All Chapters of The Maid's Deception: Chapter 181 - Chapter 190

"I don't trust this," Damien said for the third time that evening.They were in his room, getting ready for dinner. Or rather, Aria was trying to get ready while Damien paced the bedroom like a caged predator."You've made that clear," Aria said patiently, fastening her earrings. "But we already accepted the invitation. Declining now would look worse than going.""I don't care how it looks. This is a trap.""Probably. But what kind of trap can they really spring at a dinner party? Victoria apologizes publicly for her behavior at Bergdorf's, we act gracious and mature, we eat overpriced food, and we leave. It's a few hours of mild discomfort at worst."Damien stopped pacing to look at her. "You're not taking this seriously enough.""I'm taking it exactly as seriously as it deserves." She turned to face him, smoothing down the midnight blue cocktail dress she'd chosen. "Harold Ashford wants to make me look unsuitable for you. Fine. Let him try. I'm not some delicate flower who's going t

The Ashford townhouse was exactly what Aria expected: old money elegance that whispered wealth rather than shouted it. Marble floors, crystal chandeliers, oil paintings that were probably worth more than most people's houses. Every detail carefully curated to remind visitors of exactly who the Ashfords were.Damien's hand was steady at the small of her back as a uniformed butler led them toward the formal dining room."Remember," he murmured in her ear, "you have nothing to prove to these people.""Easy for you to say. You were born into this.""Which is exactly why I know it's all theater. Meaningless tradition designed to make people feel superior for accidents of birth." His hand tightened on her waist. "You're worth ten of anyone in that room."Before she could respond, they reached the dining room entrance, and Victoria appeared like she'd been waiting for their exact moment of arrival."Damien! Aria!" Her smile was bright, perfect and sounded completely fake. "I'm so glad you co

Damien was on his feet instantly. "Grandfather."Richard Blackwood entered the dining room with the kind of presence that made everyone else seem diminished. At seventy-eight, he was still tall, still imposing, with silver hair and sharp eyes that missed nothing."Damien, my boy." Richard's voice was warm as he embraced his grandson. "I hope you don't mind the surprise. Harold mentioned he was having a small dinner party and suggested I might want to attend. Incognito, as it were."Damien's jaw clenched. Harold had set this up. Had arranged for his grandfather to observe Aria at her worst, struggling with silverware and social protocols she'd never needed before."I'm glad you're here," Damien said, though his tone suggested otherwise. "Though I wish I'd known.""If you'd known, it wouldn't have been an honest observation, would it?" Richard's eyes moved past Damien to where Aria still sat, frozen in her chair. "And you must be Aria Chen."Aria stood slowly, and Damien could see her h

"It sounds honest. Which is more than most relationships in our circles can claim." Richard refilled their glasses. "My concern isn't what happened. My concern is what happens next. Can you two build something real? Something that survives outside the intensity of punishment and forgiveness?""We're trying," Damien said."Try harder. Because Harold Ashford isn't going to give up just because I approve. He'll find other ways to undermine Aria. To suggest she's unsuitable. To pressure the board, the investors, the social circles you move in.""Let him try," Damien said coldly."Good attitude. But Aria needs to be prepared. Tonight was mild compared to what's coming. The whispers. The social exclusion. The constant judgment. It will be exhausting.""I can handle it," Aria said."I believe you can. But you shouldn't have to alone." Richard looked at his grandson. "Damien, you need to make a choice. Either you're all in with Aria....publicly, completely, with no room for doubt....or you le

"Then talk more. Make sure she understands what she's signing up for. Because once you make this relationship public....once you integrate her fully into your world.....there's no going back. She'll be a target. And you need to make sure she's prepared for that.""I'll talk to her.""Good. Now.....the business." Richard's expression became more serious. "I've been reviewing the quarterly reports. The expansion into Asian markets is progressing well. The acquisition of Chen Technologies is complete. You've done excellent work.""Thank you.""But there are concerns. Several board members have expressed worry about your relationship with Aria affecting your judgment. About potential conflicts of interest. About the optics of the CEO dating his personal assistant."Damien's jaw clenched. "My personal life doesn't affect my professional judgment.""I know that. You know that. But perception matters, especially when we're talking about billion-dollar decisions and shareholder confidence." R