Chapter 327
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In an instant , their distance closed .
A handsome man and a beautiful woman – by all rights , it should have been a picture – perfect scene , like something straight out of a magazine . Yet the ar between them was thick with tension .
‘ Wow , this scene is straight out of a TV drama ! ‘ Gary thought .
He was itching to grab his camera , desperate to zoom in for a close – up and capture every micro – expression .
But he dared only to think , not to act .
He couldn’t afford to mess with either of them .
While Gary was all about the visual spectacle , Dawson cared more about what was at stake .
It was obvious that Aria and Russell knew each other , and there was clearly bad blood between them .
He feared that if Aria offended Russell , the collaboration between Starmon Films and Nebula Corp. would fall through .
He badly wanted to step in and say something , but felt utterly helpless . All he could do was hope they wouldn’t come to blows .
Aria arched a brow , her gaze locking with Russell’s . “ Wouldn’t want your fiancee to get the wrong idea , now would we ? After all … ”
Her words trailed off as she lifted her right hand , feigning nonchalance as it came to rest on his left shoulder .
The razor – sharp tension between them suddenly took a shocking turn .
Everyone present was left utterly dumbfounded .
A few crew members stood at a cautious distance , exchanging bewildered glances while their cameras kept rolling , faithfully capt
scene .
g the unfolding
From the crew’s angle , the two looked like they were practically glued together .
The air around them seemed to shimmer with a dangerously flirtatious energy .
With a shareholder from the Stars Group and Nebula Corp.’s CEO openly flirting like this , it was bound to be trending on social media .
But nobody dared to leak the footage .
Just as everyone held their breath , wondering how far things would go between the two , the atmosphere took a sharp turn .
Aria paused for a split second . As she drew her hand back , her fingertip gave a subtle flick .
A searing pain shot through his left shoulder , as if something sharp had pierced into it .
Russell’s expression darkened instantly as his right hand shot toward Aria’s throat .
Aria’s gaze remained steady as she stepped back , her hand shooting out to seize his wrist .
His entire left arm was numb from the shoulder down , so Russell could only lash out with his legs .
Aria twisted aside , her shoes skimming the floor in a blur of motion . Pivoting sharply , she spun around and lashed out with a wind whipped kick at
Russell’s left shoulder .
Russell stepped back and blocked with a raised leg .
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Aria pushed off with her left foot , her body suspended in midair . She spun , kicked , and landed lightly .
The entire sequence flowed seamlessly .
The recoil sent Russell stumbling back , the piercing pain in his left shoulder flaring sharply .
He knew Aria was an expert with silver needles .
She was avenging Vanessa .
The whole thing happened in a flash , leaving everyone stunned .
The crowd wondered , ‘ One second they were all over each other , and the next , they’re at each other’s throats . What the hell just happened ? ”
Dawson stood there , mouth agape , torn between calling out to Russell , which felt inappropriate , and addressing Aria , but he couldn’t find the right words .
Gary was the first to snap out of his daze . Seeing that Russell was hurt , he rushed forward to steady him . “ Mr. Nicholson , you … “ .
Russell’s brows furrowed in pain , cold sweat breaking out across his forehead .
Gary realized he was holding Russell’s injured left arm and instantly released his grip . “ My apologies , Mr. Nicholson . ”
Russell shot him a dismissive glance before fixing his gaze on Aria .
“ Impressive moves , Ms. Saxon ! ” A sinister smirk curled at the corners of his lips .
Aria chuckled lightly . “ Thanks for the compliment , Mr. Nicholson . ”
“ If you seek revenge , you’re welcome anytime , ” Aria continued , her voice light . “ But if you lay a finger on my friends … “ Her tone turned icy . “ I’ll make you pay a hundred times over ! ”
Aria glanced at Myla , who was still frozen in shock . “ Let’s go , ” she said calmly , turning to lead the way .