Chapter 2

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Aria locked eyes with Liam , her gaze cold as steel . “ I’m out of Cole Group , and I don’t want your precious shares . I’ve got four percent , worth about 1.5 billion dollars at today’s valuation . I’m taking what’s mine and walking away . ”
Liam’s jaw hit the floor : “ Four percent ? How the hell did you score that much of Cole Group ? ”
“ Two years ago , when the company was on its last legs , I dropped 150 million to keep it afloat , ” Aria said , her tone clipped .
He snorted , not buying it for a second . “ 150 million for four percent ? What , were they handing out shares at a fire sale ? ”
Liam knew about the financial crisis and that Aria had joined the company , but no one had mentioned her shelling out 150 million .
Four percent for that price was a steal – suspiciously so . She must’ve worked some backroom deal to snag those shares on the cheap .
The idea made his blood boil .
Aria found his skepticism almost comical but was done arguing . When Liam opened his mouth to push back , she slammed the door in his face with a sharp bang .
His expression darkened , and he stormed off to Hannah Gibson’s apartment that same night .
At Hannah’s place , Liam unloaded everything Aria had said . Hannah’s brows furrowed , her striking features tightening . “ Cole Group’s a giant . A little rough patch two years ago wouldn’t tank the shares that hard . 150 million for four percent ? No way . And where’d she even get that kind of money ? ”
She shook her head , her sharp , deep – set eyes flashing with contempt . “ I thought she was some bold , heart – on – her – sleeve type . Guess I read her wrong . Greedy’s putting it mildly . ”
With her commanding presence – piercing gaze and chiseled features – Hannah always seemed in control .
Liam’s mood soured further . Two years ago , Aria had been poised , a woman who fit his world perfectly . Now , after two years of the good life , she was demanding 1.5 billion dollars like it was nothing .
“ Forget 1.5 billion , ” Liam growled . “ She’s not getting a penny of that 150 million either . ”
Hannah arched a brow , her voice cool and calculated . “ She grew up in the middle of nowhere , then played rich wife for two years . No shock she’s hooked on the fancy life . If she’d just sign the divorce papers and move on , I’d throw her three mil to soften the blow . ”
Liam’s heart softened at her generosity . He pulled her into his arms , murmuring , “ Hannah , you’re too good for this world . I’m damn lucky to have you . ”
She smirked , rolling her eyes playfully . “ Aria’s got no degree , no real skills . Woman to woman , I’m not here to grind her into the dirt . ”
Their eyes met , the air between them electric . Hannah broke the gaze first , but Liam was already caught up . With a sly grin , he scooped her up and carried her toward the bedroom . “ Babe , we’ve been missing out on us time for way too long . ”
Hannah didn’t hesitate . She slipped out of her clothes with a teasing smile , leaning in for a kiss that set the night on fire .
Aria owned a chic downtown loft , and once she decided to end her marriage , she grabbed a bag , stuffed it with essentials , and bounced .
After a steamy shower , she flopped onto her bed , smirking at the thought of no early trek to Cole Group .
“ Divorce ? Kinda the best move ever , she thought , melting into the sheets .
Her phone pinged with a text from Benjamin Hayes
Benjamin H , Aria , that proposal’s fire , I’m in for the Cole Group gigl
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15:06 Mon , 26 Mayo MT
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Aria’s fingers zipped across the screen . [ Hey , Benjamin , quick heads – up – I’m ditching Cole Group . Might wanna rethink that deal . No telling if it’ll tank without me . ]
Cole Group was a snake pit , and though Daniel had a blind spot for the creeps , Aria had kept them in line . Once she was gone ? Those lowlifes would run
wild .
Across town , a silver – haired man rose from his cushy sofa , his hazy eyes glinting with a sly grin .
His jittery butler hustled over . “ Mr. Hayes , you good ? What’s up ? ”
Benjamin grabbed the butler’s arm , practically buzzing . “ Get moving – dig up if Aria’s really dumping her marriage ! ”
Liam’s return to town was old news ; Benjamin had heard it weeks back . But Aria bailing on Cole Group ? That was a red flag for major drama .
