Lahat ng Kabanata ng The Substitute Bride's Revenge : Kabanata 41 - Kabanata 50

ARIAI stand frozen before the ornate mirror in the powder room.My fingers grip the marble countertop so tightly my knuckles turn white. The cool stone beneath my palms offers little comfort against the anxiety rising within me.My attention snaps back when the door clicks shut behind me with a soft, final sound that makes my heart skip.Victoria's reflection materializes beside mine in the mirror. Her perfect smile contradicts the calculating coldness swimming in her eyes."Aria, darling. We need to discuss something important." Her voice drips with honey-coated venom.My stomach tightens into a painful knot. Victoria never seeks private conversations unless she wants something specific."Vivian needs stability while she recovers from her ordeal." Her manicured fingers adjust her diamond bracelet, the stones catching light with every subtle movement while her eyes never leave mine in the mirror."A position at Harrington Consolidated would provide exactly that stability." She pauses,

ARIAThe Harrington family gathering happens every month, but this Sunday feels different. We're all in one of Eleanor's private salons with its floor-to-ceiling windows and furniture old enough to be in museums.Eleanor Harrington sits in her favorite chair, watching everyone with eyes that miss nothing. She treats everyone with the same coldness—something I used to hate but now respect because at least it's fair.Victoria hovers by the refreshment table, micromanaging the staff and watching Vivian constantly. They keep making eye contact across the room, little signals that remind me of how they used to team up against me when I was still little.My gaze moves to Xavier talking business with his cousins in an all-corporate mode.We've barely spoken all day. The distance between us grows more obvious every day.Vivian floats around in a pale blue dress that somehow manages to look innocent while showing off plenty of skin.She's charming Xavier's relatives, remembering everyone's nam

ARIAThe investigation reveals Vivian's actual movements with perfect clarity. After leaving her musician boyfriend voluntarily and not fleeing abuse like she claimed, she moved directly into the Mediterranean villa of Bernard Huntington, a British shipping magnate thirty years older than her.Photos show them together at exclusive events, his elderly hand always on her waist, her practiced smile aimed at his wealthy friends. Their arrangement seems obvious to everyone except maybe Huntington himself.Financial records tell the clearest story. Vivian lived in luxury as Huntington's mistress until medical records show his diagnosis with terminal pancreatic cancer three months ago. The timing is crucial and phone records show Vivian contacted Victoria within hours of a family meeting where Huntington's will was discussed.The fortune would go to his legitimate children. Vivian would get nothing.Victoria's involvement becomes undeniable. Bank transfers show large sums moving from Vivian

ARIAVivian starts at Harrington Consolidated exactly one week after getting back from Tokyo. Her office sits right across from Xavier's corner space that used to be for visiting board members only. The glass walls give her a perfect view of the executive floor while making sure everyone can see how close she is to the top.When the salary authorization form lands on my desk, I feel sick to my stomach. The number's higher than what directors with fifteen years of experience make. I question the ridiculous compensation package, but Xavier brushes me off without even looking up from his computer."Her role requires certain appearances be maintained," he says like that explains everything."Her role hasn't even been properly defined." I drop the form on his desk. "What exactly is she doing to earn this kind of money?"Xavier finally looks at me, clearly annoyed. "Client relations, social function representation, cultural consultation for international deals.""Those are just empty buzzwo

ARIAI start noticing a pattern. Xavier and Vivian's cars are the last ones in the executive parking lot night after night, sometimes until dawn. At first, I can buy the excuses—Asian expansion needs attention, European acquisition has those regulatory headaches. Sure, work happens.But then three nights a week becomes four, then five. They're staying past midnight no matter what's on the calendar the next day. And when they finally leave? They don't look exhausted like normal people after grinding through work all night. They look... energized. Sometimes disheveled. Often sharing little private jokes or lingering by their cars, talking low.I try to join one of these sessions, keeping it casual."The European acquisition filing deadline's coming up," I mention when I catch Xavier alone. "I could stay tonight, help finish the documentation. Those financial disclosures need a careful eye."Xavier doesn't even think about it. "Not necessary. Vivian and I have it covered.""Those financi