Chapter 192
Aria's POV
Walking up the grand staircase of the Harper mansion, I barely registered my father's shouts echoing from below. The sound faded into white noise, just another layer of today's chaos. Right now, I needed to change this bloodstained blouse before my meeting with Calvin Reed.
In my closet, I discarded the ruined silk top and examined the bandage on my arm. The doctor had done a neat job, but the white gauze was stark against my skin—impossible to miss. I selected a deep navy long-sleeved dress, my fingers trembling slightly as I pulled it from the hanger. The silk felt cool against my skin, a small comfort amid the morning's turmoil.
As I pulled the dress over my body, I caught my reflection in the mirror. For a moment, I didn't recognize the woman staring back—composed on the surface, yes, but with eyes that held too much. Too much pain, too much anger, too much determination. I took a deep breath, steadying myself. I opened my jewelry box and hesitated over my mother's pearl earrings, a wave of longing washing over me. Not today. Today I needed armor, not sentiment. I chose a simple diamond collarbone chain instead.
I traced the small dark mark on my collarbone with my fingertip. This beauty mark had been with me through everything—through heartbreak, betrayal, and now bloodshed. My hand lingered there, drawing strength from this small part of myself that remained unchanged while everything around me crumbled.
---
"Mr. Reed isn't accepting visitors," the security guard stated flatly, blocking my path to the hospital room. His stance widened slightly, a clear message that he wouldn't be easily moved.
I felt Anna shift nervously beside me. My assistant had been jittery since we arrived, her usual efficiency dampened by the intimidating hospital security.
"That's fine," I replied, deliberately raising my voice. My heart raced, but I kept my tone measured. "I just wanted to make sure he's okay after last night's... incident. I promise I won't tell anyone what really happened in that garden."
The guard's eyes widened slightly. His jaw tensed as he touched his earpiece, murmuring something I couldn't catch. A moment later, a cold, hard voice came through his radio.
"Let her in. Just Harper. The assistant stays outside."
The guard stepped aside, looking slightly bewildered. I gave Anna a reassuring nod before following him down the corridor, my pulse quickening with each step toward Reed's room.
Calvin Reed was propped up against pillows, a bandage around his head, flipping through Forbes magazine. A tablet beside him displayed stock fluctuations. He didn't look up as I entered, a power play I recognized immediately. My skin prickled with awareness.
"Come to negotiate your silence, Ms. Harper?" he asked, his voice as cold as his gray eyes when they finally met mine. The challenge in them was unmistakable.
I settled into the visitor's chair, crossing my legs deliberately, my posture a study in elegant confidence even as my stomach tightened with disgust. "I saved you from a #MeToo scandal that would've destroyed your reputation. A simple 'thank you' would suffice."
His eyes narrowed, assessing me. A hint of surprise flickered across his face, followed by something predatory that made me want to step back. I held my ground.
"Not all Harper women are as stupid as they seem. Impressive." His lips curled into something that wasn't quite a smile.
I maintained my composure, though internally I recoiled. My fingers pressed harder into the armrests of my chair, the only outlet for my growing tension. He closed his magazine, his full attention now on me—specifically on the neckline of my dress. His gaze felt like an invasion.
"Is Kane the reason you turned me down?" Calvin leaned closer, his cologne overwhelming. His voice dropped to a whisper that sent a chill down my spine. "What does he have that I don't?"
I kept my expression neutral, though my pulse hammered in my ears. "This conversation is crossing into inappropriate territory, Mr. Reed." My voice came out steadier than I felt.
He chuckled, eyes darkening in a way that made the room suddenly feel smaller. "One night with me, and Harper Group gets everything it wants in the contract." His fingers brushed against my knee, lingering there with clear intent. "Three days to decide."
I stood up, my movement smooth but decisive, fighting the urge to wipe my skin where he'd touched me. "I'll see myself out." My voice was ice, hiding the fire of anger and violation burning beneath.
"What happened in there? You look... upset." Anna's concern was evident as we walked to the waiting car. Her eyes darted to my clenched fists, which I hadn't even realized I was making.
I gazed out at Manhattan's skyline through the window, my mind racing with calculations and contingency plans. The acid taste of bile rose in my throat as Reed's words echoed in my head. I swallowed hard. "We need to diversify our client base. Call Preston Scott's office tomorrow."
Anna nodded, typing into her tablet. I didn't elaborate further, not trusting my voice to remain steady. Inside, my thoughts churned with rage and determination.
Calvin Reed. What a waste of a handsome face.
---
Back at Harper Group, I walked through the office with purpose. Employees quickly averted their eyes, pretending to be absorbed in work. Each step I took felt heavy with resolve. Today would mark the beginning of change in this company.
"Have Julie come to my office," I instructed Anna as we passed her desk. "And tell Diana I need her here for the next steps."
Minutes later, Julie Anderson appeared at my door. Unlike yesterday when she'd first agreed to help me, her face today showed determination rather than fear. The accounting department employee had surprised me with her detailed knowledge of Victoria and Scarlett's financial schemes—and her willingness to expose them.
"Close the door," I said quietly.
Julie sat across from me, her back straight, hands folded in her lap. Diana joined us silently, tablet ready.
"The forensic accountants have compiled their report," I began, sliding a folder across the desk. "But we need your formal statement now. Today."
Julie's eyes widened slightly. "So soon?"
"The window is closing." I leaned forward, keeping my voice low. "My father is searching for Victoria as we speak. Once he finds her, she'll start covering her tracks."
Julie nodded, understanding dawning on her face. "What exactly do you need me to say?"
"The truth." I held her gaze steadily. "That Victoria directly instructed you to process those unauthorized transfers. That she threatened your job if you refused. That she had you create false documentation for the board."
"And Scarlett's involvement?"
"Everything you witnessed." I gestured to Diana, who placed a legal document on the desk. "This protects you from prosecution for your role. Sign it, and then security will escort you to the conference room where the legal team is waiting."
Julie took a deep breath, then signed the paper with surprising firmness. "I should have spoken up sooner."
"You're speaking up now," I said, feeling a rare moment of genuine empathy. "That's what matters."
As Julie left with Diana, I watched through the glass walls as they walked toward the conference room. One by one, the pieces were falling into place. Victoria had underestimated me—just as she'd underestimated my mother.
When most people in the company had left work, I was still reviewing the forensic accountant's report when the elevator doors suddenly opened with a 'ding'. My father stormed in, his face contorted with rage, tie askew and usually impeccable silver hair disheveled.
"Who authorized you to call in forensic accountants?" William bellowed, slamming my office door so hard the glass walls trembled. His voice brought back childhood memories of cowering in corners. Not anymore. "This is still MY company!"