Chapter 35
Aria’s POV
The kiss was both dominating and tender, leaving me breathless when he finally pulled away.
"There's a new toothbrush and toiletries in the bathroom," he said, straightening his suit as if nothing had happened. "I have an early meeting. You can see yourself out."
He turned toward the door.
"Thanks for your... generous hospitality, Mr. Kane," I called after him, my tone slightly teasing.
Devon paused without turning around. "Friday night, same time. Don't be late." With that, he left the room, his footsteps fading down the hallway.
I fell back against the pillows with a long sigh. This "business relationship" was growing increasingly complicated, and I wasn't sure I could maintain my emotional distance forever.
When I pushed through the glass doors of Stellar Impressions at ten-thirty, several designers were brainstorming in the open workspace. They nodded acknowledgment as I passed. My office at the corridor's end had glass walls that allowed me to monitor the entire floor.
I'd barely settled at my desk when Sophia knocked and entered, carrying two coffee cups. "Punishment for being late—sugarless latte," she smiled, placing a cup before me. "Saw Kane last night?"
I accepted the coffee, avoiding her inquisitive stare. "Mmm, discussed some work matters."
Sophia dropped into the chair opposite me, eyes twinkling mischievously. "Discussing until dawn? You look like you barely slept."
"Project deadlines were urgent. We talked longer than expected," I replied vaguely, checking emails.
"Really?" Sophia leaned closer, lowering her voice. "Then why do your lips look like they've been thoroughly kissed?"
I unconsciously touched my lips, which did feel somewhat swollen. Meeting Sophia's eyes, I couldn't hide my embarrassment.
"Nothing special. Just encountered a rather ferocious beast," I joked half-seriously.
Sophia gave me a knowing smile. "Sounds like your 'business meeting' got quite intense. Be careful, Aria. Don't lose yourself between business and pleasure."
"I know what I'm doing, don't worry," I waved dismissively, hoping to change subjects. "Now, about business—how's the Blake brand promotion plan coming along?"
Sophia rolled her eyes but switched to work mode. "Initial draft is complete, though it lacks innovation. By the way, I heard the Blake family is planning a fashion showcase—perfect opportunity to promote our creative work."
I nodded, but my thoughts drifted to last night in Devon's arms. That feeling of being completely possessed was both terrifying and addictive. I wasn't sure where this relationship was heading, but for now, I could only take it one day at a time.
---
At lunchtime, I told Sophia I had a personal appointment and drove to Antler Coffee in Brooklyn. This local café, tucked away on a street few tourists knew about, made the perfect meeting spot for discreet encounters.
The bell jingled as I entered. Inside, dim lighting revealed a few hipsters immersed in their laptops. In the corner, a middle-aged man in a gray trench coat leafed through a magazine—Garrett, the private investigator Ryan had recommended.
I sat down across from him. "Mr. Garrett?"
He looked up, brown eyes sharp and observant. "Ms. Harper, right on time."
"Do you have results?" I asked directly, sliding an envelope across the table.
Garrett pocketed the envelope casually, then pulled a folder from his briefcase. "Preliminary findings here."
Opening the folder, the first photograph immediately accelerated my heartbeat. It showed a younger William Harper with Victoria, timestamped during my mother Elizabeth's working years. Their posture was intimate—Victoria's hand rested on my father's chest, his hand on her waist.
"Where was this taken?" I asked quietly.
"A private event at the New York Museum of Art, during the period when your mother was a curator there," Garrett answered. "According to my investigation, your stepmother was the PR Director for Harper Group at that time, frequently attending social functions."
I flipped through more photos showing father and Victoria's intimate interactions at various events. All occurring before my mother fell ill.
"Anything else? Clues about my mother's death?" I asked, my voice slightly shaking.
Garrett shook his head. "No direct evidence yet. However, I found some irregularities in medical records that warrant further investigation."
I took a deep breath, struggling to maintain composure. "I also need you to investigate the property transfer situation of the Hampton beach house. That house was supposed to be left to me by my mother, but things seem complicated now."
"Understood." Garrett nodded, producing a business card from his pocket. "Contact me anytime if you recall important information."
I gathered the folder and stood to leave. "Thank you, Mr. Garrett. Let's stay in touch."
Back in my car, I noticed my fingers trembling uncontrollably. These photos confirmed my worst suspicion—Victoria likely had her sights on my father long before, perhaps even planning her moves before my mother became ill.
---
At five-thirty, just as I prepared to leave the office, my receptionist called: "Ms. Harper, Mr. Blake is waiting in the lobby."
I frowned. "I don't have an appointment with him."
"He says he's here to pick you up after work. He brought flowers," the receptionist's voice held a note of curiosity.
I sighed. "Tell him I'll be right down."
Gathering my things, I encountered Sophia as I left my office.
"What's wrong? You look troubled," she asked with concern.
"Ethan's downstairs waiting," I lowered my voice. "Listen, he'll probably give me a huge bouquet of roses. After he leaves, could you dispose of them?"
Sophia nodded knowingly. "Of course. Need me to call with an emergency? You know, the urgent situation rescue?"
"Thanks, but I need to face this," I forced a smile. "For the company and the contract."
The elevator doors opened to reveal Ethan standing in the center of the lobby, holding an enormous bouquet of red roses, looking like he'd stepped off a fashion magazine cover. Employees glanced curiously—exactly the public display of affection Ethan wanted.
"Aria, you look beautiful today," he stepped forward, offering the roses and kissing my cheek.
I smiled politely, accepting the flowers. "Thank you, this is... unexpected."
"I've reserved a table at La Belle, hoping you enjoy French cuisine," he said confidently.
As Ethan leaned closer, I noticed red marks peeking above his shirt collar that he couldn't quite hide. Clearly, he'd recently enjoyed "quality time" with someone. I inwardly scoffed while maintaining a pleasant expression.
"Sounds lovely," I agreed, placing the roses at reception and giving Sophia a meaningful look. "Could you put these in my office?"
Sophia nodded, her eyes full of contempt for Ethan.
Ethan escorted me to his silver Mercedes convertible, opening the door with gentlemanly flair. La Belle, an upscale restaurant in the Upper East Side, was known for its exquisite French cuisine and romantic atmosphere—a favorite dating spot for New York's elite.
Throughout dinner, Ethan talked endlessly about his work and recent social engagements while I half-listened, periodically checking my phone, hoping for a message from Devon. But even by dessert, my phone remained silent.
"How about Blue Sapphire?" Ethan suddenly suggested. "Some friends are gathering there, they'd love to see you."
I nearly declined, then realized this might be an opportunity to gather more evidence about Ethan and Scarlett. "Sure, why not?"