Chapter 85
Aria's POV
I watched Devon walk back into the lakehouse, confusion washing over me. One moment he was inviting me to stay for the weekend, vulnerability flickering in his eyes; the next, he was dismissing me with that familiar cold detachment. That was Devon Kane—unpredictable and impossible to read.
As the car pulled away from the tranquil lake setting, I made a decision. I was done hiding at Devon's properties or my Brooklyn apartment. It was time to see just how chaotic things had become at the Harper residence. If Victoria and Scarlett were plotting their next move, I wanted to be there to counter it.
The Uber pulled up to the imposing brownstone of the Harper family residence. I sat motionless for a moment, staring at the facade that had once been my childhood home but now felt more like enemy territory. The driver cleared his throat, prompting me to pay and exit the vehicle.
Standing on the sidewalk, I took a deep breath. After everything that had happened—my canceled wedding, my father's heart attack, the explosive revelations, and those nights with Devon—I was done running. It was time to confront whatever Victoria and Scarlett were planning next.
The house was eerily quiet when I entered. Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the pristine marble floors of the foyer. The familiar scent of lemon polish hung in the air.
I found Elsa dusting the crystal vases in the living room. Her face brightened when she saw me.
"Miss Aria!" She abandoned her feather duster and hurried over, concern etched on her weathered face. "Are you alright? That awful trending business yesterday... I was so worried."
I smiled, genuinely touched by her concern. "I'm fine, Elsa. It takes more than social media drama to break me."
"You're so much like your mother," she whispered, patting my hand affectionately. "She would be proud."
"Is anyone else home?" I asked, keeping my voice low.
Elsa glanced toward the staircase. "Mrs. Victoria and Miss Scarlett went to the hospital for some check-up. Your father is still recovering at the hospital but should be released today." She leaned closer. "You should know, Miss Scarlett has your Brooklyn address. I overheard her and Mrs. Victoria discussing it in the study last night. They mentioned your name and the address."
My jaw tightened. So they were planning something.
"Thank you for telling me, Elsa. Would you mind making me some tea?"
While Elsa bustled to the kitchen, my phone vibrated with a text from Devon: [Arrived safely?]
I quickly replied [Yes, all quiet for now] before slipping my phone back into my pocket.
Elsa returned with a steaming cup. "Earl Grey with honey." She hesitated, then added in a hushed tone, "It's not right what they've done, Miss Aria. After your mother passed, Mrs. Victoria swooped in and took Mr. William. Now her daughter's taken your fiancé. It's not right at all."
I took her weathered hand in mine. "Thank you, Elsa. For always being on Mom's side. On my side."
The front door slammed, cutting our conversation short. Seconds later, Scarlett appeared in the doorway, her face flushing when she saw us. From her expression, I could tell she'd overheard at least part of our conversation.
"What are you doing here?" she demanded, eyes narrowing at our joined hands.
Before I could answer, she stormed forward and slapped Elsa hard across the face. "How dare you gossip about my mother and me, you worthless servant! What gives you the right to judge the Harper family business?"
The teacup slipped from my fingers, shattering on the marble floor. In two quick strides, I closed the distance between us and delivered two resounding slaps to Scarlett's perfectly made-up face. The force sent her stumbling backward, her hand flying to her reddening cheek.
"Elsa has been in this house for thirty years," I said, my voice deadly calm. "She has more right to speak about the Harper family than you ever will, you parasitic social climber."
Scarlett's eyes widened in shock. I'd never confronted her so directly before.
My gaze dropped deliberately to her stomach. "Be careful, Scarlett. That baby is your only ticket into the Blake family. I'd hate for you to lose it."
Her face paled. "How—"
"I know everything," I cut her off, turning back to Elsa. "Elsa, from now on, you'll receive a 25% raise and full medical benefits. If anyone in this house mistreats you again, you come directly to me."
Scarlett's face contorted with fury. "You can't do that! You don't run this household!"
"Neither do you," I replied coolly.
Scarlett stormed out, nearly colliding with the doorframe in her haste.
I spent the afternoon in my old bedroom, answering emails and reviewing proposals. Around six, Elsa knocked softly on my door.
"Miss Aria, you should come downstairs," she whispered urgently. "Your father has returned, and he's furious with Miss Scarlett."
I followed Elsa to the staircase landing and froze at the scene below. Scarlett was kneeling on the Persian rug, tears streaming down her face. My father sat in his antique armchair, his expression thunderous. Victoria stood nearby, dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief.
"William, darling," Victoria said, noticing me on the stairs. "We need to arrange Scarlett's marriage to Ethan quickly. We need to control the damage to both families."
"Enough, Victoria." My father's voice sliced through the room. "Your daughter's behavior has already cost the Harper name enough embarrassment in New York society."
"How touching," I said, descending the stairs. "An adult 'child' learning about consequences."
All heads turned toward me. Victoria's eyes narrowed, but my father surprised me by nodding in agreement.
"Scarlett needs to apologize to you, Aria," he said firmly. "The Harper family does not condone such betrayal."
Scarlett looked up, mascara streaking her cheeks. "That's not fair! Ethan and I are in love! We were destined to be together!"
My father's expression hardened. "If you don't apologize to your sister right now, you will no longer be a Harper. No last name, no trust fund, no social standing."
The ultimatum hung in the air like a guillotine blade. After a long, tense moment, Scarlett forced out the words: "I'm sorry your wedding was ruined, Aria."
The insincerity was palpable, but I merely raised an eyebrow.
Victoria stepped forward, her designer heels clicking on the marble. "Aria, I deeply regret what happened at the wedding. But publishing those photos on social media was extreme, even for you."
"Interesting that you're so certain I published those photos," I replied. "Perhaps we should call the police to investigate?"
"Enough!" My father's voice boomed. "Haven't we embarrassed the Harper name enough?"
I turned to leave, but my father called after me. "Aria. Come to my study."
"I don't think so," I replied coldly.
"Don't you want to discuss the Hampton beach house?"
I paused, catching the smug expressions that flashed across Victoria and Scarlett's faces. Something was wrong here. But curiosity won out.
"Fine. Your study. Five minutes."