Chapter 184
Aria's POV
Ignoring Elsa's warnings, I walked straight up the stairs and pushed open the heavy oak door to the study. A hardcover book immediately flew at me. I dodged it, my heart racing as it hit the wall with a dull thud. The sudden violence made my stomach tighten, but I forced my expression to remain neutral.
"Get out!" my father roared. He stood behind his desk, his tie loosened, his suit jacket thrown on the floor, his eyes bloodshot as if he hadn't slept all night. The sight of him so disheveled—so unlike his usual composed self—sent a chill through me.
I calmly closed the door, though my hand trembled slightly. "Throwing books at your daughter? Real mature, Dad." The words came out more bitter than I intended, years of resentment bubbling to the surface despite my attempt to stay detached.
The fury in his eyes subsided slightly, transforming into a dark silence. I noticed the photo frame from his desk had been thrown to the floor, glass shards scattered everywhere. It was his wedding photo with Victoria. A small flicker of satisfaction sparked within me, which I quickly tried to suppress.
"It's Victoria, isn't it?" I ventured, watching his reaction carefully. His fingers trembled slightly, confirming my suspicion. A complex mixture of vindication and concern washed over me. "She finally showed her true colors?"
My father slammed his fist on the desk, making the crystal pen holder jump. "None of your business! Now get out!" The vein in his forehead pulsed, and for a moment, I saw genuine pain beneath his anger.
I looked at him quietly, seeing for the first time a hint of vulnerability in his usually impenetrable exterior. Part of me wanted to comfort him, while another part—the part still wounded by years of his neglect—felt a cold satisfaction. I swallowed hard and turned to leave, knowing neither emotion would serve me well right now.
In the hallway, I took a deep breath to steady myself before stopping the family driver. "Thomas, can you tell me what happened last night?" My voice was lower than usual, tight with tension.
Thomas glanced around nervously, his shoulders hunched. "Yesterday morning, Mrs. Harper was carried out of the basement unconscious due to her injuries and taken to the hospital, but she disappeared last night. Mr. Harper checked the surveillance footage and discovered she had been picked up by her lover, Eugene Foster. They even took important documents and valuable items."
"Eugene Foster?" I frowned, picturing the tall, thin blonde man. My stomach knotted as pieces fell into place. "The man I found in the hotel with my father?"
The driver nodded, his eyes darting anxiously toward the study door. "Yes, Miss. They planned it. She took jewelry from the safe and some company files last night."
My mind raced, thoughts colliding chaotically. This was completely different from what I had anticipated. Victoria's sudden disappearance wasn't just a family scandal—it could trigger far-reaching consequences for Harper Group. I felt a weight settle on my shoulders, the responsibility suddenly very real and very heavy.
Just as I was contemplating this situation, my phone rang, startling me from my thoughts. I glanced at the screen, my pulse quickening.
"Miss Harper," Anna, the Harper Group secretary, said anxiously, "Calvin Reed has specifically requested your presence at Reed Group's gala tonight. This is an important social event regarding contract renewal."
"What about my father?" I asked, already knowing the answer, my free hand tightening into a fist at my side.
"We can't reach Mr. William," Anna replied, her voice tinged with worry. "But Mr. Reed is our biggest client. If no senior executive attends, it might affect our $25 million annual partnership."
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of responsibility increase. My throat tightened as I realized that the crisis wasn't just personal but concerned the future of the entire company—and everyone who worked for it. "I understand. I'll go. Send me the details." I ended the call, surprised by the steadiness in my voice despite the anxiety churning inside me.
That evening, I stood in my closet, fingers running over fabrics as I carefully selected appropriate attire. This wasn't just a social event but my first appearance as a Harper Group executive at an important business meeting. My hands lingered on a deep blue silk slip dress, finally pairing it with a crisp white blazer—professional yet feminine. Each choice felt deliberate, armor I was assembling piece by piece.
My fingers trembled slightly as I fastened my mother's pearl necklace around my neck. I always wore it for important occasions, the cool touch of the pearls against my skin bringing a familiar comfort. Standing before the mirror, I slowly applied a bold red lipstick, the familiar ritual helping to calm my nerves. I studied my reflection, noting how tired my eyes looked despite my efforts.
At that moment, I felt a strange calmness wash over me, replacing the turmoil of emotions. Devon's tender companionship at the hospital now seemed like a distant memory, while the family crisis pulled me back to cold reality. Yet something had shifted inside me. I was no longer the Aria who could only retreat in the face of adversity. The thought brought a subtle change to my posture—shoulders back, chin slightly higher.
I picked up my phone and sent Sofia a message: "Meeting Calvin Reed tonight. Any suggestions?" After sending it, the screen remained blank with no reply. I sighed, a wave of loneliness washing over me. Sofia was probably busy with her mother, but her absence left a void. I set the phone down, squared my shoulders, and pushed the feeling aside. Tonight, I would have to stand on my own.
The five-star New York hotel lobby buzzed with conversation as I arrived. I felt eyes turn toward me as I moved through the crowd, my steps measured and deliberate despite my racing heart. Anna followed closely, whispering urgently: "That's Calvin Reed. You must convince him to renew the advertising contract. He has a particular preference for digital marketing."
Calvin Reed stood in the center of the exhibition hall, commanding attention without effort. In his twenties, impeccably dressed in a suit, with sharp eyes that missed nothing. I took a deep breath, my chest tight with anxiety, and approached him with what I hoped appeared as confidence. "Mr. Reed, I'm Aria Harper. Delighted to finally meet you. I've been following your innovative attempts at integrating blockchain with traditional industries."
Reed looked me up and down, his eyes revealing a dismissive assessment. The familiar look—one I'd seen countless times when men underestimated me—sparked a flare of determination in my chest. I maintained eye contact, refusing to be the first to look away.
"Aria Harper?" he raised an eyebrow. "William's daughter?"
"Yes, I'm representing Harper Group at this event," I maintained my smile, though my jaw clenched slightly at being reduced to merely 'William's daughter.' I continued, my voice growing stronger with each word. "You may not be aware, but our digital marketing team just completed research on applying NFT technology to brand loyalty systems. I believe it aligns perfectly with Reed Group's blockchain strategy."
Hearing the technical terminology, Reed's expression subtly changed. The dismissiveness gave way to a hint of surprise, then cautious interest. He reassessed me, returning my handshake with a firmer grip. Though his attitude remained guarded, his tone gained a measure of respect. "I didn't expect William to send his daughter to discuss business. I'm curious about your understanding of this field."
"I'm more than William's daughter, Mr. Reed," I said, a current of quiet determination running beneath my words. "I believe we have many business topics to discuss."