Chapter 14
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Owen rubbed his temples , watching Aaron’s eyes brim with tears . “ You can’t let your feelings screw up a case , and you sure as hell can’t let some random gossip throw you off your game .
“ I’m cutting you a break this time , but go home and get your head straight . Mess up again , and you’re out . ”
Aaron shot up , stumbling over his promises . “ Mr. Shaw , I swear , it won’t happen again ! ”
“ Beat it . ”
“ Gotcha . ”
Aaron stunk out , easing the door shut , silently cursing Hannah . She’d been so smug , swearing Aria was a crook like she had a file of proof stashed somewhere .
In the hospital’s sterile , buzzing hallway , Liam leaned close to Hannah . “ What makes you so sure Aria’s 150 mil is dirty money and not just a gift from the Saxons ? ”
Hannah’s gaze dipped , her voice sharp as a blade . “ My cousin mil for Aria’s dowry . ”
PLus , she believed Aria didn’t have the smarts
to
th was
King on her pretty face .
was Silvia’s college roommate . She told me last night the Saxons only forked over fifteen
pull in that kind of cash unless she
Hannah was dead certain Aria was knee – deep in that fraud
mess .
Call
the
strings .
Liam’s thoughts churned . He’d met Aria right when that scam was blowin pulli 0
If Hannah was onto something , Aria had played him like a cheap guitar from the start – shaping herself into his perfect girl , tossing flirty signals to lock in
a ring and a marriage license .
a
Then , while he was halfway across the globe , she’d slithered into the Cole Group , snapped up shares for peanuts , and laundered money for bigger paydays .
‘ She is a damn viper , ‘ he cursed silently .
Rage flared hot in his chest , but he shoved it down and pulled Hannah in , arm around her shoulders . “ Hannah , thank God you came into my life . You showed me Aria’s true face . ”
Hannah smirked , all confidence . “ Girls like her are born to fake it , especially with looks like that . Don’t kick yourself for falling for her game . ”
Her tone turned bitter . “ Why’s your uncle dodging us on that injury report ? ”
Liam let out a heavy sigh . “ He worked with her for two years . Guy’s too soft – hearted . Let’s not hound him . I’ll check with Mary when I get home . If she’ll speak up , Aria’s done . ”
A dark glint flashed in Hannah’s eyes , but she nodded . “ That’ll work . ”
“ Come on , I’ll drive you home . ”
“ Sweet ”
Liam dropped Hannah off , then gunned it back to the Cole Manor ,
He tracked down Mary and got straight toft . “ Did Aria ever put hands on you ? ”
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15:08 Mon , 26 May MT .
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Mary’s eyes went wide , her nod shaky . “ Mrs. Cole was obsessed with perfect ingredients . Thought I got her crap produce , so … ”
370 %
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Her voice cracked as she looked away , rolling up her sleeve to show a patchwork of bruises and scars . Tears spilled over as she begged , “ Mr. Cole , you gotta have my back ! She roughed me up bad and didn’t even toss me a buck for the doctor . ”
Liam’s gaze hardened as he noticed the dark bruises staining Mary’s arms . His jaw clenched , a surge of loathing for Aria twisting in his chest .
‘ How could she be so vicious ? ‘ he thought , his expression like ice .
“ Why didn’t you say something when she laid hands on you ? ” he asked , his voice low , sharp with barely contained anger .
Mary’s legs gave way , and she crumpled to the floor , her hands shaking . “ She – she swore she’d fire me if I talked , sir . My boy’s in college . I can’t lose this gig .”
Liam let out a heavy breath , crouching to gently lift her up . “ Get to a hospital and have those injuries checked . Send me the report . I’m wiring you 65 grand to make this right . She’s not touching you – or anyone – ever again . ”
Mary’s eyes flickered with hope before she ducked her head . “ Sir … you and Mrs. Cole … are you calling it quits ? ”
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IVION , 20 May
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