“No, I’m selective with my good wishes. You deserve happiness, Raj. The more that I think this through, Ajay can give that to you. He’s sweet, and he’s proved everyone wrong about his capabilities as a leader. Since his father’s illness, he’s . . . well, you know. Very much in charge. Women in the office don’t know whether to stare at his pretty face or run and hide.”

If Raj had been given the option to have a Brazilian wax or have this conversation, she would’ve chosen the wax job. This moment was even more uncomfortable than asking for forgiveness.

“Ajay is quite attractive, but he’s younger than the men I prefer—”

“He’s your age.”

“That’s really not the point. I put his company at risk. That’s not smart business, and you know it.”

Mina took Raj’s wineglass from her hand and took a sip. “You’re about to become a single woman. You have plenty of options. You can be a little reckless and have a fling.”

“Actually, I can’t. Not if I want to lead the Gen One Foundation.”

“What? Are you serious?”

Raj told Mina about the job offer and the warning she’d received about her lifestyle, as well as about Robert’s impromptu visit to the brownstone.

“That’s a lot,” Mina said quietly. “How much time do you have before Kia announces you as her choice for successor?”

“I don’t know. Maybe a month or two?”

Mina grabbed Raj’s wineglass and, when she saw that it was empty, put it back on the table.

“I bet a ton of people, many of whom you know, would be interested in buying your company.”

“Buy my . . . You mean sell RKH?”

Mina nodded, her ponytail bouncing. “You could sell the business, your brownstone, the main office, which is where? Long Island City? That way, you can take the Gen One job if you want it—”

“Or I can start something new.”

“Exactly.”

The idea was appealing. Raj had gotten offers over the years, but she hadn’t been ready to give up the reins. Now that she was starting a new phase in her personal life, it almost felt right to start fresh in business, too. She just didn’t know if she wanted to lead Gen One. more importantly, she didn’t know if she wanted to leave the business she’d started from nothing, and the people that supported her to get there.

“Mina, I don’t want my reputation ruined or my employees screwed over. They have always been the most important part of my company.”

“You’ll find the right buyer. I’m sure of it.”