Chapter 36
Aria’s POV
Blue Sapphire was among New York's most exclusive nightclubs—members-only, catering solely to social elites and the wealthy. Ethan was clearly a regular; the security nodded respectfully as we entered.
The interior featured luxurious modern décor, with blue lighting and crystal chandeliers creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Fashion elites danced before the DJ booth. Ethan guided me through the crowd to a semi-private area where several men and women in designer clothing were drinking champagne.
"Look who's here!" a blonde woman called out. "Fashion's most enviable couple in New York!"
Ethan's friends toasted our "reconciliation" as champagne flowed freely. I pretended to smile while calculating excuses for an early departure.
Suddenly, Ethan tapped his glass for attention. The room instantly quieted, all eyes focusing on us.
"With everyone gathered here, I want to officially put this ring on Aria and celebrate our new beginning together," he proudly declared, pulling a small blue box from his pocket.
I widened my eyes in surprise—this wasn't expected. Ethan opened the box revealing a simple diamond ring. Though nicely designed, it was clearly inferior to the blue sapphire ring I'd selected at Tiffany yesterday. So he never bought the ring I chose at all. How ridiculous.
As everyone expressed admiration, I noticed a familiar figure at the entrance—Scarlett, wearing a pure white dress, looking pitifully vulnerable. Her appearance froze Ethan's smile, and his friends sensed the sudden tension.
Scarlett spotted us, feigned shock by covering her mouth, then quickly turned to leave. Ethan's expression became panicked. "Excuse me, I... I need to use the restroom."
I understood immediately. "No problem, I should freshen up my makeup too."
Once outside the VIP section, I discreetly followed Ethan. Instead of heading to the restroom, he rushed toward the garden terrace. I carefully tracked him, ensuring I wasn't spotted.
The garden terrace was relatively quiet, with just a few couples whispering in corners. Ethan hurried toward Scarlett, who leaned against the railing, her white dress almost luminescent in the moonlight.
I hid behind a large planter and started recording with my phone.
"What are you doing here?" Ethan demanded in a hushed voice, clearly displeased.
Scarlett pouted. "I don't care about titles, I just want to be with you. I missed you today, and since I happened to be here with friends and heard you were coming, I thought I'd stop by."
"This is too risky. If Aria finds out..." Ethan anxiously scanned the area.
Scarlett moved forward, wrapping her arms around his neck. "She won't find out. Besides, don't you want to see me?"
Ethan's resistance visibly weakened as his hands naturally settled on Scarlett's waist. "Next time, don't do this. We can have our fun privately, not publicly. Everyone knows you're mine, babe."
He bent down to kiss Scarlett, starting gently but quickly becoming passionate. "Oh, your mouth is so sweet, let me taste more," he murmured.
Between kisses, Scarlett asked, "Is my mouth sweeter than Aria's?"
Ethan laughed. "Definitely yours. She's been chasing me forever and never once initiated a kiss—so clueless about romance, unlike you who knows exactly what I like."
He kissed Scarlett again, his hands becoming bolder as they slipped under her dress to caress her chest.
I covered my mouth, suppressing the urge to vomit while ensuring I captured everything on video. What perfect evidence! Just as I prepared to quietly leave, my elbow accidentally knocked over a small vase, creating a sharp clinking sound.
Ethan and Scarlett immediately separated, looking alertly toward the noise.
"Someone's there!" Scarlett whispered fearfully.
I quickly stood up, pretending I'd just arrived. "Oh, sorry to interrupt," I feigned surprise before hurrying away, my heart pounding.
I wasn't sure if they'd recognized me, but my priority was getting away quickly. I walked aimlessly through corridors, pushing open a door marked "Private," hoping to find a quiet place to collect my thoughts.
The moment I opened the door, I realized my mistake.
This was another private room where Devon Kane, Christopher Quinn, and Noah Pierce sat discussing something serious, with documents and tablets spread across the table. I recognized Noah immediately—heir to the Pierce Hotel Group, one of the largest luxury hotel chains in the country. Like Devon and Christopher, he was part of that elite circle of wealthy young men who had been friends since their Ivy League days.
Devon looked up, gave me a cold glance, then looked away, showing no reaction to my sudden appearance as if I were merely a server.
Christopher, however, stood enthusiastically. "Aria! What a wonderful surprise! Join us!"
"Sorry for the interruption," I said awkwardly. "I was just looking for... the restroom."
"Down the hall, turn left at the end," Noah calmly directed, though his eyes reflected curiosity about my unexpected presence in this members-only section.
"Thank you, I... I should go," I stepped backward, feeling Devon's gaze return to me, though he remained silent.
"Don't rush off," Christopher urged. "We're discussing next week's charity gala—perhaps you could offer marketing insights?"
"Another time perhaps. I have prior commitments tonight," I declined, eager to escape this awkward situation.
As I turned to leave, I saw a blonde woman approaching the room—Caroline, Devon's mother's choice for his bride. As we passed each other, she gave me a meaningful look, her lips curved in a subtle smile.
I hurried away, my emotions in turmoil. On one hand, I'd successfully gathered evidence against Ethan and Scarlett; on the other, Devon's cold indifference and Caroline's appearance left me feeling inexplicably hurt.
But this was the game I'd chosen to play, wasn't it? In this high society built on lies and deception, everyone played their role—and I, Aria Harper, was no exception.