damage control. Finally, he exhales heavily.
“Fine. I’ll oversee this operation,” he says, turning to Trisha. “You’ll report directly to me.”
