Page 25 of Wicked Trap

“What are you planning to do?” Kavita asked.

At her friend’s question, Tanvi’s frown grew. “I will have to meet the person who purchased Prism Corporation.”

“How do you know if the owner is even in the country? You said it’s an international company.”

“Oh the owner is definitely here and involved in day-to-day decisions. The profit made from the mall and subsequent construction in the city is too big for anyone to ignore. If the mall doesn’t get built, the company will lose the goodwill with bureaucrats and politicians.”

Her father was one of the politicians involved. So she knew it was a high-profile project.

“Why would the owner agree to meet you?” Rashmi asked. “Especially if the person knows you are leading the protests?”

Tanvi knew that problem would arise. She had a plan to bypass it. It would be underhanded, but she had to do it. She had to meet the owner and present her cause and possible alternatives for the mall. And if the person didn’t listen, she would give the person a piece of her mind about how she and the rest of the people in the city would not only stop the mall construction but also ensure the company gets defamed and driven out of India.

“I’m planning to use my mother’s name,” she said. Her mind began to plan the next steps. She would have to come up with a fake reason for her meeting with the owner. “I’m going to dress up differently too with makeup.”

“Oh my God! Are you going in disguise?” Rashmi asked.

Tanvi nodded.

“What if you get arrested!” Kavita asked.

Tanvi smiled. “I guess I’ll call my father again.”

Her friends shook their heads. “Tanvi!”

She always dropped her father’s name in situations that would help her cause. Even though she rejected everything else her father had to offer—money, status and a chance to live a luxurious life as his daughter.

Rashmi grinned. “I know I should probably be talking you out of doing something so risky, but knowing you, it’s impossible to stop you when you set your mind to something. So instead, I’ll lend you my formal wear for the meeting.”

Tanvi smiled. “Thanks.”

She was beyond grateful for having such good friends.

“So, you didn’t come across that hot hunk again during the protest?” Rashmi asked.

Tanvi’s heart raced. She had come across that arrogant jerk her friend wanted to badly meet, but not during the protest. That jerk lived right across from her apartment.

“No. He wasn’t at the protest site, and you should forget him. He wasn’t that special either. Good-looking guys like him are self-centered and arrogant.”

For the past week, Tanvi was badly hoping her new neighbor would somehow mess up, and she could complain to the new property management and have him vacate the place. But the arrogant man so far was a damn perfect tenant.

No loud music. No parties at his home. Not even bringing his dates back to his place.

But it had only been a week. So, she kept her hopes up that he would somehow mess up, and she could have him kicked out.

Rashmi laughed. “You are right that most good-looking guys are arrogant. But then, such bad boys make the best boyfriends if not husbands. They are so much more exciting.”

Tanvi shook her head at her friend’s outrageous statement. “Please! I prefer a sweet guy rather than an arrogant ass. You should too!”

Her friend only grinned.

Tanvi was all the more determined not to tell her friend about her new neighbor. The arrogant jerk might take advantage of her friend.

“So when are you making the appointment to meet the Prism owner?” Kavita asked.

“Monday.”

She didn’t want to waste any time. She was going to corner the Prism owner as soon as possible.

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