The chandeliers of the Ritz ballroom cast golden sparkles across polished marble floors as the who's who of the city gathered for the Businessman of the Year Awards. Waiters in tuxedos moved like shadows, balancing flutes of champagne and hors d'oeuvres. The evening buzzed with elegance, success stories, and understated competition.

Taniksha Datta adjusted her diamond earrings, letting out a quiet breath. Her dark blue gown hugged her perfectly, her curls bouncing with every step. And next to her, looking like he owned the damn night in his charcoal black tuxedo, stood Karthik Randhawa—her boyfriend, her partner, and apparently, the current hot topic of the night.