Chapter Six

Aria stood in the corner, her eyes locked on Nicolas, who was laughing and talking with Ava. She wanted nothing more than to leave, to escape the suffocating environment, but she couldn’t. If she left, there would be consequences. So she remained rooted in place, watching Nicolas with a mixture of pain and longing.

Suddenly, Aria felt a presence next to her. When she glanced over, she noticed a man she didn’t recognize. “Hello, Aria, how are you?” he greeted her with a friendly smile.

“Do I know you?” Aria asked, frowning at the stranger.

“No, you don’t,” the man admitted, extending his hand, “but I know you.”

Hesitant, Aria reluctantly shook his hand, her movements tense. As she did, she felt a fierce gaze upon her. Turning slightly, she saw Nicolas glaring at her with an intensity that made her stomach twist. Quickly, she withdrew her hand from the man’s grasp, unsettled by the cold, hard look on Nicolas’s face.

“I’m Eric Johnson, by the way,” the man introduced himself with a cheerful smile. Aria forced a smile in return and nodded politely, though her mind was elsewhere.

“How do you know me?” she asked, curious but cautious.

Eric grinned. “Oh, right, I almost forgot! I’m Mr. Anthony Lorenzo’s assistant.” Aria’s eyes widened at the revelation. Anthony Lorenzo was one of the wealthiest and most influential men in the country, the owner of an empire that rivaled even the King family’s fortune.

“The Lorenzos are practically royalty,” Aria thought to herself, confusion filling her mind. Why would someone like this be talking to her?

Noticing her confusion, Eric continued. “Remember that jewellery piece you designed for Mr. Lorenzo? He loved it, and he wants you to make a few more designs for him.”

Aria’s heart leaped. “What? Really?” she asked, her voice tinged with excitement. That design had been one of her finest works. It had taken her nearly five months to perfect it, and it had brought significant recognition to her small jewellery company.

“Yes, really,” Eric confirmed with a grin. “Mr. Lorenzo was very impressed and wants to meet with you to discuss further details.”

Before Aria could respond, she felt Nicolas’s burning gaze once again. She looked over, and sure enough, he was staring at her with a glare that could have frozen her in place. The intensity of his expression sent a shiver down her spine, but she forced herself to break eye contact and focus on Eric.

“I’m sorry, what were you saying?” she asked, shaking off the unsettling feeling.

“Mr. Lorenzo wants to meet with you whenever you’re available. How about it?” Eric repeated, his tone friendly.

“It would be a great honor for me, Mr. Johnson,” Aria responded eagerly. “I’ll talk to my manager about setting up a meeting.”

Eric shook his head, waving off the suggestion. “No need. Mr. Lorenzo specifically asked me to give you his direct contact information.” He pulled a business card from his suit jacket and handed it to her. “Just give him a call when you’re ready.”

Aria accepted the card, feeling a rush of excitement. This opportunity could be a game changer for her career. Working with someone like Anthony Lorenzo could elevate her to new heights.

Before she could respond, a cold, familiar voice cut through the air. “Mr. Johnson, what a pleasant surprise.”

Aria stiffened at the sound of Nicolas’s voice. He had approached them without her noticing, and his presence now sent waves of tension through her.

Eric turned with a friendly smile. “Mr. King! It’s good to see you.” He extended his hand to Nicolas, who shook it, though his gaze remained fixed on Aria. She tried to avoid looking at him, but the weight of his stare was overwhelming.

“I was just discussing Aria’s designs with her,” Eric continued, oblivious to the tension between them.

“Aria, huh,” Nicolas said in a dangerously low tone, his eyes narrowing as they met hers. Aria gulped, feeling small under his intense scrutiny.

“Yes,” Eric replied, still smiling. “She’s incredibly talented. In fact, I think she’s wasting her potential at her current company. If she were willing, I’d hire her myself.”

Nicolas’s gaze hardened further. “I don’t think her designs—or her company—are that remarkable,” he stated coldly.

Aria’s heart sank at his words, and tears pricked the corners of her eyes. It was Nicolas who had once praised her designs, encouraging her to pursue her dream. Now, hearing him dismiss her so callously shattered something inside her.

Before Eric could respond, Nicolas’s bodyguard approached. “Sir, Mrs. King is requesting your presence. Dinner is about to be served.”

Nicolas shot one final glare at Aria before turning away and leaving without another word. She stood there, struggling to keep her composure as her hands trembled.

“Don’t let what he said get to you,” Eric tried to reassure her. “He’s just an arrogant ass. You’re talented, and anyone with sense can see that.”

Aria forced a smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “Thank you, Mr. Johnson,” she whispered. “I appreciate that.

After bidding Eric goodbye, Aria made her way to the restroom, hoping to pull herself together. Once inside, she began touching up her makeup, trying to hide the signs of her distress. But just as she was calming herself, the door slammed open.

Ava Brown stormed in, her expression menacing. Aria looked up, startled. Ava locked the door behind her and strode toward her with a malicious glint in her eyes.

“How are you holding up, Aria?” Ava sneered. “It must be hard—losing your boyfriend and having a family that doesn’t even want you.”

Aria’s temper flared. “How dare you talk about my relationship?” she snapped. She had always suspected Ava wasn’t as sweet as she pretended to be.

“Your relationship?” Ava laughed, her tone dripping with condescension. “A girl like you could never be with someone like Nicolas. He’s mine now, and I’ll make sure he stays that way.”

“I know you’re only interested in him because he’s taking over King Enterprises,” Aria shot back, disgusted.

“It doesn’t matter,” Ava sneered. “He’s mine, and I’ll make sure he forgets all about you. Stay away from him, or I’ll make your life miserable.”

Aria glared at her. “Nicolas is still my boyfriend. We’re going through a rough patch, but we’ll work it out. You’re the one who should stay away.”

Ava’s face twisted with rage. In a sudden, violent motion, she lunged forward and wrapped her hands around Aria’s throat, cutting off her air. Aria struggled, clawing at Ava’s hands, but her grip only tightened.

“You’re a nobody,” Ava hissed. “And if you don’t stay away from Nicolas, I’ll make sure you disappear for good.”

With a final shove, Ava pushed Aria against the counter, sending a sharp pain through her ribs. As Aria gasped for breath, Ava gave her one last look of contempt before walking away, leaving her to struggle to regain her composure