Chapter 13

13
Andrew’s pain took a back seat as his eyes nearly popped out of his skull . ‘ How the hell does she know ? ‘
Aria didn’t bother with a goodbye glance . She stood , strutted out , and left him choking on her dust .
One of his lackeys fidgeted , voice shaky . “ Uh , boss , we calling the cops or what ? ”
Andrew’s face twisted like he’d been hit with a brick . “ Cops ? Get me a damn ambulance , you dimwit ! ”
71 %
+20
Aria was on her own now , no one to watch her back , yet she’d had the guts to come for him . She was holding something big – something that could burn his world to ash .
‘ That little viper , ‘ he seethed . ‘ She’s gonna regret crossing me . ‘
When Liam heard Aria had put his uncle in the hospital , he to
over there , anger roaring in his chest .
As he saw Andrew looking like he’d been tossed in a blender , Liam’s blood boiled . “ She went after you ? Man , I was such a sucker to think she had a shred
of decency . ”
Andrew , wrapped in bandages from his wrist to his neck to his forehead , looked like he’d stumbled out of a bad horror flick . He groaned , laying it on thick . “ Liam , my boy , Aria beat the tar outta me . I can’t even drag myself to work . She won’t fork over a cent for my bills , my pain , or the pay I’m losing ! ”
Liam’s jaw clenched . “ Don’t worry , Uncle Andrew . I’ll
a
We’ll make her
pay
yup . ”
”
Andrew’s fake whimpering hitched , Aria’s parting shot ringing in his ears . He scrambled to backtrack , voice wobbling . “ Uh , maybe a lawyer’s too much hassle . She’s gotta be walking away with a nice chunk from the divorce , right ? Just take my cut from that . ”
Hannah , who’d just strolled in with a fruit basket , plunked it on the table and raised of your money . What , you gonna slide her some of yours now ? ”
an
eyebrow . “ Hello ? Aria signed a prenup . She’s not touching a dime
Liam grabbed Hannah’s hand , giving it a quick , reassuring squeeze . “ No way , babe . She played me , played Cole Group . I’m not giving her squat . Don’t stress , I’m not that dumb . ”
The 230 million ? He thought that was Daniel’s guilt trip payout , not his problem .
Andrew , still hamming up his sad – sack routine , froze solid . His hand was already healing , but he’d piled on the bandages to guilt Liam into coughing up cash without dragging Aria into it .
But now … Aria wasn’t getting a dime from the Coles .
‘ Man , that’s cold , ‘ he thought . ‘ The Cole family doesn’t mess around . ‘
Hannah let out a sharp huff , her eyes drilling into Andrew . “ Andrew’s beat to hell , and I’m calling it – she’s got a violent side . Who’s to say your grandpa and the others haven’t caught her wrath ? ”
Liam lounged back , giving a casual shrug . “ I’m halfway across the world , but I keep tabs on the family . Far as I can tell , she’s been holding it down. ”
1
Hannah’s eyes narrowed , unconvinced . “ With Daniel and Elena’s status ? Yeah , she wouldn’t dare touch them . But the staff ? Last time I was at the Cole Manor , a nanny Mary- was sobbing , swearing Aria laid into her . ”
Liam’s jaw hit the floor , “ Hold up . That’s legit ? ”
“ Damn straight , ” Hannah said , her voice dropping low , scheming . “ If we can dig up dirt on Aria throwing hands , this case is ours . ”
Her words flipped a switch in Liam . He spun to Andrew , tone sharp . “ Uncle Andrew , get me that injury report , yeah ? ”
1/3
15:08 Mon , 26 MayMT
13
Andrew froze , his eyes darting to the window like a cornered animal . “ Uh … look , she’s been with Cole Group two years . I’m not sweating this . ”
Liam’s patience snapped . “ Uncle Andrew , I’ve got a lawyer’s letter breathing down my neck . Quit playing knight for Aria . ”
Andrew’s face crumpled – he was losing the reins . He grabbed his temple , faking a wince . “ Ugh , my head’s killing me . You two , out . ”
71 %
Back at her apartment , Aria’s gaze swept the room , snagging on something that made her blood run cold .
She dropped her bag and zeroed in on a crisp white envelope on the table . It was flawless , except for a stark black skull stamped dead center .
A death notice from Blood Association , the kind of assassin crew that didn’t play games . Once this landed , one had a month – tops – before they were a
gonex
Someone has the guts to put a hit on me ? ‘ she thought . ‘ Well , that is a plot twist .
Aria slid into a chair , kicking her legs up with a lazy , dangerous grace . Her heel landed smack on the envelope – perfect footrest .
A smirk curled her lips as she mentally sifted through her enemies .
Her phone buzzed , yanking her back . It was Owen .
“ Miss Saxon , ” he said , voice all business . “ The Coles got the lawyer’s letter . They’re digging in their heels , so we’re probably slugging it out in court . ”
“ Got it . Thanks , Mr. Shaw , ” Aria said , her tone smooth , commanding , with a hint of a tease .
Owen fumbled , thrown by her cool confidence . “ Uh , no biggie . Just doing my job . ”
The evidence was airtight , so the case wasn’t a beast . Keeping her posted was just protocol .
After hanging up , a knock hit his office door . “ Come in ,” Owen called .
It was Aaron Freeman , the intern with a vendetta against Aria . He was Owen’s underling , always nursing a grudge .
“ Mr. Shaw ,” he said , sliding a tidy stack of files onto the desk . “ Case docs , all sorted .”
Owen gave a quick nod . “ Solid . ”
Aaron didn’t budge , his face a mess of nerves , like he was itching to spill something but scared to open his mouth .
Owen raised a brow . “ What’s up ? You got something to say ? ”
“ Uh , yeah . ” Aaron shifted , then dove in . “ Mr. Shaw , why’re you backing Aria’s case ? She’s probably a con artist . ”
Owen’s pen stopped cold . He set it down , slow and deliberate , pinning Aaron with a look . “ Sit . Let’s talk . ”
Aaron dropped into the chair , instantly regretting his big mouth as Owen’s vibe turned subzero . He fidgeted , palms clammy .
Owen leaned back , his tone deadly serious . “ You’re a lawyer , Aaron . You know it’s about evidence and facts . So hit me — what’s the proof Aria’s a crock ? What’s the real deal ? ”
Aaron’s brain screeched to a halt . “ Well … that hundred fifty mil she’s got ? It’s fishy . She hasn’t said squat about it . ”
“ And why should she ? ” Owen shot back , eyes flashing . “ She explains , and you’ll demand a paper trail , right ?
“ You’re side eyeing her because you can’t fathom ber making that kinda cash . If it was me , would you blink ? ”
He didn’t wait for an answer , his voice cutting like a blade . “ If you can’t wrap your head around that , pack your crap and bounce
2/3
15:08 Mon , 26 May MT
13
Owen dropped his eyes to the files , done .
70 %
( +20 )
Aaron sat there , shell – shocked , his brain finally clicking . Regret hit him like a freight train . “ Mr. Shaw , I blew it ,” he said , voice cracking . “ Don’t write me off .
“ Two years ago , that Mandino City scam ? My grandpa got burned – lost three hundred grand , nearly ended it . I got too personal , lost my damn mind . ”
That scam had ripped through the city like a tornado , fleecing thousands in a month and racking up nearly 300 million in damages .
3/3