He motioned to the couch and armchairs. “Why don’t we have a seat so you can tell us what’s on your mind?”

She hated the formality of his tone, but she more than anyone knew that there was a certain dance that had to be done leading up to a business negotiation. The small talk, the handshakes, and hugs. It was all part of a build-up.

She sank into the armchair, and when everyone else was seated, she began. “Ajay, your father not only started your company, but he built a reputation over the last thirty years. And now his time as CEO is coming to an end.”

There was a tick at the corner of Ajay’s mouth, as if he hadn’t expected her directness to come quite so soon. He, along with Tushar, Mina, and Hem, remained silent.

“Deepak Singh’s health, along with his upcoming sixty-fifth birthday, mean that it’s time for him to step down. Since Hem isn’t interested in taking over your family company, that leaves you.”

“You’re not telling us anything we don’t already know,” Ajay said. “What’s your point?”

“My point is that you’re recovering from a press nightmare. After WTA tried to take over your company, your leadership is in question, Bharat’s pristine reputation is at stake, and your stock prices have stagnated.”

“We’re aware of the work that needs to be done,” Hem said. “We know how bad the situation is. We also have a plan for how to fix it.”

“Right,” Raj said. “The software that was in development before your head of R & D was fired for being a WTA mole. You have a provisional patent that ends in what, one year? That means that your deadline is November.”

Ajay and Hem looked at each other.

Mina laughed. “I told you that she knows everything.”

Raj grinned. “It’s public information at this point.” She leaned forward in her seat and met Ajay’s glare. “Your patent is not going to get the market excited enough to increase the value of your shares and to secure support for your position as CEO. You need to do something drastic, otherwise you won’t get the support you need.”

“What do you propose?” Hem asked.

“Buy RKH Collective. Expand Bharat to include cybersecurity and physical security services.”

Pin-drop silence.

“Raj . . .” Mina started. “This wasn’t exactly what I meant last week when I said you should sell your business.”

“No, but it makes sense.” Raj paced to the window. This was harder for her than she’d expected, but she knew it was the right decision for her future. “Bharat has to expand, and the timing is perfect. Not to mention, the type of work RKH does is a natural extension of what you already do.”

“Ms. Hothi—”

“Raj, please.”