Chapter 106
Aria's POV
I chose a corner table and sat down, my gaze fixed on the adjacent dining area where Sophia and Owen were engaged in what appeared to be an intense conversation.
I slipped my sunglasses on as a flimsy disguise. I pretended to study the menu while watching their interaction.
Owen looked every bit the successful Princeton graduate in his tailored charcoal suit, his dark blond hair styled in that deliberately casual way that probably cost more than most people's haircuts. Seeing him sitting there, looking so polished and put-together, made anger bubble up inside me.
"Look at you," I thought bitterly. "The picture-perfect Princeton graduate on the outside, but really just a family puppet who abandoned his girlfriend without a word."
I couldn't hear their conversation over the ambient noise of Le Bernardin's dining room, but Sophia's body language told me everything. Her shoulders were tense, her fingers clutching her wine glass too tightly. She was maintaining her composure, but I could see the slight tremor in her hand when she reached for her water.
Their conversation grew more animated. I tilted my head slightly, trying to catch fragments.
"That invitation about the engagement wasn't from me," Owen was saying, leaning forward. "Chloe used my account without telling me."
Sophia's laugh was brittle. "Two years, Owen. You disappear for two years, and you think 'it wasn't me who posted it' fixes everything?"
I noticed the wetness at the corners of her eyes and felt a pang in my chest. Despite her brave front, my friend clearly hadn't fully moved on.
Owen ran a hand through his hair. "My family made it clear they wouldn't accept someone of... your background. I should have stood up to them, but I was weak. I've missed you every day since."
Sophia stood up, smoothing her dress. "I hope you'll be very happy in your new marriage. I'm not that naive Princeton girl waiting for you anymore."
As she turned to leave, a flash of blonde hair caught my attention. A petite woman in a cream designer dress was storming toward their table, her face contorted with rage. I recognized at a glance that she was Chloe Parker, Owen's fiancee.
"So this is your 'important business meeting' on a Wednesday afternoon?" Chloe's voice sliced through the restaurant's quiet atmosphere. Without warning, she grabbed a glass of red wine from a passing server's tray and threw it at Sophia. "You thief, trying to steal my fiancé?"
Sophia gasped as the red liquid splashed across her cream silk blouse and skirt. The other diners turned to stare.
Owen shot to his feet, his face pale. "Have you lost your mind?" he hissed, grabbing Chloe's arm. "This is a public place!"
"You're meeting your ex-girlfriend behind my back and expect me to be gracious?" she shrieked.
I stood up, grabbing my champagne flute. This had gone far enough.
"Speaking of 'gracious,'" I said, approaching Chloe, "that doesn't seem to be your strong suit."
I tipped my champagne directly onto her Valentino dress – I recognized the latest collection's distinctive pattern. The bubbly liquid soaked into the expensive fabric, creating an expanding stain across her chest.
Chloe whirled toward me, mouth open to unleash what would undoubtedly be a stream of obscenities, when recognition flickered across her face. "You're... Devon Kane's..."
Her voice trailed off, fear replacing anger in her eyes. Being associated with Devon apparently carried significant weight, even with someone as entitled as Chloe Parker.
"Now you recognize me," I said coldly. "How about an apology to my friend?"
Chloe's jaw clenched, but she remained silent, obviously calculating the social consequences of confronting me.
"Let's go," I said to Sophia, taking her arm. "Some people clearly never learned basic manners."
I guided Sophia toward the ladies' room, aware of the stares following us and the whispers that would inevitably circulate through Manhattan's social circles by evening.
In the luxurious restroom with its mirrored walls and soft lighting, Sophia dabbed at her ruined blouse with wet paper towels, tears silently streaming down her face.
"Why didn't you fight back?" I asked, handing her more towels. "You just stood there and let her assault you."
Sophia shook her head. "Not everyone is as brave as you are, Aria. I just wanted to get away."
I sighed, pulling out my phone. "Hold on. I'll have Melanie bring over something for you to change into."
I stepped out of the bathroom to make the call, keeping an eye out for Owen or Chloe. Melanie, my assistant, promised to bring a change of clothes within twenty minutes.
When Sophia emerged in a new outfit – a simple black dress that Melanie had rushed over – we headed toward the restaurant's exit, only to find Owen and Chloe still in the lobby, engaged in a heated argument.
Owen broke away when he saw us. "Sophia, are you okay? I'm so sorry about—"
"Touch her again and the engagement is off!" Chloe threatened, yanking his arm.
Owen's face hardened. "Then it's off! I'm sick of your controlling behavior and my family's pressure!"
Sophia looked increasingly uncomfortable. "Let's just go," she whispered, tugging at my arm. "I don't want any more drama."
I noticed her designer heels were slick with wine. As she turned toward the restaurant's revolving door, Chloe lunged forward and grabbed her arm.
"Don't you dare walk away! We're not finished here!" Chloe hissed.
Sophia's foot slipped on the polished marble floor, and she began to fall toward the steps leading down to the exit. I grabbed her hand to steady her, but the momentum pulled me forward instead. I tumbled down the short flight of stairs, my arm slamming hard against the marble edge.
Pain shot through me, but I pushed myself up, pointing an accusing finger at Chloe. "You did that on purpose!"
Chloe backed away. "I didn't—I wasn't trying to—"
Several staff members rushed forward to help. As a waiter helped me to my feet, I heard a cold, commanding voice.
"I'll take it from here."
Devon Kane stepped from a black Bentley that had just pulled up outside, his tall figure imposing in a perfectly tailored suit. The entire lobby fell silent as he entered. His gray eyes surveyed the scene before settling on me, concern flickering behind his usually impassive expression.
With gentle but firm movements, he lifted me into his arms, ignoring my protest that I could walk. Up close, I could feel his heart racing despite his outwardly calm demeanor.
"Devon, I can walk on my own," I said quietly.
He didn't acknowledge my statement as he carried me toward his waiting car.
Owen stepped forward, shock evident on his face. "Cousin? What are you doing here?"
Devon's gaze slid coldly to Owen. "Is there a reason I shouldn't be here?"
Owen's eyes darted between Devon and me, clearly trying to piece together our connection.
"We'll discuss this situation later, cousin," Devon said, his tone making it clear the conversation would not be pleasant. "Right now, I'm taking Ms. Harper to have her injuries checked."
As Devon carried me to his car, I couldn't help but notice how securely his arms held me, and how, despite everything, I felt oddly safe in his embrace. The realization was unsettling, but as pain throbbed through my arm, I found myself relaxing against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.