LOGINAria's POVI glanced toward Cynthia, then toward the reporters. "It turns out Ms. Wayne isn't the only wolf capable of inviting journalists."The words hit Cynthia immediately, and I watched understanding spread across her face slowly and painfully."What does that mean?" her voice wavered. "What did you do?"I spread my hands. Exactly what it looked like. "Mine were simply invited to report the truth." There was silence. Then I tilted my head toward the media crowd."You've all been recording this entire time, haven't you?"Several hands immediately went up. There were four, five, or maybe more. They raised their cameras, record lights blinking.Every accusation, every threat, every attempt at coercion. Everything had been captured. I had them blend in with the reporters Cynthia had brought.Cynthia visibly swayed. For a moment I almost thought she might fall.She stared at me as though trying to understand what she was
Aria's POVRowland quickly pulled out a cushioned chair, and Grandmother sat gracefully, giving him an approving glance before focusing on Cynthia."What am I implying?"Her voice wasn't loud; it didn't need to be. Every wolf in the room listened."Aria Darvin is my granddaughter."There was absolute silence. My wolf lifted its head proudly."She is the heir I have formally designated for the Osborne family."The room exploded in gasps, whispers, and disbelief, several reporters nearly dropping their phones.Grandmother waited calmly, then delivered the final blow. "I may be old. But I am not so old that I can watch my granddaughter be bullied and do nothing."Silence followed as the full weight of her words settled over the room. Cynthia's face had gone completely pale."Aria Darvin..." She swallowed. "Is an Osborne? And your designated heir?"Beside her, Rose looked completely lost. She understood the Osb
Aria's POVNo one answered my question. Amelia stepped forward, her expression glacial."Rose Wayne. This constitutes premeditated assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The only reason Ms. Darvin survived is because she was lucky."Then Amelia turned toward the reporters, and the fury in her eyes burned like fire. "And all of you."The room became very quiet."You came here intending to manufacture a narrative. You came here intending to twist facts into lies."Several reporters lowered their eyes."You are the rot at the heart of this industry."Rose's face had gone completely gray. Her hands trembled as she grabbed Cynthia's sleeve.Cynthia looked exhausted, the confidence she'd carried all morning visibly draining away as her carefully constructed trap collapsed around her.Then she spoke. Her voice was too calm. "Doesn't anyone find this suspicious?"The room turned toward her."If R
Aria's POVI let my gaze sweep across the room before settling on Cynthia and Nathan. "Darvin Group is mine." My voice was calm and certain."I can say with complete certainty, in front of every reporter here and both of our distinguished guests, that I don't yet know who Darvin Group's future partners will be."I paused, then smiled. "But I know exactly who they won't be. It won't be the Wayne family." My gaze shifted briefly toward Nathan. "Nor will it be Hemsworth."The silence that followed was almost painful. I saw Nathan's brows draw together immediately. He clearly didn't appreciate being grouped together with Cynthia Wayne.Cynthia's lips curved into a cold smile. There it is. The woman had finally realized I wasn't going to bow. Not for power, not for money, not for anyone.Cynthia glanced toward Nathan, a faint irritation still visible on her face."It appears Mr. Nathan's trip was wasted." Amusement dripped from her voice.
Aria's POVNathan stood there.His broad shoulders nearly filled the entrance, his presence immediately drawing every eye in the room as the scent of a powerful Alpha rolled in with him, subtle but impossible to ignore.One dark brow furrowed as he took in the scene before him. For a second, his gaze lingered on me, and something dark flashed across his eyes.Nathan didn't say another word. He didn't need to.Nathan Hemsworth was the kind of Alpha whose presence demanded space. The reporters stepped aside one after another, creating a corridor through the crowd as he walked forward.Silence followed him, heavy and oppressive, like the pressure before a storm.My wolf and I watched him approach. What are you doing here, Nathan?Without a word, he reached me. A microphone was being shoved toward my face, and before it could get any closer, Nathan casually raised one arm and redirected it elsewhere.The movement was effortl
Aria's POVRose immediately pointed. "That's her!"She grabbed Cynthia's arm dramatically. "Mom, that's the lady who attacked me!"She pointed at the fading bruises on her face. Cynthia's gaze shifted coldly toward Chloe before settling back on me."Ms. Darvin, keep your minion under control."The warning in her voice was unmistakable."The offer I've presented isn't an apology. It's an opportunity you should be grateful for."Chloe's muscles tightened instantly. She was at the edge of losing control. Thankfully, Amelia grabbed her arm and held her back."So? Think it over," Cynthia added.Rose crossed her arms and watched Chloe struggle, satisfaction practically radiating from her scent.I smiled. Then pointed toward the door. "You're all welcome to leave."The room froze. Cynthia blinked, and for the first time since entering, she looked genuinely confused. "What?"I smiled pleasantly. "You heard m
Aria's POVI raised an eyebrow slightly and looked between them. “There will be no need. I still have things to do. You two go on.”I didn’t wait for a response.I left them and took a cab straight to my studio.I opened my desktop to get to work. I rubbed my temples, a dull ache forming, but my ha
Aria's POVJonathan's smile was effortless and refined, like silk sliding over skin. It was impossible to fault.My wolf tilted her head, mildly curious to know what Francis would decide.Francis raised an eyebrow almost imperceptibly. There was something about the way he looked at Jonathan that ma
Aria's POVI looked up, frowning. Sophia stood there, frozen in shock. My wolf snarled softly at the scent of fear and tension rolling off her in waves.Inside, the sign read: Plaintiff’s Attorney. The opposite side was empty. Stephan had already rushed over and seated himself.I understood in a he
Aria's POVFor a split second, Nathan’s expression softened. “Thank Sophia,” he said coolly. “It was her idea to help the children.”“Nathan…” Sophia blushed, smiling shyly, clearly savoring the moment.I looked away.Beside me, Jonathan Anderson, as they called him here, exchanged a brief glance w







