Chapter 198

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Dawson , who’d been sprawled on the ground , immediately dropped to his knees , clutching his father’s pants . “ Dad , she hit … ”
Dawson’s head snapped to the side .
“ Useless idiot ! ” Jasper snarled .
Maximo was stunned – he hadn’t come to cause trouble ?
Once he’d finished berating his son , Jasper turned to Aria , bowing in apology . “ I’m so sorry , Ms. Saxon . I promise he’ll never meddle in company affairs again . ”
So she was a Starmon Films board member ? Wait , no – she was Stars Group’s board member , someone above Jasper himself .
The director and Maximo exchanged a look , the truth dawning on them .
Maximo mentally slapped himself . He’d picked a fight with someone he could never afford to offend .
Aria’s voice was cold . “ Now you know to keep him out of things . What about before ? ”
Dawson might’ve been a creep , but at least he hadn’t resorted to drugging or blackmail – just sneaky harassment .
Fame and fortune always came with a price . She couldn’t police every ugly deal , nor did she have the right to .
Jasper could only hang his head in shame , unable to say a word .
“ Take him to the hospital , ” Aria said . “ If he harasses another woman , there won’t be such an easy way out next time . ”
“ Thank you , Ms. Saxon . I promise I’ll discipline him , ” Jasper said , dragging Dawson away by the ear , ignoring his son’s injuries .
Vanessa quietly handed Aria her laptop . “ Keep it for now – deal with your business and return it later . Be careful , okay ? ”
Before leaving , Aria shot Maximo a glance and said to Vanessa , “ Focus on your scenes . If anything happens , call me . Don’t forget you’ve got serious backing . ”
The hierarchy was clear – Dawson pushed everyone around , but Aria trumped them all .
Maximo tried to shrink into the background , praying to go unnoticed .
In the end , things worked out better than anyone expected .
Dawson wouldn’t be causing any more trouble . Small mercies .
Everyone watched Aria walk away , someone finally voicing the question on everyone’s mind . “ Who the hell is she , anyway ? ”
“ Isn’t it obvious ? They called her Ms. Saxon . She’s one of the real bosses . ”
“ No wonder Vanessa never got blacklisted – she’s got that kind of support . We’d better keep our mouths shut from now on . ”
“ Yeah , let’s go . ”
On the road , Aria’s car cruised smoothly along – until a sudden crash from behind threw her forward , her seatbelt yanking her back just in time .
She instinctively swerved , slamming on the brakes .
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The car jolted into the guardrail , but thankfully she’d been in the far – right lane , and no further collisions followed .
Aria frowned , unfastened her seatbelt , and stepped out .
The black car that hit her popped its door open , and a man in a brown coat stepped out .
Adjusting his silver – rimmed glasses , he glanced at the crumpled front end and said , “ I’m so sorry , miss . I take full responsibility . ”
Before Aria could reply , a stunned voice interrupted , “ Mrs. Cole ? ”
It was Bryant .
Aria shot him a look . “ Bryant , I’m divorced from Liam now . ”
Bryant offered an apologetic smile . “ Sorry , Ms. Saxon , we were in a rush and rear – ended you by accident .”
Her car was pretty banged up – definitely not drivable .
She felt another pair of eyes on her . Glancing up , she locked eyes with the man ,
his gaze clear and gentle .
He gave her a polite smile . “ Let’s exchange contact info . I’ll pay for the repairs . ”
There was something odd about this guy , but Aria took out her phone and added his contact anyway , then called her insurance company for a tow .
As soon as she hung up , the man said , “ My name’s Orlando . ”
“ Aria , ” she replied .
“ Need a lift anywhere ? ” Orlando offered .
Normally , Aria would’ve refused , but this time she said , “ Sure . I need to get to the police station . ”
Bryant , looking tense , squeezed into the front passenger seat .
Aria settled into the back , her sharp eyes flicking between the two men .
What exactly was Bryant so afraid of ?