Chapter 428
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By noon the next day , Aria was pulling into the parking lot at Ward’s Winery .
Though it wasn’t a household name across the country , Ward’s was famous in Mandino City and lately , even more so .
Two years ago , Amanda’s father , the Ward Group’s CEO , had saved the head of Fraibia , a European wine conglomerate .
The rescue led to a lucrative partnership , and with new technology and Fraibia’s clout , Ward’s wine quality skyrocketed .
Their sales soared – they took first place in quarterly sales , second in annual rankings .
In just two years , the Ward Group became a rising star in the industry .
Officially , today’s event was a casual wine tasting hosted by Amanda – a gathering for the young elite .
In truth , it was the Ward family’s first big gala , a power play to showcase their winery and reel in resources .
With the Ward family’s sudden rise , they’d inevitably made enemies , and Amanda , running point , was worried someone might try to crash the party .
That’s why she wanted Fryderyk around .
Aria was running late . The lot was already packed .
She found a narrow space , backed in like a pro , and was just unclipping her seatbelt when a sleek car rolled up directly in front of her .
A girl in a cocktail dress stepped out , strutted over , planted a hand on her hip and jabbed a finger in Aria’s direction , mouthing angrily through the
windshield .
Aria stared , unmoved , vaguely recognizing her . She stepped out of the car .
“ We were here first ! Who do you think you are , taking our … ” Delilah stopped short , eyes wide as she finally registered who she was yelling at . The words
died in her throat .
Aria smiled , lips curved just enough . “ Taking what ? ”
Delilah took a hasty step back , face drained of color . “ No … Nothing ”
Just days ago , Hannah had been sentenced – eight years .
Most thought the punishment was too harsh , and the Gibson family would surely appeal , but they didn’t . They accepted it .
Delilah now saw Aria as someone you absolutely did not mess with .
Last time at the real estate office , she’d ended up locked in a police cell for days .
She’d promised her aunt to keep it together , but faced with Aria in the flesh , her courage fizzled .
Delilah turned to her driver , snapping , “ Well ? Don’t just stand there , go find a spot to park ! ”
Aria walked on , gaze cool , and headed for the entrance .
At the gates , she handed over her invitation . The receptionist’s eyes lingered on her , a hint of confusion in their smile .
“ Is something wrong ? ” Aria asked .
The hostess quickly shook her head , smiled wider . “ Not at all , Miss . Please , come with me . ”
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A moment later , Aria understood the odd looks .
Everyone else was dressed to the nines , but she’d shown up in casual wear .
Amanda spotted her across the lawn , immediately waving her over . “ Aria ! You made it . ”
Aria smiled , unbothered . “ I thought it was just a small tasting , but there’s a serious crowd . ”
Amanda waved it off . “ Comfort’s what matters , and trust me – you’re not alone .” She nodded behind Aria .
Aria turned to find Fryderyk , equally dressed down , falling into step beside her .
Amanda grinned even wider . “ See , Fryderyk ? Told you , if Aria showed , you’d show up too . ”
Fryderyk’s expression didn’t change . “ I didn’t come because of Aria . ”
Amanda rolled her eyes , all mock sympathy . “ Right , not because of Aria . Because you’re secretly in love with me . Sure . ”
She flagged down a server , took a bottle , and poured Aria half a glass . “ This one’s brand new – try it and tell me what you think . ”
She looked at Fryderyk . “ You want a glass ? ”
He shook his head . “ I’m driving . ”
“ Suit yourself . ”
Aria took a sniff , sipped , nodded her approval . “ Not bad . ”
“ Not bad ? ” Another voice slid into the conversation .
They turned to see Orlando strolling over , Ophelia at his side . Orlando smiled coolly . “ Ms. Saxon , aren’t you going to give us a proper tasting note ? ”
Ophelia eyed Aria , her body instinctively recoiling .
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Catching herself , she stiffened her spine and sneered , “ Ward’s wine is just rebottled Netallo , anyway . And look at you , dressed like that at a formal event -so disrespectful to the Ward family . After your divorce from Liam , even your manners went out the window . ”
Even Orlando’s expression soured . Idiot , he thought . Amanda’s eye’s turned frosty . “ Miss Cole , you seem confused . We borrowed Netallo’s technology , but our ingredients and recipes are all our own . This isn’t Netallo’s wine – and if you don’t know that , maybe you’re at the wrong party . ”
Amanda was the one to win over – every business , including the Cole family , needed her approval .
Ophelia had been warned over and over by Daniel to stay on Amanda’s good side .
Yet the first thing out of her mouth was to insult the wine ,
Aria hadn’t even needed to open her mouth . Ophelia had dug her own grave .
Realizing her blunder , Ophelia quickly tried to walk it back . “ I didn’t mean it like that … ”
People nearby turned their attention their way , conversations quieting as they drifted closer – nobody wanted to miss the drama .
Amanda’s smile was razor – sharp . “ Everyone in Mandino knows Aria singlehandedly saved the Cole Group . Liam’s ingratitude aside , you could at least show some respect . But you’d rather sneer ? I guess that’s just classic Cole family style . ”
Ophelia opened her mouth to protest , but Orlando cut her off with a single glare . “ Liam should be here soon . Go find him . ”
Ophelia’s cheeks flamed red . She stammered an apology , then hustled away , shooting Aria one last death glare .
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Aria twirled her glass , not even looking her way . “ Keep glaring and I’ll take your eyes out . ”
Ophelia shrank and hurried off . Amanda burst out laughing , “ That’s why I like you , Aria . ”
Though they’d only met twice , Amanda already had a great impression of her .
Catching herself , she turned to Orlando with a raised brow . “ Don’t you have other people to talk to ? ”
She wasn’t shy about her equal – opportunity dislike for the entire Cole family , bastard sons included .
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Orlando ignored the dig , gaze settling on Aria . “ Ms. Saxon , you never answered my question . Wine is all about process – one tiny slip and the whole flavor profile changes . Same goes for life . The smallest decisions can upend everything . So , how exactly do you taste this wine ? ”
Amanda stiffened . This isn’t about wine , he’s picking a fight . ”
She looked at Fryderyk for help , silently begging him to step in , but he pretended not to notice , utterly indifferent .
Amanda nearly groaned aloud . ‘ And he thinks he’ll ever get a girlfriend ? Not with those social skills . Pathetic . ‘
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