Chapter 227
Aria's POV
The morning light streamed through the windows of Devon's penthouse as I wrapped myself in his soft bathrobe. My shoulder still ached slightly, but the hot bath yesterday had eased much of my exhaustion. Just as I was about to sit down for the breakfast Marcus had prepared, my phone rang, shattering the peaceful moment.
"William Harper" flashed across the screen. I hesitated before answering, steeling myself for what was to come.
"Do you have any idea what you've done?" My father's voice thundered through the speaker, his anger nearly scorching my ear. "Scarlett's been detained by the police. Social media is exploding with this!"
I took a deep breath, keeping my voice steady. "She tried to sell me to human traffickers, Father."
"Don't exaggerate!" William snapped. "I need you to come home immediately and fix this mess."
He paused briefly, his tone shifting to something more menacing. "Your mother's belongings are still in my possession. If you don't want these items to be 'accidentally' lost, you'd better come home now."
After hanging up, I stared out at the Manhattan skyline. I knew my father wasn't bluffing—he always placed family reputation above everything, even my safety. After a moment of consideration, I decided I had to go. Those keepsakes were my last connection to my mother, and I couldn't risk losing them.
I knocked gently on the study door, finding Devon focused on his laptop, his brow slightly furrowed as his fingers moved deftly across the keyboard. The morning light outlined his profile, casting shadows across his angular face.
"I need to go home to deal with some things," I said, trying to sound calm and decisive.
Devon looked up, his gray eyes meeting mine with an unreadable expression. He closed his laptop, his chair sliding back a few inches. "Go ahead. Marcus will drive you."
His simple response contained no questions or attempts to persuade me to stay. I wasn't sure if I felt relieved or disappointed. I had half-expected him to ask why I needed to leave, or at least warn me to be careful, but Devon had already reopened his laptop, as if my departure was merely a minor note in his day.
"Thank you," I said softly, though I doubted he heard me as he'd already immersed himself back in his work.
As I left the study, I couldn't help glancing back. Devon's profile was illuminated by the blue light of his laptop screen, cold and focused, as if our conversation had never happened.
I walked into the Harper family mansion on the Upper East Side and immediately felt the heaviness in the air. The spacious foyer was quieter than usual, as if the entire house was holding its breath, waiting for a storm. The housekeeper Elsa spotted me, worry flashing across her eyes before she quickly lowered her head and continued with her tasks.
William stood in the center of his study, his expression severe. He wore a deep navy three-piece suit, as if prepared for an important meeting, but his loosened tie betrayed his inner turmoil.
"Scarlett cannot go to prison," he said bluntly, his sharp gaze fixed on me. "The Harper family reputation cannot be tarnished."
I let out a cold laugh. "So my nearly being sold overseas doesn't affect the family reputation?"
"That was just a sisterly dispute that's been blown out of proportion." William impatiently waved his hand, as if swatting away a fly.
I stared at my father, incredulous that he could dismiss what had happened so casually. I had once admired this man, looked up to him as a standard to aspire to. Now he stood before me, choosing to ignore the nightmare I had nearly faced, all for the sake of so-called family reputation.
"A dispute?" My voice was calm but powerful. "She drugged me and handed me over to human traffickers. If it weren't for—" I stopped abruptly, almost mentioning Devon's name, but instinct told me not to bring up that relationship in front of my father.
William suddenly changed the subject, his eyes narrowing. "What exactly is your relationship with Devon Kane?"
The question landed like a bomb in still water. I lifted my chin slightly, trying to mask the shock and unease I felt inside. "What kind of relationship can exist between a man and a woman?"
This vague answer infuriated William. He almost lunged forward, his fists clenched. "Do you know what you're saying? That's Devon Kane!"
"I'm well aware of who he is," I maintained my composure, though my heart was pounding in my chest.
"He's dangerous, Aria," William's voice was low, full of warning. "Not someone a small company owner like you can handle. His family... there are rumors that..."
"What rumors?" I pressed, suddenly more curious about Devon's background.
William shook his head, seemingly unwilling to elaborate. "Just stay away from him. I can introduce you to more suitable partners, like Richard Brown. His father's shipping company—"
"I don't need you arranging my marriage," I interrupted, my voice firm. I was tired of my father trying to control every aspect of my life, as if I were just a pawn on the family chessboard.
I looked directly into my father's eyes. "Why do you always favor Scarlett? Is Scarlett your biological daughter?"
These words hit William like a punch. His face instantly paled, his eyes flashing with panic and anger. He turned toward the liquor cabinet, pouring himself a glass of whiskey with trembling hands.
"What nonsense are you talking about?" His voice had lost its authority, replaced by a slight tremor.
I observed his reaction, feeling a wave of nausea rise within me. I had long suspected that Scarlett's special treatment wasn't solely because she was Victoria's daughter. My father's reaction seemed to confirm my darkest suspicions.
"I just can't understand why someone who tried to destroy me is so important to you," I said calmly. "I'm your biological daughter, yet you've never defended me like this."
William drained his whiskey in one gulp, the glass quivering slightly in his hand. His gaze drifted to a photograph of my mother Elizabeth in the corner of the room, then quickly turned away, as if unable to face those amber eyes so identical to my own.
William finished his drink and softened his tone. "Aria, I know we have many disagreements, but right now I need your help. Please go to Devon Kane and ask him to withdraw the charges against Scarlett."
I gave a cold laugh. "How interesting. Just minutes ago you were condemning my relationship with him, and now you want to use that connection?"
"For the family, Aria," William pleaded, his voice a mix of command and request—a contradictory combination that seemed particularly jarring coming from my usually imperious father.
I stood up, my gaze resolute. "No."
Two simple syllables that contained all my defiance against years of family injustice.
William angrily smashed his glass, the hot liquid splashing onto my shoes. I didn't flinch, merely watching coldly as my father displayed his hysteria.
"You'll regret this," William's voice was low and dangerous. "When you need family support, remember your choice today."
I turned and walked toward the door, each step unwavering. I was no longer the compliant daughter; I had found my own strength. This power came partly from seeing my father's true face, and partly from... I didn't want to admit it, but Devon Kane's presence had given me a strange sense of security.
"Aria!" William called after me, his voice carrying an unusual uncertainty.
I didn't look back. I pushed open the heavy oak door and walked into the light of the grand hall. The world outside remained bright, and I finally felt myself beginning to break free from the shadow of family constraints.