Aria's Position

Aria's Position
Aria's POV

I didn't get any sleep.

Not at all. My mind was elsewhere, circling over every headline, every hurtful remark, and every silent concern that perhaps this was too much, while my body slept in bed. Perhaps Victor had finally let us down.

However, I realized that quitting was not an option when I saw Cole's clouded eyes and clenched mouth in agony.

He was in pain, not only for me but also for himself. Everything we had constructed is suddenly in jeopardy.

I had to struggle.

For the vineyard, too.

However, for my dad.

For me.

The Montgomery corruption narrative was already being twisted into something sinister by midmorning. Reporters weren't only wondering about the vineyard's financial backing. I was being questioned. Once more.

"Did Aria Bennett intentionally take money that had been stolen?"

"Is her vineyard being used by the Montgomery estate to launder money?"

"Was this a transactional relationship from the beginning?"

Every phrase stung my skin like acid.

I couldn't resist looking, even though Maya pleaded with me not to. I had to know what I was up against.

With his phone to his ear, Cole paced the kitchen while yelling commands to publicists and attorneys. Despite his volcanic rage, this couldn't be resolved. Not by themselves.

So I took a risk.

Perhaps careless.

I gave the one person I never imagined contacting a call.

Lang, Ava.

Host of the nation's top-rated investigative interview program, Inside The Truth. She had no interest in softening headlines or defending billionaires.

She wants the truth.

I also had a story to share.

That afternoon was the scheduled time for the interview.

At first, Cole was indignant.

"Are you feeling insane? These folks don't give a damn about the truth, Aria. They desire blood.

"I understand," I murmured, my hands shaking despite my tall stature. "But I refuse to let Victor take credit for this tale. Not the heritage of my father. The vineyard, no. Not me.

He was caught between awe and rage as he ran his hands through his hair.

"I don't want anything to happen to you."

"I am already," I muttered. "However, I would rather have a bruise on my head than a broken knee."

He stopped talking after that.

He groundingly drew me into his strong embrace. "I'll be in the front row right there after that. If someone tries to misrepresent what you've said—

"They won't," I answered in a clear but shaking voice. "Because my words will come straight from my heart. And that belongs to no one.

I was surprised by how cold the studio was.

White lights. flooring that is black. A spooky quiet that caused my heartbeat to reverberate in my ears.

Opposite me, Ava Lang sat with a harsh, inscrutable gaze. She wasn't soft, but she also wasn't nasty. She was the type of lady who had heard every lie and every justification. Before the camera ever rolled, I could just feel her analyzing every breath I took.

"Are you ready?" she inquired, raising an eyebrow.

I gave a nod. "More than ever before."

The red light then continued to blink.

I said, "My name is Aria Bennett," at first scarcely raising my voice above a whisper. Furthermore, I didn't come here to offer justifications. I came here, to be honest.

Ava sat calmly while I talked. No disruptions.

"My father was not perfect. There's no secret about it. He had financial difficulties. He suffered a great loss. The world is unaware, though, that he also taught me how to get back up after failing.

The lump in my throat was swallowed.

One evening, following the delivery of the foreclosure documents, I recall spending time with him on the porch of the vineyard. "We can lose the land, Aria," he continued, glancing at me. However, keep your heart intact.

I looked directly into the camera and grinned pitifully.

"I never forgot that."

Ava bent over. However, detractors claim you lack qualifications. That Cole Montgomery's family's wealth is the only reason you currently own this vineyard.

I clenched my jaw. That was what I had anticipated.

"No. Because I didn't let it die, I have this vineyard. I put it back together. I went barefoot on these vines. I gained knowledge about cutting, harvesting, and replanting every acre. People who initially didn't believe in me worked with me. And I gained their admiration.

After a while, I said, "Yes, Cole Montgomery is with me. Yes, he was on my side. However, he gave me nothing. If anything, he strengthened my resolve.

Ava's head cocked. "And the cash?"

I didn't wince.

"The offshore account reports? They also took me by surprise. However, I won't say I'm sorry for not knowing. I'll do everything I can to make this vineyard right if it has anything to do with illicit funds. To distance myself from it. Even if it requires a fresh start.

She squinted. "Even if it means leaving Cole behind?"

My throat tightened with each breath.

I took another look at the camera.

"I adore him." But I won't sacrifice who I am to keep others safe. Not even him.

The internet was disrupted by the line.

The interview went viral in a matter of hours.

#AriaBennett become a global trend.

I was still questioned by several people.

However, more people than I could have imagined began to stand up for me.

"She is real."

"She isn't acting."

"She fought with grace, not just by defending herself."

Then, something unexpected occurred.

A few former workers from my father's defunct business publicly defended his reputation.

One man claimed in a widely shared post that "he wasn't corrupt." He had a strong sense of loyalty. Assumed responsibility for someone else. I was present.

"When no one else would, he gave me my first job," said another woman. He didn't deserve to be destroyed because of his mistakes.

All of a sudden, my father was no longer viewed as a failure.

He was perceived by them as human.

And it was important.

Naturally, though, Victor didn't remain silent.

When an anonymous video circulated the following morning, he broke his quiet.

Maya rushed in with her iPad as Cole and I were in the living room, the early light streaming in.

"You must see this right away."

The video was security footage.

Dated and grainy.

Victor... giving a cheque to an unfamiliar man.

An adjacent microphone captured a whispered discussion.

Verify that it appears to be the vineyard's money. Fasten it to her. Sink her from the inside out.

I felt sick to my stomach.

Cole's face went white.

I exhaled, "This... this was a setup."

Maya's tone faltered. "This wasn't something he planned. He fabricated evidence to bring you two to ruin.

We were astounded by more than just the video, though.

It was the man to whom he gave the cheque.

I narrowed my eyes and zoomed in.

"No, it isn't possible."

Cole leaned closer. "Who is that?"

I paused.

"That attorney was in charge of my father's bankruptcy."

The room whirled.

Victor had contributed to the demise of my father.

Money wasn't the only factor here.

It was retaliation. Control was the issue.

And it had begun long before Cole Montgomery and I ever fell in love.

The weight of it all hit me like a tidal wave, and I stood motionless.

Victor had more in mind than simply shattering me.

It was always his intention.

Even before I was aware of his identity.

Before I ever posed a threat.

Cole murmured, "We're going to expose him, Aria. For everything.

But I was unable to respond.

Since my phone buzzed once more.

It was a message from an unidentified number this time.

"Come see me this evening. Victor destroyed your father, and I have proof. Come by yourself.

There was a GPS pin attached.

Afar away.

Somewhere hazardous.

My hands were shaking.

I resisted Cole's attempt to grab the phone.

"No," I muttered. "Not just yet."

"You can't go alone, Aria—"

I looked him in the eyes and said, "I need to know the truth." "And he'll always win if I don't face it now."