Chapter 130
Aria’s POV
A moment later, Vanessa walked in.
She was stunning in a sharp navy blazer and tailored pants, her blonde hair styled in soft waves.
Her amber eyes swept over me with cool appraisal, and she offered a polite smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“Ms. Smith,” she said smoothly, extending her hand. “Thank you for seeing me on such short notice p>
I stood and shook her hand, gesturing to the chair across from my desk. “Of course. What can I do for you, Ms. Crane p>
She settled into the chair with practiced elegance, crossing her legs.
“I’ll get straight to the point. My Pack has a project we’d like to propose to V&A Group. It’s a lucrative opportunity, and we believe you’re the perfect person to oversee it p>
She slid a thick folder across the desk.
I opened it, skimming the proposal. It was impressive—detailed projections, clear ROI, strategic partnerships. The kind of deal that could significantly boost V&A Group’s standing.
“This looks solid,” I admitted. “But we already have a team handling partnerships with Riverside Pack. Why come to me directly p>
Vanessa smiled but showed no intention of getting up. “Ms. Smith, I’d like you to personally oversee this project p>
“Me? Personally p>
“Yes. I think you’re the most capable person at V&A Group, so I hope you’ll put your heart into our project. Besides She paused meaningfully.
“You should know about my relationship with Damian. The Alpha King and my Pack go way back—we’re old family friends. Damian and I are childhood sweethearts, you could say. Since you’re his fiancée, I feel more at ease working with you p>
Her words sounded like she was trying to build rapport, but the way she looked at me carried a hint of provocation.
As if she were deliberately making a point about her relationship with Damian.
I hesitated for a moment, then said coolly, “Alright, I’ll consider it. Let’s call it a day—I have other matters to attend to p>
“Actually, there is one more thing.” She stood, smoothing her blazer. “I’m not familiar with the layout here. Would you mind walking me to the parking garage p>
It was an odd request, but refusing would seem petty.
“Sure,” I said, grabbing my bag.
We took the elevator down in silence, the tension between us thick and uncomfortable.
As the doors opened to the parking level, Vanessa turned to me, her expression shifting.
“You know,” she said slowly, “you remind me of someone p>
I frowned. “Who p>
“Myself.” Her smile was tight. “A few years ago, anyway p>
I didn’t know how to respond to that.
“Your eyes,” she continued, tilting her head. “The way you carry yourself. It’s… familiar p>
A chill ran down my spine. “Ms. Crane, I really should get back p>
“Aria.” She grabbed my arm, her grip firm. “Can I be honest with you p>
I pulled my arm free, taking a step back. “I don’t think p>
“You’re the heir to V&A Group. You have everything—wealth, power, respect. So why are you settling for a loveless bond p>
My breath caught. “What p>
“Damian doesn’t love you,” Vanessa said bluntly. “He’s using you. Just like Ethan did p>
Anger flared in my chest. “You don’t know anything about my relationship p>
“Don’t I?” She laughed bitterly. “Three years ago, Damian and I were supposed to complete our Bonding Ceremony. Did he tell you that p>
My heart dropped.
“We were perfect together,” Vanessa continued, her voice raw. “But he called it off at the last minute. No explanation. Nothing. And now, seeing you Her gaze raked over me. “I understand. You look like me, Aria. He’s using you as a replacement p>
The words hit like a punch to the gut.
“I don’t believe you,” I said, but my voice wavered.
“Why would I lie?” Vanessa’s expression softened, almost pitying. “You’ve only known him a few weeks. How well do you really know him p>
I swallowed hard, fighting the doubt creeping into my mind.
“Even if what you’re saying is true,” I said slowly, “the past doesn’t define him. Just like my past doesn’t define me p>
Vanessa blinked, clearly not expecting that response.
“We’re engaged,” I continued, my voice steadying. “And honestly? At first, I didn’t care. It was just a business arrangement p>
Damian’s POV
I’d gotten a tip from Rick that Vanessa had gone to V&A Group.
The moment I heard, I left the meeting I was in and drove straight there.
Vanessa showing up wasn’t a coincidence. She was trying to stir up trouble, and I’d be damned if I let her get anywhere near Aria.
But when I arrived and saw them in the parking garage, I held back, melting into the shadows.
I wanted to see how Aria would handle it on her own.
What I hadn’t expected was to hear her say those words—”Just a business arrangement p>
Hearing her dismiss us like that felt like a blade slicing straight through my chest, cold and merciless.
Were we really nothing more than a contract to her? Just another deal to be managed?