The Tycoon's Odyssey

At the onset of the tense meeting, Vishal leaned forward, his tone laced with practiced sincerity.

"Evan, this is for the country. We've fought to defend it, to maintain its legacy. This technology you hold in your hands could benefit millions of lives and fortify our nation's standing. We're not here out of greed but out of duty—to our people."

Evan's laugh was sharp and his tone scornful. "Whom are you trying to fool, Vishal? That patriot act doesn't suit your face."

The mockery struck a nerve, and Vishal's calm shattered, his voice rising. "What do you mean by that? Are you condemning us, implying that we've betrayed our own country? For over a thousand years, we've defended our homeland against invaders, forged alliances, and built its foundation. We Rajputs have been a pillar of this nation's strength and growth!"

Evan met Vishal's glare without flinching. "And you think that's enough? No, it's not. The Rajputs of the past were warriors, and builders of an empire. But you? The Rajputs of today are nothing more than parasites, feeding off their ancestral glory. You survive on your forebears' reputation, not from your own accomplishments."

Vishal bristled, anger flashing in his eyes. "How dare you say that to me?"

Evan cut him off sharply, his tone cold as ice. "Ohh, I dare. Because the present Rajputs, you people, couldn't care any less about the public. Look at the state of things, crippling taxes, blatant mismanagement, the decisions that bleed the common folk dry. And then there's the food and medicine poisoned by chemicals, thanks to companies you choose to turn a blind eye to."

"And what is the reason behind all of this? Because they pay you handsomely for it." Evan shouted pointing at Vishal.

"They gave you fees to allow them to do business here and then you turn a blind eye to all those mismanagements that harm the lives of billions."

Vishal's face darkened, but before he could protest, Evan pressed on, his words relentless.

"Artificial, chemical-laden food causing cancer. And while the taxes are at an all-time high, roads are crumbling beneath the weight of corruption, and the poor are abandoned to their misery. And all because these companies—the ones that line your pockets—are allowed to freely exploit and pillage, unchecked and unpunished."

Vishal frowned, struggling to keep his composure against Evan's unrelenting assault.

"You're acting as if you're some saint. Let's not forget, Evan, you caused a market crash that left thousands on the streets. The country's economy still hasn't recovered. We're teetering on the edge of a recession, thanks to you."

"Ohh is it," Evan smirked dismissively. "And who initiated that crash? Your own people for the sake of your insatiable greed."

His glare shifted to a man sitting nearby, who quickly looked away and then looked back at Vishal who flinched.

"The people who ended up on the streets were yours, Vishal. The traders and retailers actually fared better—they've even gained something, to say the least. But your little scheme would have left everyone else but you penniless."

Vishal leaned forward, his jaw clenched. "Fine. Yes, you're right. I won't pretend otherwise. The Rajputs want the suit—and all the technology behind it. But this is bigger than just a family or faction. This could change the balance of power in the country, perhaps even globally. Surely, you understand how much importance something like that holds if it's not in the right hands."

Evan's smile grew colder. "The 'right hands,' Vishal? And who decides that? You?" He leaned back, crossing his arms. "It's laughable that you think you could contain or control what I've created. Power like this isn't meant to be handed over like some party favor—it's earned."

"Earned or not, we can't ignore it," Vishal replied firmly. "Evan, listen. This isn't just a polite request from the Rajputs. This is a message from those who would rather not take stronger actions. We're prepared to negotiate, but if you refuse, there will be consequences."

Evan's gaze hardened, his expression unchanging, yet the air around him grew tense. "Consequences, Vishal?" He tapped a finger on the table, his voice dangerously soft. "You think you're ready to face them? Do you even know what you're dealing with?"

Vishal was taken aback seeing Evan threatening him around.

Vishal's jaw tightened, a flicker of uncertainty flashing across his face before he masked it with a confident stare. "We know enough. And we have the resources to act if needed. But we're offering you a chance to cooperate first. You can keep the suit, but we need the technology—its blueprints, its functions, its limits. And as a sign of goodwill, we expect you to refrain from using it against us."

Evan chuckled darkly, his eyes narrowing. "Goodwill? That's rich, coming from you. You want my technology, yet you forget that if I wanted to, I could turn the tables on you at any moment. Everything you've seen is only what I have allowed you to see. And if I choose to go wild, your precious 'intelligence' and super soldiers won't save you from annihilation."

A heavy silence hung between them, both staring the other down. Vishal's initial confidence was waning, but he knew he couldn't back down now and had to hold his ground. "Evan, consider this carefully. We're not your enemies—not yet. But if you keep pushing, you might find yourself cornered. Even with your Mahajan connections, there are limits to how far you can go."

Evan's lips curled into a smirk, his gaze never leaving Vishal's. "You think I'm being cornered? I'm the one who has been laying the traps here, Vishal. You and your allies are the ones who will find themselves outplayed if you keep testing me."

Vishal's patience was running thin, his voice cutting like a blade. "This isn't a game, Evan. The Rajputs don't make idle threats. Either you share the technology, or we take it by force."

Evan's expression grew even colder, his tone laced with warning. "You're welcome to try, Vishal. Just don't expect to walk away unscathed."

A tense silence filled the room, broken only by Vishal's sigh as he attempted a last appeal. "Evan, I'm offering you a chance to make allies instead of enemies. Think about it—for your family's sake, if nothing else."

"You can't protect everyone. After all, you are but a single man."