Chapter 185
Aria's POV
"I'm impressed by your knowledge of blockchain integration," Calvin Reed admitted, his initial dismissiveness giving way to professional curiosity. "Your father never mentioned your expertise in digital marketing."
A small wave of satisfaction washed over me. I'd grown accustomed to being underestimated, especially by men in positions like Reed's, but the feeling of breaking through those assumptions never lost its sweetness.
"There's a lot my father doesn't mention about me," I replied, unable to keep a note of bitterness from creeping into my voice. I quickly composed myself, offering a professional smile. "Harper Group has been developing cutting-edge strategies for digital asset integration. I'd love to show you our complete proposal for Reed Group's loyalty program overhaul."
Reed nodded, his eyes attentive as we discussed technical specifics. For several minutes, I felt a growing sense of accomplishment as he asked increasingly detailed questions. My pulse quickened with hope. I found myself standing straighter, speaking with increased confidence.
Then something shifted in his expression. His eyes darted to his watch, then around the room. The interest in his gaze cooled so abruptly it felt like a door slamming shut.
"This has been... informative, Ms. Harper," he said, his tone suddenly formal and distant. He adjusted his cufflinks—a nervous habit I'd noticed earlier. "But I have other guests to attend to."
The dismissal stung more than I wanted to admit. I'd thought we were making progress, that he'd seen past my surname to my actual abilities. The familiar feeling of being invisible settled in my stomach, heavy and cold.
"Of course," I managed, keeping my voice steady despite the disappointment churning inside me. "Perhaps we could continue later?"
He didn't even bother to respond, simply walking away with a slight unsteadiness to his step that hadn't been there moments before.
Anna appeared at my side, her voice tense with anxiety. "Ms. Harper, we absolutely must secure this contract tonight. Reed Group is our biggest client."
"I know," I replied, my finger tracing the rim of my champagne glass. "Something's wrong. He was engaged one moment, then completely shut down."
From across the room, I studied Reed. Though he maintained his polished exterior, something seemed off. His handshake with another executive lasted a beat too long, as if he needed the support. His eyes, slightly unfocused, kept darting toward the garden doors. Sweat glistened on his forehead despite the room's perfect temperature.
"Don't waste your time, beautiful," a voice said beside me. I turned to find a middle-aged man with an expansive waistline eyeing me with the familiar look I'd come to despise—the one that said he was evaluating me like merchandise.
The irritation must have shown on my face because he quickly added, "I mean about Reed. He looks impressive in those tailored suits, but he's not exactly approachable."
The man leaned closer, his cologne so strong it made my eyes water. "And between us," he added with a smirk that made my skin crawl, "I've heard he's quite inadequate in certain departments. Don't let the Armani fool you."
I spotted Reed slipping alone through the French doors, moving with unusual urgency.
"Excuse me," I said, already turning away, relieved to escape the unwanted conversation. "I need some fresh air."
The night air felt cool against my flushed skin. I took a deep breath, steadying myself. Twenty-five million dollars. Father's company. My chance to prove myself. The weight of these responsibilities pressed down on me as I scanned the garden for Reed's figure.
"Mr. Reed?" I called, my voice revealing more nervousness than I intended. I cleared my throat. "I just want to talk about the contract."
A whisper of conversation floated from deeper in the garden. I followed the sound, my heartbeat quickening with each step. The scent of roses mingled with anxiety as I ventured further from the safety of the crowd.
A hand suddenly grabbed my wrist, pulling me sharply into a secluded alcove. I bit back a scream as I found myself face to face with Calvin Reed, barely recognizing him in his current state.
His eyes were alarmingly red, pupils dilated to the point where they nearly swallowed the iris. Sweat soaked his hairline, and his breathing came in uneven gasps. The composed businessman had vanished, replaced by someone on the edge of panic.
"Was it you?" he demanded, his grip painfully tight around my wrist. I winced, feeling the bones shift beneath his fingers. "Did you arrange this? Was it you who did this to me?"
Fear shot through me—not just of him, but for him. I'd seen this before at college parties. Whatever he'd been given was hitting him hard.
"I don't know what you're talking about, Mr. Reed," I said, keeping my voice calm despite the racing of my heart. "I only wanted to discuss our contract." I gently but firmly pulled my arm free, taking a small step back.
From the pathway just beyond our hiding place, two female voices drifted over, confirming my suspicions.
"Did you see his face?" The first voice giggled, sending a chill down my spine. "Reed should be feeling dizzy by now."
"The drug works fast. Where did he go? I'd love to spend some quality time with him tonight." The second voice carried a predatory edge that made my stomach turn.
Reed's expression changed as he processed the conversation. His anger dissolved into confusion, then a strange relief.
"So it wasn't you..." He wiped sweat from his forehead with a trembling hand, leaning heavily against the hedge. For a moment, vulnerability replaced the aggression in his eyes. "You know, I actually admired your presentation," he admitted, words slightly slurred. "Didn't want to show it. Bad for negotiations."
A flicker of the professional satisfaction I'd felt earlier returned, only to be immediately extinguished by his next words.
"But since we're here anyway..." His gaze turned hungry as it traveled down my body, his breathing growing more labored. "Spend the night with me, and you can name your terms for the contract. Whatever you want."
Disgust and disappointment crashed over me in equal measure. Even drugged, even in danger, he still saw me as something to be traded with or bargained for.
"Absolutely not, Mr. Reed," I said, my voice firm despite the fear coursing through me. "You've been drugged. You need medical attention."
"Don't pretend you're above this," he muttered, swaying slightly. "Everyone wants something from me. At least you'd be honest about it."
Before I could react, he grabbed my shoulders, fingers digging in painfully. The scent of alcohol and something medicinal washed over me as he leaned in, his lips aiming clumsily for mine.
"No," I said, turning my face away and pressing my hands against his chest. Despite his compromised state, his strength surprised me. Panic fluttered in my chest, but I forced myself to think clearly.
I needed to escape without creating a scene that would damage Harper Group's relationship with Reed. I couldn't afford to humiliate a man who could destroy my family's company with a single phone call. But I also wouldn't sacrifice my dignity, not even for twenty-five million dollars.
The voices grew closer. I had seconds to decide.
My mind raced through options: knee him and run? Scream for help? Try to reason with him?
I took a deep breath, weighing my safety against my family's future, and made my choice.