Chapter 98
98
Aria set down her fork and looked at them . “ Johnny Dconner didn’t sign 117 ”
The Stars Group had already signed it , but Hayes Group hadn’L
Victor and Treston were momentarily speechless .
Trenton’s expression shifted , showing a hint of respect . “ You’re the Stars Group’s largest shareholder . If you represent us , Hayes Group will see our sincerity
“ Didn’t we agree to keep my identity a secret ? ” Aria frowned . “ Did you offend Mr. Kramer ? ”
Their faces stiffened . ‘ How does she know about that ? Victor and Trenton wondered .
Seeing their reactions , Aria quickly pieced it together . Hayes Group’s interest in the partnership with the Stars Group likely had everything to do with her .
Vanessa slammed her fork onto the table , her stunning face now frosty with disdain . She didn’t bother hiding the mockery in her eyes . “ Aria’s just a shareholder who invests money . You don’t even have the guts to acknowledge her status , so why come to her about a partnership ? Get out . Stop interrupting our meal . ”
Victor’s face darkened instantly . “ Miss , we’re discussing business with a shareholder . This has nothing to do with you ! ”
Aria tapped the table lightly , her voice calm but carrying an undeniable authority . “ Gentlemen , please show some respect to my friend . If you want me to discuss the deal , fine – have Johnny Oconnor come to me himself . You two don’t get to order me around . ”
Her tone was low , but the strength and dominance in it left no room for argument
Trenton’s heart sank . He quickly nudged Victor and said , “ Apologies , Ms. Saxon . We were too hasty and overstepped . ”
Aria was the largest shareholder in the Stars Group , holding more power than both of them combined . But because of her young age , they instinctively treated her as a junior , their words laced with subtle condescension .
Aria didn’t care what others thought of her as long as the money kept flowing . But disrespecting her friends ? That was a line no one could cross .
Realizing the gravity of the situation , Victor turned to Vanessa and apologized . “ I’m sorry ,
Aria chimed in , “ Her last name is Ward . ”
A flicker of frustration crossed his face , but he reluctantly bowed . “ My apologies , Ms. Ward . I spoke without thinking . ”
Vanessa waved it off casually . “ That’s enough . ”
Aria’s expression remained cold . Sensing that continuing the conversation would only make things worse , Trenton quickly said , “ Ms. Saxon , sorry to have disturbed you .
He pulled Victor along as they left .
“ Does she think she’s all that just because she threw in a ton of money ? ” Victor grumbled as they stepped outside .
Trenton shot him a glare . “ We brought this on ourselves by denying her status . Now look where we are . If we can’t secure this deal , decades of hard work will go up in smoke ! The priority now is getting Aria Saxon to agree to negotiate . ”
Victor sneered , his tone dripping with disdain’t have no idea what she was picked for . Everyone says those rumors about her scammning her way into marriage are false , but I bet they’re true . How else could someone her age come up with that kind of money ? If it’s not her looks or her body , then what ? ”
“ Enough . Let’s go , ” Trenton said curtly , cutting him off .
98
Anthoinear pulled out of the parking space at Havoron Restaurant , another vehicle smoothly slid into the spo
The door of both cars opened at the same time , and two groups of people Mepped out .
Hannah and Liam got out of one car , while Kim and his secretary got out of the other .
Hannah raised her eyebrows and spoke in a bright , cheerful tone . “ Kim , Navoron Restaurant has some new dishes on the menu . We book suite Golden Premier Suite . Dinner’s on me tonight ”
Liam , who had just walked closer , overheard her and playfully tapped her nose . “ With me here , why would you need to treat anyone ? ”
“ I got Kim to sign the contract with the excuse that he had to repay me . I feel bad about it , so this time , I insist on paying Hannah replied with a determined smile
Kim , his expression as cold as ever , let his lips curl into a faintly cold smile . “ The Cole Group is still under the Shaw Group’s consideration . ”
Hannah gave a sheepish smile . “ Let’s not talk about that now .
Let’s head inside first . ”
have a reservation ? ”
“ Yes ,” Hannah replied politely , her demeanor carrying a subtle air of superiority . “ I’ve booked the Golden Premier Suite . ”
AD