Chapter 147
Aria's POV
"Seriously? You called me here just to have these two insult me?" I turned to Scarlett, my voice dripping with sarcasm as I gestured toward Lillian and Chloe, who were perched on either side of her like designer bookends.
A cold satisfaction settled in my chest as I watched Scarlett's perfectly composed face twitch slightly. The Blue Sapphire's VIP lounge glittered with opulence—crystal chandeliers casting prismatic light across white leather couches, champagne flowing freely from what appeared to be an endless supply. Scarlett had spared no expense for her birthday celebration, as usual.
"Aria, it's my birthday," Scarlett pouted, her perfectly glossed lips forming a practiced frown. I noticed how her eyes remained dry despite her sorrowful expression. "I just thought it would be nice for all of us to get together again. Like old times."
I couldn't help but laugh, the sound sharp and humorless in the expansive room. The familiar anger I'd carried for years bubbled just beneath my calm exterior.
"Old times? I don't remember our 'old times' being particularly pleasant or genuine." My fingers tightened around the stem of my champagne glass. "In fact, all I feel when I think about our 'old times' is disgust."
"You see?" Lillian jumped in, her voice pitched high with indignation. Her eyes narrowed at me, blind to the truth as she always had been. "This is exactly what I'm talking about. You've always been cruel to Scarlett, even when she tries to extend an olive branch."
A flash of remembered hurt pierced through me—how quickly they'd all turned against me in high school, how eagerly they'd believed Scarlett's lies. I swallowed it down, refusing to show weakness.
Chloe, ever the supposed peacemaker, placed a manicured hand on Lillian's arm. "Come on, girls. Let's not start the evening this way." Her placating tone didn't match the gleam of satisfaction in her eyes as she watched me square off against Scarlett.
I took a deliberate sip of champagne, using the moment to steady my rising emotions. "You know what? You're right. We should start fresh." I locked eyes with Scarlett, noticing the calculation behind her innocent facade. "Let's begin with honesty, shall we?"
Scarlett's smile faltered momentarily before she recovered. "I'd like that," she said sweetly. "I've always regretted how things were between us in high school. I was young, insecure... I know I made mistakes."
My skin prickled with irritation at her performance. Years of watching her manipulate everyone around her had made me fluent in her language of false contrition.
"Mistakes?" I echoed, arching an eyebrow. "Is that what we're calling deliberate sabotage these days?"
"Aria, please," she said, her voice a masterclass in feigned vulnerability. "I'm trying to apologize. Can't we put the past behind us? I was the victim too, you know."
I studied her face, searching for a trace of sincerity and finding none. A plan formed in my mind, and with it came a surge of power that warmed my blood.
"Fine. If you're really sorry, drink ten glasses of champagne."
Lillian gasped. "Are you insane? That's excessive!"
"It's just a little party game," I said smoothly, enjoying the flicker of uncertainty in Scarlett's eyes. "A toast to new beginnings. Unless, of course, Scarlett's apology isn't sincere."
"I'll do it for her," Lillian volunteered, reaching for the bottle. Her blind loyalty to Scarlett never ceased to amaze me. "Scarlett shouldn't have to prove anything to you."
I shook my head, maintaining control of the situation. "That's not how apologies work, Lillian. The person who claims to be sorry needs to demonstrate their sincerity." I turned back to Scarlett, savoring the moment of discomfort I was causing her. "So, what's it going to be? Ten glasses or shall we admit this whole 'reunion' is just another one of your performances?"
Scarlett's eyes narrowed briefly before she forced a laugh. "Five glasses," she countered. "I'll drink five as a gesture of goodwill. But I won't make myself sick just to satisfy your need for drama."
I watched as she downed five glasses in quick succession, her cheeks flushing pink with each one. A quiet thrill ran through me seeing her comply with my demand, however partially. When she finished, she slid a full flute toward me.
"Your turn," she said, her voice slightly slurred. "Let bygones be bygones?"
I pushed the glass aside without drinking, my heart racing with anticipation for what would come next. "Actually, I brought you something." I reached into my bag and pulled out an elegantly wrapped package with a silver bow. "Happy birthday."
Scarlett's eyes lit up with genuine surprise as she accepted the gift. "You... you got me something?" Her fingers trembled slightly as she tore away the wrapping paper.
I watched her expression carefully as she opened the box to reveal a set of designer baby clothes—tiny, exquisite pieces in pale yellow cashmere. My pulse quickened as I waited for her reaction, a dark satisfaction spreading through me.
"Oh!" I exclaimed with exaggerated shock, my voice perfectly innocent. "I'm so sorry, I brought the wrong gift. This was actually meant for when your baby is born." I paused deliberately, watching her face drain of color. "My mistake."
The color drained from Scarlett's face. She gripped the tiny sweater in her hands so tightly her knuckles turned white. Her eyes, usually so practiced at producing tears on command, now filled with genuine distress.
"Aria..." Her voice was barely above a whisper, shaking with real emotion for once. "Why would you do this? What have I ever done to deserve such cruelty from you?"
A surge of vindication rushed through me, seeing her facade crack. All the years of her manipulations, her stealing everything that mattered to me—from friends to my mother's beach house—flashed through my mind. This moment of true vulnerability from her felt like justice.
Lillian immediately leaped to Scarlett's defense. "This is beyond cruel! How dare you? After all these years, you're still bullying your sister!" Her face contorted with righteous anger. "Don't you know she lost the baby?"
I maintained my pleasant smile, though inwardly I celebrated hitting my target so precisely. "Oh, so you all knew about my dear stepsister's pregnancy and miscarriage? You must be very close friends." I leaned forward, my voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "Just remember to keep it private—I'd hate for such personal matters to become public knowledge."
Chloe put her arm around Scarlett, who was now fighting back tears. "You've made your point, Aria. I think you should leave."
"Gladly," I said, standing up and gathering my things. The rush of power I felt made my movements fluid and confident. "Enjoy the rest of your birthday, Scarlett."
As I headed toward the door, I caught a glimpse of Scarlett's face. Behind the tears, her eyes blazed with hatred and something else—fear. My satisfaction faltered, replaced by a thread of unease. I frowned slightly as I stepped into the elevator. Something wasn't right. Why would Scarlett invite me just to have our old classmates throw some weak insults my way? This seemed too petty, even for her.