Chapter 4

"He won't break his word."

Though Aria knew little about Archer Duncan, she inexplicably trusted him.

Power provides a foundation for confidence.

And Archer's power gave her the confidence to trust him.

"That's good. When your father passed away, the Pinecrest Resort development was halted. It's good that you're taking it over, but even with the land, funding will be a major issue. Besides, Aria, you haven't worked in real estate for many years..."

The resort development had been her father's initiative, led by Jackson Enterprises.

Later, when Jackson Enterprises went bankrupt, this valuable property eventually became a commodity waiting for the right buyer.

For the past five years, because of Larry, Aria hadn't handled any professional work. Instead, she had diligently played the role of Mrs. Spencer while privately keeping her father's vision close to her heart.

Therefore, when Archer proposed a partnership, the first thing she thought of was the Pinecrest Resort development.

It was her father's dream and would be her first step toward building her own career.

Aria lowered her eyes thoughtfully.

Her five years of empty marriage had taught her one thing: without a career, there is no independence.

That's why she had asked for that property back.

She trusted Archer, but before moving forward, she needed to leave Larry first.

In two more days, it would be their wedding anniversary.

Her five years with Larry should come to an end.

Larry didn't return all night, but Aria's spirits remained high.

The next day was the charity gala.

For the sake of Spencer Corporation's public image, Larry had no choice but to attend with her.

Unexpectedly, when Larry came to pick her up and the car door opened, Lucy's delicate, fragile face appeared in the back seat.

"Aria, it's been a long time. Larry was concerned about my health, so he brought me to the gala. You don't mind, do you?"

Indeed, it had been a long time.

Since Linda's death years ago, Lucy had gone abroad for treatment and further education.

Aria calmly raised her eyes to look at Larry.

He was watching her with amusement.

After the recent media incident, Larry shouldn't have been parading around with Lucy.

He was doing this deliberately.

Deliberately creating a difficult situation for her, waiting to see her lose face and struggle.

"I don't mind," Aria said, without the disappointment and embarrassment he had expected.

She adjusted the cashmere wrap around her shoulders, her red lips as vibrant as roses. Unhurriedly, she continued, "You should be the one who minds. After all, being pointed at and called a homewrecker isn't a pleasant title."

Last time, she had chosen to clear things up because of her brother's situation and the five years of shared history.

But the moment Larry abandoned her to face the media alone, she no longer owed this relationship anything.

She had decided on divorce. What did Larry's reputation have to do with her anymore?

Lucy hadn't expected her to respond this way.

Over the years, Aria had rarely been so sharp in her attempts to win Larry back.

Lucy's face paled as she looked helplessly toward Larry, playing the pitiful victim.

Larry was also surprised. He frowned.

What was wrong with Aria lately?

Quickly dismissing the thought, he coldly mocked, "I'm bringing Lucy along to help her make connections. She's about to join Spencer Corp as a lead designer. Stop trying to tarnish her with your nasty assumptions."

A hint of sarcasm flashed through Aria's amber eyes.

But she couldn't be bothered to say more. She simply opened the car door slowly and got in.

The atmosphere in the car was strange and silent.

When they arrived at the gala, the trio attracted considerable attention.

Aria, unwilling to be the center of everyone's gaze, chose a secluded corner near the pool, away from the crowd.

Christina approached her, frowning as she watched Larry introducing Lucy to business partners in the distance. "What's going on? Has Larry lost his mind? Being so close with Lucy in front of all these people—does he have any respect for you as his wife?"

"It's nothing," Aria watched the scene with lazy raised eyebrows, suddenly smiling. "I just realized how blind I've been for so long."

Young puppy love is always captivating.

She had been trapped in her own love story for five full years, struggling desperately, fighting to survive.

So much so that she had overlooked how easily hearts can change.

"Then congratulations on regaining your sight," Christina's tone was strangely excited. "Your future second husband is coming tonight too. I hear Archer Duncan is incredibly handsome—even celebrities can't compare. No wonder you chose him."

Aria paused.

Archer was indeed strikingly good-looking.

Meeting him had been unexpected.

Last month, while accompanying Larry to visit his father, Larry had urgent business midway and forced her out of the car.

In the remote area, she waited for a long time for another ride.

Finally, Archer's secretary approached her politely. "Miss Jackson, our boss says it's getting late. Would you like a ride? We could drop you off."

Aria was surprised at the time.

Everyone in Harbor City knew Archer's name.

More famous than his face—which was calm and cool yet excessively beautiful—was the Duncan family's wealth and power.

In Harbor City, Archer represented unparalleled prosperity and influence.

At that moment, through the car window, she had only caught a glimpse of the man's profile in the dim night, along with those gentle yet profound eyes.

Aria hesitated briefly.

Eventually, she didn't refuse.

As soon as she opened the door and got in, she met his deep, dark eyes.

He was leaning against the seat, looking at her with a calm, gentle expression. His features were refined, his presence carrying a certain coolness.

His posture wasn't threatening.

Yet somehow, he seemed distant and above it all.

"Miss Jackson."

He studied her carefully, speaking deliberately, "I have an interesting proposal. Would you care to consider it?"

At that time, Aria never imagined that Archer's proposition would be to steal her away from Larry, to make her—a married woman—become Mrs. Duncan.

Aria pulled herself back to the present, the corners of her eyes misty, giving her an air of languid beauty, like a rose growing vibrantly in the fog—stunning even in the night.

When Archer had made his offer, she had indeed been tempted.

However, she had never been interested in his looks.

Compared to Archer's power, his appearance was hardly worth mentioning.

Her five years with Larry had left her completely disillusioned with marriage.

In those five years since becoming Mrs. Spencer, she had gone from being the confident Miss Jackson to living dependent on others, constantly humbling herself to please them.

In the end, she was left with nothing.

But having powerful support was always valuable.

For a moment, she had thought about using Archer's power to realize her father's dream and nurture her own ambitions.

But back then, she hadn't completely given up on Larry.

Now, however…

She was no longer that naive girl who would crumble because of heartbreak.

Just then, a soft voice suddenly spoke. “Aria, why are you here?"

Aria looked up to see Lucy walking toward her.

Christina frowned, unable to hold back her sarcasm, "Why aren't you with Larry? What do you want with Aria now?"

"I just wanted to say hello to Aria. After all, I'll be staying in the country from now on. Back in college, she was my senior. It's just a shame that..."

Lucy smiled softly, her eyes showing a hint of regret.

Aria had indeed been a standout in the architecture department—brilliant, talented, and gifted.

But after her family's downfall and her refusal to give up, she had spent five years in obscurity.

Aria suddenly gave a mocking laugh, "Aren't you tired?"

Her expression was languid, appearing somewhat indifferent even in the moonlight.

Lucy was taken aback.

Aria continued coolly, "Your act must be exhausting. I'm tired just watching it. For Larry's sake, you deliberately led Linda to that snowy mountain, framed me, slandered me—don't you find it exhausting?"

At her words, Lucy's expression changed.

But the next second.

Lucy stepped forward, her lips curving into a smile. “Aria, you shouldn't slander me. Besides, after five years, who do you think Larry will believe—me or you?"

Before she finished speaking, she suddenly pulled Aria toward the pool, and they both fell in.