Chapter 5

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Hannah strutted over , tucking a stray curl behind her ear with a coy smile . “ Hey there , I’m Hannah Gibson . ”
Aria’s gaze slid to Owen , who stood brooding in the corner , his brows pinched as he eased back . “ Sorry , not really a handshake guy . Who’re you ? ”
Hannah froze for a split second but bounced back with a grin , all warm and chummy . “ Owen , dude , it’s me ! Your Mandino junior , three years behind . We totally killed it co – hosting that gala , remember ? ”
After the quick trip down memory lane , she got to the point . “ Alright , here’s the deal – I need you to take our case . ”
Owen was the legal world’s ice – cold rockstar – chiseled features , a stare that could freeze lava , and a six – foot – three frame that owned any room , even when he was just lurking in the shadows .
The guy radiated don’t test me energy , and Liam , Hannah’s boyfriend , was clearly feeling the pressure . He stepped up , chest puffed out . “ It’s a divorce
case , Mr. Shaw . You got our back , we’ll make it worth your while . ”
Here’s the hitch : lawyers from the same firm couldn’t play both sides of a case . If Owen took Hannah’s gig , Aria would have to hunt down a new firm .
Aria cocked her head , reading the room . “ Mr. Webb , no offense , but between you and Mr. Shaw … who’s the big deal around here ? ”
Hannah let out a snarky chuckle . “ Aria , come on . My man Owen’s the top gun at Seacrest Law Firm . He’s not about to rep some sketchy con artist . ”
Aria was ready to fire back , but someone cut in .
“ Con artist ? You got proof for that , Ms. Gibson ? ” Owen’s frosty gaze flicked between them , his voice sharp as a blade . “ You know talking smack like that can get you sued . ”
Hannah didn’t miss a beat . “ Okay , let me break it down. Two years ago … ”
She spilled the whole story , claiming Aria pulled a shady marriage scam , snagged a questionable 150 million to funnel into the Cole Group , and used it to launder money .
“ We’re not out to burn her , but Grandpa Cole offered her 230 million , and she just laughed . Girl’s demanding 1.5 billion bucks ! ” she said .
Her voice had that “ I tried to help , but she’s too much vibe “ . She wisely dodged the prenup mess – too spicy for this crowd .
Mason felt his stomach lurch . Fifteen billion dollars ? That was straight – up wild . Aria’s odds of winning this case seemed slimmer than a tightrope in a
storm .
He wasn’t touching this without the full picture . “ Ms. Saxon , quick question – how’d you rake in that kind of cash ? ”
Every eye in the place locked on Aria , waiting for her to spill the tea .
Aria’s lips curled into a smug , you wish smirk , her tone pure defiance . “ Whoever’s throwing shade better bring receipts . The Coles want to jack my shares , saying my money’s dirty ? Then they gotta prove I scammed someone . I don’t owe anyone an explanation about my cash . ”
She shot a glance at Owen , testing how tight he was with his old schoolmate . “ That’s how the law works , right , Mr. Shaw ? ”
Owen’s sharp eyes met hers , cool and unflinching / He gave a curt nod . “ Exactly . You two need solid proof Aria’s a fraud . if it holds up , that money’s not hers anymore – it goes straight to the cops . ”
Liam’s face twisted like he’d swallowed a bug . Turn it over to the cops ? What kind of crap is that ? ‘
Liam’s voice was thick with annoyance . “ What the hell’s that about ? “ –
Hannah gently grabbed his wrist , shutting him down . Her voice was soft but pointed . “ Two years ago , a massive scam tore through back home . Families got crushed , and the scumbags behind it vanished . Funny thing right about then , Ms. Saxon pulls 150 million out of thin air …
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She let the words hang , and the room buzzed with suspicion .
“ 150 million ? Even a big dog like Mr. Shaw would sweat to come up with that . How’s a girl barely out of college doing it ? ”
“ Both went down two years ago . Hard not to raise an eyebrow . ”
The whispers grew louder until a cleaning lady , who’d been quietly taking it all in , suddenly rushed forward and dropped to her knees in front of Aria . Tears poured down her face as she clutched Aria’s pant leg , sobbing . “ Ms. Saxon , please , I need my 150,000 back ! It was for my husband’s surgery .
“ They stole it , and he didn’t make it . I’ve got kids to feed – please , I’m begging you ! ”
The room went still , everyone frozen by the woman’s raw grief .
Aria stepped back , her face cool and composed , while the woman wailed and pressed her forehead to the floor like her world had shattered .
Owen’s expression turned to stone , his voice like a blade . “ Security , get her out of here . ”
Two guards hustled in , gently but firmly guiding the woman away . Her gut – wrenching cries lingered in the air long after she was gone .
The mood in the room grew heavy , and the looks shot at Aria were now spiked with doubt .
Hannah’s lips curved into a faint , smug smile , loving how this was playing out .
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Owen’s sharp gaze swept over the crowd , his tone cold enough to freeze blood . “ No evidence , no rumors . You’re all in the legal game – start flapping your gums without proof , and you’ll never see the inside of a law firm again . ”
His words hit like a punch , and the suspicious stares at Aria fizzled out . No one dared cross him .
Hannah’s brow creased , her mind spinning . ‘ Why is Owen sticking his neck out for Aria again and again ? Are they tight ? ‘
Aria , cool as a cucumber , acted like the woman’s breakdown was just another Tuesday . “ Mr. Webb , about my case … ”
“ I’m out . ” Mason cut her off , his voice heavy with conflict . “ Ms. Saxon , I’ll lay it all out for Mr. Hayes exactly as it happened . If I took your case , I’d be your guy , but you’re still dodging the question about that 150 million . And asking for 1.5 billion bucks ? That’s a long shot , and I’m not here to play dirty . ”
Better to bail now than get pushed out later .
Liam’s face split into a cocky grin . “ Smart move , Mr. Webb . With Mr / Shaw on our team , we’ve got this in the bag . ”
He shot Aria a frosty glare . “ Aria , quit screwing around . Grab your 230 million and hit the road . ”
Aría arched a brow , her lips curling into a tight , sarcastic smirk . “ Loud doesn’t mean right , pal . I’m not just getting my money back – I’m dragging both of you to court for slander , defamation , and tanking my rep .
If Seacrest’s passing , I’ll find someone else . Peace out . ”
She spun on her heel , striding toward the door with calm , unshakable confidence .
“ Ms. Saxon . “ Owen’s deep , steady voice stopped her cold .
She glanced back , one brow raised . “ Yeah , what’s good ? ”
His eyes locked onto hers , intense and unyielding . “ Your case ? I’m taking it . ”
The room went dead quiet , the only sound the faint rustle of wind outside .
“ Mr. Chow! ” Liam’s voice cracked with disbelief . “ You said you’d take our casel What’s with the switch – up ? ”
Owen’s braw furrowed . “ When did I ever say I’d take your case ? ”
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Liam choked , his eyes darting to Hannah ..
Hannah’s face darkened , her suspicions locked in . Owen and Aria had to know each other .
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She kept her voice steady but firm . “ Owen , I get it . Maybe you and Ms. Saxon are old friends , and you feel like you owe her . But this is bigger than that . That scam screwed over folks at Seacrest Law Firm too . As a lawyer , you’ve gotta be on the side of what’s right .”
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