Chapter 435

“ Given our shared history , remarrying is the best outcome . The Cole Group will be handed over to her – she’ll have complete control . And I’ll spend the rest of my life treating her right . ”
Owen’s expression turned icy , “ First , Aria is exceptional – far beyond your league . Drop that disgusting mentality of putting her down just to make yourself seem worthy . Second , if she wants a company , the Stars Group awaits her . That Cole Group dump isn’t even worth her glance .
“ Lastly , unlike the twisted mindset of the Cole family , the Shaw family are a normal one with sound values . Don’t project your warped standards onto us .
“ If you dare pull that disgusting stunt again , I won’t hesitate to send you to prison to join Hannah . Now get lost ! ”
Owen rarely lost his composure , but then , every emotion was written across his face .
Owen’s words cut deep , leaving Liam speechless and unable to respond .
He wasn’t trying to belittle Aria . He just wanted Owen to back off , so the Shaw family wouldn’t hurt her .
With the way Owen twisted things , Liam just ended up looking like some backward – thinking hypocrite pretending to be noble .
Liam was still lost in thought when he suddenly spotted Aria . His eyes widened instantly . “ A – Aria … ”
“ Damn it ! ‘ Liam thought to himself in panic . ‘ Damn it ! She heard everything I said ! ‘
Owen turned to look and saw Aria standing at the stairwell entrance, her face ice – cold as she watched them .
The moment he realized she’d heard those words , Owen’s heart clenched with such fury that he could’ve killed someone right then and there .
Liam tried to explain , “ Aria , I didn’t mean to belittle you . I just wanted to… ”
“ Shut up , ” Aria interrupted him , then turned to Owen . “ Aren’t you coming in ? ”
Owen quickly composed himself . “ Coming , ” he replied .
He quickened his pace , only to see a hand suddenly reach out toward him .
Owen halted mid – step , his eyes widening in shock .
Her hand still outstretched , her eyes questioning , she asked , “ What are you standing there for , silly ? ”
Owen snapped out of his daze , wiped his slightly trembling palm on his coat , then hurriedly clasped her hand in return .
A wave of warmth washed over him . None of that mattered anymore – not Liam , not the Shaw family . ‘ As long as I have her , that’s all I need , ‘ he thought .
Aria took his hand , turned , and walked away , never once sparing Liam so much as a glance .
Liam watched their retreating figures , slowly snapping out of his daze .
‘ Damn it , Owen played me ! ‘ Liam realized in fury .
Owen deliberately said those things to rile him up , then played the hero for Aria just to win her over .
That scheming , manipulative bastard ! Just as he thought – the whole Shaw family was rotten to the core !
‘ Damn , if I’d known Aria would go for that , I’d have done the same thing , ‘ Liam thought bitterly .
Liam stormed off in resentment .
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435
Once inside the elevator , Aria released Owen’s hand . But he seized the moment – slipping his index finger between hers and locking their fingers together , holding on tight .
Aria rarely took the initiative , so when she finally did , Owen was quick to make the most of the opportunity .
Owen teased , “ Did you have a little too much to drink tonight ? ”
Aria shot him a sideways glance . “ Why do you ask ? ”
Owen smiled . “ I saw online forums buzzing about Ward’s Winery – and Miss Ward even gifted you quite a collection of wines , didn’t she ? ”
Though it wasn’t publicized , word spread like wildfire through their circle .
Most of the buzz centered on Aria’s impressive fighting skills – everyone was dying to know how she trained to get that good .
Some bold guys even dared to say online that they wanted to pursue her . Owen retorted in the comments , [ You sure you can take a hit ? ]
“ Not much . ” Aria looked down at the hand holding hers , her brows arching ever so slightly .
It was her first time holding hands with someone , and to her surprise , it felt pretty nice .
Aria looked up at Owen , noticing the faint smile playing at the corners of his lips . “ You look pretty happy , huh ? ”
Owen didn’t deny it . “ Yeah , thrilled , ” he said . She took his hand – right in front of Liam , no less .
Aria smiled and squeezed his hand back .
Moments later , the elevator arrived on the eighteenth floor .
As they rounded the corner and spotted several bodyguards stationed at the door , Owen instinctively released Aria’s hand and took two steps back .