The Tycoon's Odyssey

After having a brief rest, Evan quickly packed his things and checked his house for any signs of trouble. Finding that everything was in order, he braced himself and hailed a cab to the airport.

At the airport, he met Aria, and they indulged in a quiet breakfast in the airplane lounge, which turned out to be surprisingly delicious and healthy. They then boarded a flight from BBSR to Bombay, since there was no direct flight to USL, thus needing a change.

Upon landing, Evan gazed at the twinkling highway from the airplane window, and an ambitious thought stirred within him.

'I am feeling jealous,' he mused, envisioning the idea of owning a private plane or maybe even an entire airline. Once the idea took hold of his thoughts, it became hard to shake off.

"Evan, what's on your mind?" Aria's question snapped him out of his reverie, and he shrugged, trying to play it cool.

"Just feeling a bit dazed. First time going out of the country and all," Evan replied with a hint of uncertainty.

"Don't worry. That place is like my second home. Trust yourself and try to mingle. You're about to experience a whole new world," Aria reassured with a warm smile.

"I hope so..."

After clearing security, they settled into their seats in the premium economy class. Evan was looking forward to the upgraded hospitality, having only flown economy till now.

"Evan!"

While they were making their way through the aisle, a slender hand waved at him, catching him off guard.

"Huh?"

'Is she someone I know?'

Evan glanced at Aria, who raised an eyebrow innocently, feigning ignorance, which left him suspicious for some reason.

Walking to his seat, Evan noticed a woman with amber hair waving at him. She wore a hat, big goggles, and a mask, all this covering her face, nonetheless, her curly hair seemed oddly familiar to him.

"Miss, have we met before?" Evan asked tentatively.

The woman chuckled softly before she pulled down her mask and goggles ever so slightly, revealing her mischievous eyes and a playful grin.

"SURRRRRI.."

Before Evan could say more, a look of panic crossed her face as she quickly grabbed his sleeve and pulled him aside with a surprising force, causing him to stagger and nearly stumble.

"Shh! Don't shout. It'll be a problem if everyone knows of my identity," she whispered urgently.

"What...?" Evan's jaw dropped, but he managed to control his senses.

Meanwhile, Aria cut in, taking the seat next to Evan with a blank expression, which only added more to his confusion.

"What are you doing here, Miss Suri?" Evan asked, trying to make sense of the situation.

Suri laughed, finding his bewildered expression amusing. For her, his innocent surprise was rather endearing.

"It seems Maria didn't tell you anything," Suri remarked.

"Maria..." Evan bit back a curse. Was this another one of her pranks?

"Alright, alright, wipe that expression off your face. I'll explain," Suri then continued, her tone seemingly teasing. "I have some photo shoots in USL, and I'll be overseeing the commercial promotion for Brew Heaven there. Maria lacked the expertise, so I took charge. It's also a good opportunity for you to see if you like the ad."

Evan nodded in understanding, but his mind was still racing, trying to decipher Suri's motive. Also, the movement during which she pulled him felt a bit more natural, like that of a seasoned warrior.

Evan rubbed his wrist, wondering if Suri was a fighter, alas he couldn't know that for sure cause his insight just wouldn't work on her.

"Didn't your manager accompany you?" Evan asked curiously.

"She is sitting there," Suri pointed.

That stifled him, but he composed himself and turned his gaze to Aria.

"Miss Aria, did you know about this?"

Aria just averted her eyes, as if trying to hide something.

'So everyone but me knows about it...And now that I think about it...I am sitting right between two women...'

Evan looked at Suri and then at Aria.

Both were as beautiful as the goddesses, which made him feel hella uncomfortable.

'I hope this journey finishes early.'

_____

In the opulent lounge of an exclusive club, nestled high above the city in a plush penthouse suite, a man drank while being accompanied by a cadre of elegantly dressed women.

The room was filled with laughter and the sound of clinking glasses with the soft strains of jazz playing in the background.

Richard, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, was at the center of attention, and was thoroughly enjoying the indulgent atmosphere.

Suddenly, one of his trusted guards approached him with a serious expression before whispering something urgently into Richard's ear. The jovial mood around him faltered as Richard's face hardened, his smile fading into a grimace.

"Everyone, I need a moment," Richard ordered solemnly. The room fell silent as his guests discreetly walked out, their curiosity piqued but respectful of the sudden shift in his demeanor.

After all, who would dare to offend this man?

Richard turned sharply to his guard, his eyes narrowing. "What is it?"

The guard, maintaining his professional composure, handed Richard a photograph.

Richard's fingers trembled slightly as he took a look at the image. The photograph captured a scene at an airport.

An amber-haired woman with blissful laughter was talking to the stranger and since the photo had been zoomed greatly, it showcased her and the man's expression.

"SURRRIIIII!"

Richard's eyes widened in fury and the veins on his forehead throbbed. His jaw clenched as he struggled to contain his anger.

"Is this a joke?" he growled, his voice low yet dangerous.

The guard shook his head quickly and tried to calm Richard down. "No, sir. It's authentic. We've confirmed her presence at the airport and her interaction with this unknown individual."

Upon hearing this, Richard's face flushed with rage and his previous calm demeanor shattered as he slammed the photograph onto a nearby table, the impact of his hand causing the glasses to rattle.

His and Suri's engagement had been arranged by their grandparents, who were friends and had fought side by side during the World War.

It was a solemn promise to unite two powerful families.

"Damn it!" Richard roared, his anger palpable. "She dares to flaunt her disregard for our arrangement, all while mingling with someone else? Immediately fetch me the details on this stranger. I want to know everything about him, and I want it now!"

The guards nodded and left swiftly.

After he was left alone, Richard gritted his teeth and stared at the photo, "Suri, do you really think you can do whatever you want just because you have become independent…Hmm! What a joke!"

"If not for the family background, do you think you are worthy to stand beside me?"