LOGINARIA'S POV The key turns smoothly in the lock. I push the door open, already reaching for the light switch— And freeze. Noah sits on the living-room sofa like he owns the place, one arm stretched along the backrest, long legs crossed, dark eyes already locked on me. The late-afternoon light from the windows catches the sharp line of his jaw. He looks completely at ease. My heart jumps into my throat as my hands tighten around my portfolio bag until my knuckles turn white. “What are you doing here?” The words come out in a whispered shout. I spin toward the hallway, half-expecting Uncle Mike to appear at any second. Noah rises, fluidly. “Relax. He’s gone to visit Jeremiah.” I stay where I am, curling slightly away when he reaches for me. “So that somehow gives you the right to walk into our house?” He doesn’t answer the how. Instead, a lazy smile tugs at the corner of his lips. “I missed you— your kitten glare and that feisty little tongue of yours." My heart thumps against
ARIA'S POVThe clock on the wall reads exactly 10:00 AM when the double doors click open."Miss Aria? They are ready for you," Elsie, the young assistant that has welcomed me 20 mins earlier says, stepping aside for me to go in.“Thank you.” I say as I smooth down the front of my tailored blazer and matching high-waisted wide-leg trousers, one of Aureline pieces. I look sharp and professional and I hope it helps mask the tremor in my hands.Five pairs of eyes lock onto me the second I step inside. The conference room is all dark wood and floor-to-ceiling windows.. No one stands. No one smiles. Madam Genevieve sits at the center of the long table. sharp cheekbones, silver-streaked dark hair pulled into a severe knot. She doesn’t look up at me. She simply studies the folder in front of her like it already disappoints her.To her right is Harlan—mid-forties, calm eyes, the man who pushed for this meeting that night at the lounge, looking anxious. Beside him sits a man with a bald head,
NOAH'S POV My office is quiet except for the periodic scratch of my fountain pen against documents. I hear a knock and the door opens. Jane steps in, tablet in hand, posture straight as always. “Sir, the appointment for Miss Sinclair has been confirmed. Tomorrow at 10 a.m. with Madame Genevieve's team.” I lean back in my chair, the city skyline stretching out behind the floor-to-ceiling windows of my office. Papers and three open laptops cover the large desk. Contracts, quarterly projections, and the latest intelligence reports on a deal worth hundreds of million dollars. A smirk tugs my lips. "Harlan is really desperate for that market merger." I sign my name with a decisive flick of my wrist before finally raising my gaze to meet hers. "Fine. Set an appointment with his team and inform him of the date. Let’s see what he actually has to offer before I decide to crush his little empire or grant him a meeting." Jane hesitates, which is rare. I glance up, meeting her eyes. She
ARIA'S POV “Yes, thank you so much, Charlotte. Tomorrow at ten in the morning works well for me. I’ll make sure to bring my portfolio and the lookbooks for my brand.” I clutch my phone tightly against my ear, my heart doing a little flutter of excitement. “Perfect, Miss Aria,” the secretary on the other end replies, her rigid tone doing nothing to dampen my mood. “Producer Harlan has already briefed the department. You’ll be meeting with the directors and Madam Genevieve Laurent for your interview. Have a wonderful day.” The line clicks off, and I stare at my reflection, a huge grin spreading across my face. Victor Harlan—one of the biggest producers in Hollywood—had personally pushed for this. All because of Noah. An interview. Aureline is finally crossing the ocean. A squeal of joy escapes my lips as I sink into the armchair. This was exactly the breakthrough I needed. I want to make a permanent mark here, and this opportunity is the perfect launchpad. An associate
THIRD PERSON POVMATURE CONTENT AHEADThe applause and catcalls still echo in Daisy’s ears as she steps off the stage, her skin glistening with sweat. A hostess approaches with a knowing smile and a tablet in hand. “You were incredible. There’s a long list of men who want private time with you tonight. Generous offers.”Daisy’s heart stutters. She scans the names quickly, her pulse racing with foolish hope. Mike’s name is nowhere on the list. The absence felt like a fresh wound, bruising her already fragile heart all over again. Of course he didn’t want her.She rejects every request with a polite but firm shake of her head and heads toward the exit. If he does not want her, it is time to bury these unrequited feelings once and for all.“What are you doing here?”Daisy freezes at the low, familiar voice. She turns. Mike stands behind her, his grey eyes burning.A small spark of happiness flickers inside her chest.He came looking for her.“Where’s Aria? I hope you haven't brought
Heaven did grant her wish that morning, four years ago. She had seen Mike again. Had another opportunity as she had wished for. Yet, nothing happened. She learnt his name was Mike—Uncle Mike, as Aria affectionately called him. The title didn’t suit him at all. Daisy wouldn’t have minded calling him something far more intimate. Daddy and Master had crossed her mind more than once. He looked far too young to be anyone’s uncle, despite the streaks of grey threading through his beard. Every inch of him powerful, rippling muscles beneath his white shirt, gallant posture, an alpha presence that made the air feel thicker, Daisy had felt the tickle of blood trailing from her nose. And Daisy never had that. She could have that effect on people but it never happened to her. By contrast, Cole fit the “uncle” image perfectly with his easy smiles, balding head, and a round belly that spoke of comfort rather than discipline. Daisy had expected Mike to be cut from the same clot
JAMIE'S POV From the center of the stage, even with the flashing cameras going off like gunfire, I still found her. Aria. And damn, she looked unreal. Aria had always been beautiful. Not just pretty but dangerously beautiful. People stare too long when they see her, I have to glare at them to sh
ARIA'S POV “Then go,” my father growled, standing up from the table. “I disown you as my daughter.” “Don’t say that, dear…” Carolina fake-interjected. “No, Lina. Let her go.” He yelled at her. “You idiot!" He says addressing me. "Was I the one that asked him to dump you, Aria? If you had be
ARIA'S POV The heavy front door clicked shut behind me. I stood on the smooth white marble floor of the foyer for a few seconds, to prepare myself before meetingtheir disgusting faces. Then I heard the laughter again. Louder this time. It was coming right from the dining room down the hall. L
ARIA'S POV This wasn't an accident. Mario didn't have the brains or the motive to pull off something this huge alone. There was only one person ruthless enough to orchestrate this kind of public humiliation. Stepsister charming, Lora. Everything started adding up in my head. The two strange me







