Chapter 9
9
Logan’s brows furrowed , his face tightening as he fought to keep his cool . “ Luke , Aria’s my daughter . How we raise her is our business , so back off . ”
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Luke scoffed , jerking his hand back with a scowl . “ You think I care about your family drama ? I’m only stepping in ‘ cause I don’t want Silvia getting hurt . And let’s be real – Silvia’s not even your blood . Why not let her come to our side ? I’d treat her like my own . ”
“ Uncle Luke , ” Silvia murmured , her voice soft but trembling with nerves she couldn’t hide . “ Aria’s landed some killer deals for Cole Group . She’s got Dad’s brains – she’s incredible . Don’t get the wrong idea about her . ”
She shot a quick , complicated glance at Aria , her eyes carrying a weight her words didn’t .
Luke let out a harsh laugh , dripping with mockery . “ A delinquent who skips class and starts fights ? Couldn’t even make it to high school . Brains ? That’s a joke people’d spit their coffee over . ”
“ Cool it, ” Joseph snapped , his glare pinning his youngest son . Then he turned to Aria , his tone all business . “ A divorce would kick up a storm for both families . Besides , Daniel made it crystal clear – when he’s gone , Cole Group’s yours . You’ll be the one calling the shots . With us behind you , the Gibsons won’t dare stir up trouble . Let them run off to Erenoland if they’re so keen . ”
The promise sparkled like a prize just out of reach . If Aria controlled Cole Group , the Saxon family would have it in the bag .
They’d dominate , soaring to the top of the four major families in no time .
Logan’s frown deepened , his voice low and tense . “ Dad , you’re not seeing the whole picture . Aria was bullied into signing a prenup before the wedding . The Coles never saw her as one of them . Liam’s a deadbeat , and Daniel’s just stringing her along to keep her slaving for Cole Group . It’s all a big con . ”
Zoe nodded fiercely , her eyes blazing . “ Why should my daughter keep busting her ass for them after Liam cheated ? No way Aria’s going back . This marriage is over . ”
Joseph’s face darkened , his cane thumping the floor like a judge’s gavel . “ If this was Silvia , she’d have guys falling over themselves even after a divorce . But Aria ? Who’s she gonna find if she walks away ? ” His words cut deep , sharp as a blade . “ I’m still head of this family , and I make the calls . ”
The room fell silent , the air heavy with tension . Only Luke gave a quick nod , backing his father up .
Zoe’s heart twisted . Her daughter was being thrown to the wolves , not even allowed to choose her own path . In a low mutter , she said , “ If Aria hadn’t been switched at birth , if she’d grown up a Saxon , would you still look down on her like this ? ”
The words slipped out , raw and unfiltered , and they hit like a slap , Silvia’s eyes filled with tears , and she dropped her gaze , biting her lip to hold back a
sob .
Luke’s face hardened . “ Zoe , what the bell kind of thing is that to say ? Silvia’s innocent ! ”
Zoe turned to Silvia , grabbing her hand with a look of pure regret . “ Sweetheart , I didn’t mean it like that . ”
Silvia tried to hold it together , but the tears broke free . “ I’m so sorry , Mom , ” she whispered , her voice cracking . “ This is all because of me . ”
As Zoe stood to comfort her , a faint warmth flickered in Aria’s chest , soft and fleeting . But it vanished before she could hold onto it .
Once again , Zoe had chosen Silvia . Aria had known this truth for years .
“ I’m not here to talk about the divorce , ” she said , her voice steady and unyielding . “ I’m telling you it’s happening . ”
Joseph froze , his eyes wide with shock . Silvia’s tears stopped as she looked up , her face blank , caught off guard .
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