The butler frowned . “ Sir , Liam just got back . No way he’s splitting with Aria , right ? ”
Benjamin rolled his eyes , waving him off . “ Kid , you’re clueless . That Cole dude’s a total dud – I met him , boring as hell . If Aria’s walking , Sebastian’s got an opening . Quit gawking and get the scoop ! ”
The next morning , Aria’s phone lit up with a call from Liam’s grandfather , Daniel Cole .
She slid into her car and made her way to the sprawling Cole Manor .
At the front gate , she nearly bumped into Liam and Hannah , their hands locked together , looking like they’d just stepped out of a rom – com .
Their eyes clashed – hers , his , Hannah’s – and the air practically sizzled with bad vibes .
Just then , Elena Cole , Liam’s mom , came sweeping out , her smile brighter than a toothpaste ad . She grabbed Hannah’s hand , giving it a warm squeeze . “ Hannah, you’re here ! God , I’ve missed you , girl ! ”
“ Missed you too ! ” Hannah shot back , all charm and dimples .
Elena fussed over Hannah for a sec before her gaze flicked to Aria , one eyebrow arched like a villain in a soap opera . “ Aria , you’ve been killing it at Cole Group these past two years . Consider it our way of settling up . Just sign the divorce papers already – let’s all move on . ”
From the second Aria had married into the Coles , Elena hadn’t dared pull the “ evil mother – in – law ” act . Not because she didn’t want to – she was just
outplayed .
She’d pegged Aria as a sweet , small – town pushover . Big oops .
Aria had strolled in , taken the reins of the household , and landed a VP gig at Cole Group ,
Elena’s sneaky plans ? Toast . She’d had to play nice , and it burned her up inside .
Now , with Liam back and ready to dump Aria , Elena was all but popping champagne .
Her chin tilted high , eyes sharp as knives , she added , “ Oh , and stop grabbing me that face cream . Just gimme the supplier’s contact . ”
Aria’s lips quirked into a smug half – smile . Without / a word , she breezed past Elena and headed for the house , bound for Daniel’s study .
Elena’s face soured , her pride taking a hit . “ Tch , country bumpkin . No manners , ” she muttered .
Hannah , smooth as ever , stepped in . “ Don’t let her bug you , Mrs. Cole . That face cream – what’s the deal ? I’ll track it down . ”
Elena’s frown eased . “ You’re a sweetheart , Hannat . I’ll shoot you a pic later . ”
Elerra didn’t come from some fancy family . Even after twenty years as a Cole , she’d never broken into the snooty socialite clique .
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15:06 Mon , 26 May MT
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Then Aria showed up with this no – name face cream – smelled like an herbal remedy , no brand , nothing chic . Elena had turned her nose up until a zitty day pushed her to try it . Bam – her skin was glowing , wrinkles fading fast .
She started hyping it to the rich ladies , who’d scoffed at the unlabeled jar .
But when they saw Elena looking ten years younger , they were begging for her secret .
The cream wasn’t sold anywhere , so Elena had been scoring twenty – some jars a month from Aria , leveraging it to finally win over the elite crowd .
The idea of Aria ghosting her – and leaving her high and dry with her new pals – gave her nightmares .
Hannah’s offer was a godsend . Practically giddy , Elena waved them off and pranced away to a brunch .
Liam threaded his fingers through Hannah’s , leading her upstairs .
In the study , Daniel – eighty – something but still a business – world legend – sat waiting .
The sight of Liam and Hannah all cozy sent him into a rage . His face went crimson , and he hurled a mug across the room .
Liam yanked Hannah out of the way as it zipped past their heads , shattering against the wall .
Shards New , nearly clipping Hannah’s ankle .
Liam’s jaw tightened , his glare locked on Aria . “ What kinda nonsense did you feed Grandpa ? ”
Aria’s lips twitched , but before she could clap back , Daniel pounded the desk , his voice booming . “ You ungrateful punk ! Aria’s been loyal for two years , and you roll in with some fling , whining about a divorce ? ”
Hannah’s eyes narrowed at “ fling ,” a flicker of anger sparking .
Liam shot back , “ Grandpa , Hannah’s the Gibson family’s pride , Mandino City’s golden girl . You used to rave about her ! How can you just buy Aria’s story and trash Hannah like that ? ”
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