LOGIN1:05 P.M. — Cross Group HeadquartersDamian walked into his office without saying a word.His lawyer followed behind him, carrying a thick file.The moment the door closed, Damian turned around.“Tell me everything.”His lawyer placed the file on the desk.“We're still waiting for the complete case file from the police.”“Then what do we have?”“Preliminary information.”Damian stared at him.“Start.”The lawyer opened the file.“First, the bridge incident involving Vivienne Carter.”Damian's expression tightened.“I know about that.”“The police have CCTV footage.”“CCTV?”“Yes.”Damian walked toward the window.“Does it clearly show Aria pushing her?”His lawyer hesitated.“Yes.”Damian closed his eyes.For several seconds, he said nothing.“Continue.”“The second allegation concerns Vivienne's hospital stay.”Damian slowly turned around.“What exactly happened there?”“They haven't released all the details yet.”“Then find out.”“I will.”His lawyer turned another page.“There is a
Damian arrives at the station.He wants Aria immediately.The police won't release her.He demands to know the charges.His lawyer starts working on her case.Damian learns there is evidence, but we don't reveal everything to him yet.Most importantly, Damian still doesn't know about the food or the full extent of Aria's actions.End with him deciding he's going to find out the truth himself.That keeps the tension alive.Chapter 205: I Need to See Her11:42 A.M. — Police HeadquartersDamian walked through the entrance of the police headquarters with his lawyer beside him.His face was hard, but beneath the calm expression, his mind was in chaos.Aria had been arrested.That was all he knew.And it wasn't enough.He approached the reception desk.“I'm here for Aria Cross.”The receptionist looked up.“Sir, are you family?”“I'm her husband.”She checked the computer.“Yes. Mrs. Cross is here.”“Take me to her.”“I'm sorry, sir. You can't go directly to—”“I don't want to go directly a
10:42 A.M. — Police HeadquartersAria sat quietly inside the interrogation room.Her wrists were still cuffed.She stared at the table in front of her, trying to understand how everything had changed so quickly.Only an hour ago, she had been standing in her kitchen preparing snacks.Now she was sitting in a police station facing murder allegations.The door opened.Inspector Andrew walked in with a folder.A female officer followed him and sat across from Aria.“Mrs. Cross.”Aria looked up.“Yes?”“You're entitled to legal representation before we begin questioning.”“I want a lawyer.”“Of course.”The officer placed a glass of water in front of her.“You can also make a phone call.”Aria immediately reached for the phone.“Damian.”She dialed his number.It rang.And rang.No answer.She tried again.Still nothing.Her eyes filled with tears.“He doesn't know.”Inspector Andrew said nothing.Aria lowered the phone.“Please tell him I'm here.”“You'll be able to speak with your lawye
9:43 A.M. — Cross MansionAria stood in the kitchen, preparing a few snacks.The wedding was only days away, but for once, she wasn't thinking about flowers, dresses, or guests.She was simply trying to keep herself busy.She placed the last piece of fruit on a plate when suddenly—Bang!The sound of a car door closing echoed from outside.Aria paused.Then came another sound.Several footsteps.She frowned and looked toward the kitchen entrance.A few seconds later, one of the maids hurried inside.“Ma'am.”Aria turned.“What is it?”“There are some people outside.”“People?”“Yes, ma'am. They said they want to see you.”Aria wiped her hands with a kitchen towel.“Who are they?”“I don't know, ma'am. They look like officers.”Aria's expression changed slightly.“Officers?”The maid nodded.Aria looked toward the living room.“Let them in.”“Yes, ma'am.”The maid hurried away.Aria followed a few seconds later.The moment she stepped into the living room, she stopped.Several men dres
8:45 A.M. — High CourtThe second day of Richard Carter's trial began under even greater attention.By the time the courtroom doors opened, reporters were already waiting outside. Yesterday's proceedings had made headlines across the city, and everyone wanted to know what evidence the prosecution would present next.Richard was brought into the courtroom shortly before the judge arrived.He looked composed.At least on the outside.His lawyer leaned closer."Today may be more difficult."Richard adjusted his cuffs."I told you. They don't have enough to convict me."His lawyer didn't respond.Richard looked at him."What?""We'll see."Before Richard could answer, the judge entered."All rise."Everyone stood.Moments later, they took their seats.The prosecutor rose."Your Honour, the prosecution would like to call its next witness."The courtroom became quiet.A middle-aged man walked toward the witness stand.Richard watched him carefully.He didn't recognize him.The man took the
9:30 A.M. — High CourtThe courtroom was packed.Reporters filled the benches, their cameras pointed toward the entrance. Lawyers whispered among themselves while the judge sat quietly behind the bench, reviewing the thick file placed before him.Then the courtroom doors opened.Richard Carter was escorted inside.He was no longer the powerful businessman who once commanded an entire empire.He wore a simple dark suit, his wrists restrained.His face remained hard, but the confidence he once carried was gone.Elizabeth and Vivienne sat several rows behind him.The moment Vivienne saw her father, her eyes filled with tears."Dad..."Richard glanced toward them.For a brief second, his expression softened.Then he looked away."All rise."Everyone stood as the judge entered."Be seated."The courtroom settled into silence.The judge looked toward the prosecution."Counsel, you may proceed."The prosecutor stood."Your Honour, the defendant, Richard Carter, is facing multiple charges ari
The television was muted, but the captions kept scrolling.LEAKED VIDEO ROCKS CARTER FAMILYCORPORATE HEIRESS AT CENTER OF SCANDALMr. Carter stood near the window, hands clasped behind his back, staring out at the city like it had personally betrayed him.Aria stood a few steps behind him, her arm
9:00 AM. Carter Group Headquarters.Vivienne stepped out of the elevator and onto the executive floor. Usually, this was her runway the place where she walked with her head high, the rhythmic click-clack of her heels signaling productivity and power.Today, the hallway felt like a gauntlet.Every h
9:00 PM. The Vault, Victoria Island.Simon Levi was on top of the world.Or at least, he felt like it. He was seated in the most exclusive VIP section of The Vault, a bottle of Ace of Spades chilling in a gold bucket before him, surrounded by a haze of expensive cigar smoke and the thumping bass of
The Next MorningSoft sunlight slipped through the curtains, pale and unhurried.Aria was half-awake when she smelled coffee.Real coffee. Not the rushed kind. The kind that lingered.She turned slightly and froze.Damian was standing by the bed, dressed casually for once, sleeves rolled, a tray ba







