Chapter 9:The Ball, The Fall, and The Fire in His Eyes

Next Morning,Andleeb go to work and aryan said to her Sir Zayan is called you in the office go!

The morning at Khan Global Enterprises began not with calm, but with chaos—as usual.

"You call that a proper report?" Zayan snapped, walking past Andaleeb's desk, holding a file between two fingers like it was contaminated.

Andaleeb stood up with narrowed eyes and a hand on her hip. "It's called 'creative formatting.' You wouldn't know that, Mr. Spreadsheet."

He turned sharply, jaw tight. "This is a workplace, not a kindergarten art project."

She raised her brows dramatically. "Well, at least kindergartens serve snacks. All we get here is stress and your mood swings."

"Why are you non serious this is workokace Miss Shah"!

Aryan walked into the hallway just in time, sipping from his travel mug. He leaned against the cubicle divider, clearly amused. "Morning banter already? I need popcorn."

Andaleeb turned to him with a grin. "You know the drama I watched last night? The CEO got drunk and forced the Assistant to sleep beside him like a baby. It was hilarious."

Zayan's hand froze mid-air as he adjusted his cuff. "This is a workplace, Miss Shah.Not your home"

She smirked. "So, no bedtime stories for you?"

Zayan exhaled deeply. "Enough. Tonight, there's a business gala. You're attending."

"Oh? Is that a request? Or are you afraid to go alone?"

"It's an order."

Why me said said!

"You are my Assistant Miss Shah''

"Aye aye, Commander Heartless," she saluted.

He tried to retort, but she was already walking toward the pantry. "My sentence wasn't finished. Where are you going?"

Aryan laughed. "She got you again."

Zayan glared at him. "Do you want to join her in paperwork purgatory?"

---

**Later That Night – The Ball Begins**

The Sapphire Crown Hotel was glowing like a palace. Chandeliers glittered overhead, violins played a soft classical tune, and waiters in white gloves moved like ghosts among the elite.

Zayan Khan arrived in a jet-black tuxedo that hugged his tall frame with tailored precision. His cufflinks bore the family crest, and his hair was slicked back in practiced elegance.

"You look like you're heading into a business merger, not a party," Aryan commented beside him.

"Same thing," Zayan murmured. "Both involve fake smiles and strategic backstabbing."

Guests mingled, deals whispered behind champagne glasses. But the moment the doors at the far end of the hall opened, the energy shifted.

Andaleeb Shah had arrived.

Draped in a navy-blue gown with silver embroidery at the edges, she looked regal yet effortlessly herself. Her hair cascaded in soft curls over one shoulder, and she wore delicate heels she clearly wasn't used to. Her eyes sparkled with mischief—and nerves.

Zayan turned just in time to see her stepping down the stairs. His breath hitched.

Aryan nudged him. "You okay, boss?"

Zayan didn't answer. He was too busy watching how each step she took pulled everyone's attention like a magnet—including his own. Even his most critical inner voice was momentarily speechless he lost in her.

And then, the moment happened.

One misstep. One slick tile.

Andaleeb's foot slipped.

Zayan was there before anyone could react. He caught her mid-fall, one arm around her waist, the other holding her hand as though they were about to dance.

Their eyes met.

Andleeb hand in on Zayan chest.

Her breath was shaky. His pulse was loud in his ears.

She clutched his suit, stunned. "Oops."

"Try wearing flats next time," he said quietly, but there was no coldness this time.

"Ahem," Aryan coughed from behind. "Shall we head in or we watch this romantic scene?"

Andaleeb quickly stepped back, smoothing her dress. "Thanks… I guess."

What romantic its just accident!

Zayan said nothing. But his eyes lingered.

---

**Dancing with Trouble**

Inside the ballroom, couples swayed beneath the chandelier glow. Laughter floated. Champagne sparkled.

And then came Hadi Saeed in the black suit with proud face.

"Miss Shah?" he said smoothly. "Hadi. CEO of CoreEdge. May I have this dance?"

Andaleeb blinked, taken aback. "Dancing with the rival company? Bold."

"I like bold," he smiled, leading her onto the floor.

From across the room, Zayan watched every move. Every spin. Every smile she gave that man.

Aryan noticed. "That's Hadi. Annoyingly charming. You look like you want to kill him."

"He's dancing too close," Zayan muttered.

"He's dancing at all," Aryan teased. "Should I stop them?"

Why I don't care! He said

Zayan downed the rest of his drink and stormed across the dance floor.

"Enjoying the party?" Hadi asked, still dancing.

"She's not here to entertain CEOs," Zayan interrupted.

Hadi raised an eyebrow. "She seems happy."

"If you're done, I need to speak to my employee."

"Employee?" Hadi smirked. "Sounds like someone's jealous."

Zayan ignored him. "Outside. Now."

Andaleeb blinked. "Seriously?"

"Yes."

"Fine."

---

**Balcony Showdown**

The evening air was cool, laced with the scent of jasmine and city lights. The golden lights of the city spread below them like a glittering map. A light breeze tugged at Andaleeb's curls as she crossed her arms and turned to face Zayan.

"You embarrassed me," she said, her voice low but angry.

"You embarrassed yourself," he countered. "He's a flirt. He's not safe."

"He asked for a *dance*. You're acting like he proposed."

"I know men like him."

"You don't even know *you* at least hep is not cold as you."

Zayan's shoulders tensed. Then he whispered, "You looked… beautiful tonight."

She froze. "What?"

He looked away. "You drive me insane."

She blinked. "Well, that's mutual."

For a few seconds, silence stretched between them like a thin thread.

Zayan stepped forward. "Why do you always do this? Get under my skin?"

She shrugged. "Maybe I'm allergic to arrogance."

His lips twitched. Almost a smile. Almost.

He turned and muttered, "Aryan will drop you home."

She hesitated, then turned. "Goodnight, Mr. Heartless."

"Can you stop saying me Mr heatless"?

You are why I stop! She saud

He watched her go, a strange ache settling in his chest.

He muttered to himself, "Why does it feel like I already lost something I never even had?"

Far above, a satellite flickered.

**"Andaleeb-01 emotional log updated. Spike detected."**

And in the corner of the ballroom, Aryan sipped another drink and whispered under his breath, "Boss, you're already gone, and you don't even know it yet."