Chapter 12
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She and Andrew had locked horns more times than she could count , and she never pulled punches just because he was older .
Aria wasn’t about to waste her breath on a lowlife like him . Spinning on her heel to leave , she barely made it a step before Andrew shuffled into her path , blocking her like a bad habit .
“ What , too good to answer your elders now ? Typical small – town trash . You’re not even in the same ballpark as Hannah , ” he sneered , his voice oozing with that smug , know – it – all vibe .
The managers , dragged into this awkward standoff , stood stiff as boards , their eyes glued to anything but Aria . Even as she moved to bolt , the fear of their boss’s temper kept them frozen .
They didn’t have Andrew’s connections – or his guts – to take her on face – to – face .
Aria tipped her chin up , her gaze cool as a winter morning . “ I could ditch Cole Group right now , and you’d still be a washed – up nobody . Now , be a good little lapdog and get the hell outta my way . ”
Her words hit like a sucker punch , leaving everyone in the room stunned silent .
Aria had always been sharp – tongued , but this ? This was straight – up ruthless – no filter , no holding back .
Andrew’s face twisted , his glare so vicious it could’ve peeled paint . “ You think you can just walk ? The Hayes Group contract’s still unsigned . You’re not done till it’s inked . ”
That Hayes deal was one John Hancock away from done , and with Aria out , Andrew was practically salivating to steal the credit .
Too bad for him , he’d shown up at their office , contract in hand , and got the door slammed in his face .
Hayes Group didn’t play games : they’d only sign with Aria . No amount of sweet – talk or bonus profits could sway them .
Aria’s eyes flashed with annoyance . “ I’m not with Cole Group anymore , genius . Your trainwreck of a deal’s none of my business . ”
She took a step , but Andrew’s hand clamped onto her arm . The box she was holding slipped , crashing to the floor , her stuff scattering like confetti .
Aria’s head snapped up , her eyes blazing with a fury that could stop a heartbeat .
Andrew caught her glare and froze , like he’d just stepped on a rattlesnake . He stumbled back , voice wobbling but still cocky . “ Y – you all , check her stuff ! Make sure she didn’t lift anything from the company ! ”
Nobody moved . The room was so quiet one could hear a pin drop .
Andrew’s finger jabbed at the crowd . “ What ? The company pays you to- ”
Before he could finish , Aria grabbed his arm and twisted it back with a quick , brutal snap .
“ Argh ! ” His scream ricocheted down the hallway .
The employees , who’d been sneaking glances since Aria strutted in , didn’t bother pretending anymore – they gawked openly .
There was Andrew crumpled on his knees , his hand bent at a nauseating angle .
His face was a sweaty , pain twisted mess as he shrieked for an ambulance , for the cops , his voice so shrill it could shatter glass .
Aria , crouched down scooping up her spilled belongings , shot him a look that could freeze fire . “ Keep whining , and I’ll yank your jaw off next . Wanna bet !
won’t
Andrew zipped it , pronto .
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15:08 Mon , 26 May MT .
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Seeing him like this sent a quiet thrill through the crowd .
As a Cole family crony , Andrew had been a royal pain for years , throwing his weight around and making everyone’s life miserable .
Whenever he crossed the line , they’d turn to Aria . She was tough as hell but had their backs .
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Once , when a female coworker got drugged and strong – armed into a client dinner , Aria didn’t hesitate – she sent the sleaze responsible straight to the ICU .
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Not every guy in the office was Team Aria , but the women ? They’d go to war for her .
With her around , they worked their tails off , no questions asked . But now … she was out the door .
A few women who’d been chewed up by Andrew swapped glances , their minds racing .
“ Ms. Saxon’s gone , and Andrew’s gonna turn this place into a nightmare . I’m done , ” one whispered .
“ Better to bail now than wait for them to pin some garbage on us and shove us out . I’m out too , ” another said , nodding .
Aria finished gathering her things , propped the box on her hip , and leveled Andrew with a stare colder than a January night . “ Mr. Marshall , I’m done with Cole Group , and I don’t give a rat’s ass what happens to it – or your pathetic little schemes .
“ Stay outta my way , and we’re square . Come at me again , and I’ll have a nice little present sent straight to Daniel . ”
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