Chapter 48
Aria's POV
The morning light streamed through the windows of Stellar Impressions as I strode through the front doors, my heels clicking confidently against the polished concrete floors. Devon's driver had just dropped me off after the short drive from his penthouse. I'd chosen a deep burgundy pencil skirt from the outfits he'd provided—the color gave me confidence, and I paired it with a cream silk blouse that complemented it perfectly. After last night with Devon, I needed to reclaim some sense of control and professionalism, even if my clothes were a reminder of our intimacy.
Sophia was waiting at the reception desk, two coffee cups in hand. She passed one to me with a mischievous smile, her eyes taking in my outfit with obvious curiosity.
"My dear CEO," she teased, following me toward my office. "Do I need to schedule an appointment to speak with you these days? Your calendar's been mysteriously full lately."
I rolled my eyes but couldn't suppress a smile. "Very funny. You know you always have access."
"Speaking of access," Sophia lowered her voice as we entered my office, "your stepsister was here yesterday, looking for you."
My smile vanished instantly. "Scarlett? What did she want?"
"Wouldn't say. Just kept asking when you'd be back and acting all..." Sophia wrinkled her nose, "...sweet and concerned. It was disturbing."
"Ignore her," I said, settling behind my desk. "If she shows up again, she's not welcome. Whatever she wants, it can't be good."
Sophia leaned against the doorframe, studying me. "You seem different today. More... I don't know, energized? Did something happen with—"
A knock at the door interrupted her, and my assistant poked her head in. "Ms. Harper, the creative team is ready for the Kane Technology presentation review whenever you're available."
"I'll be right there," I replied, grateful for the interruption. The last thing I needed was to discuss my night with Devon. I wasn't even sure how I felt about it myself.
"We'll talk later," Sophia said with a knowing smile as she headed for the door. "You can't hide forever, Aria."
After reviewing the presentation one last time, I felt confident. The blockchain integration system promotion strategy we'd developed was solid, based on extensive market research and proven tactics. I'd personally overseen every detail, ensuring it met the high standards I knew Devon would expect.
I was midway through sending an email when my office door burst open without warning. Scarlett stood in the doorway, wearing a pale pink sundress that made her look like she'd stepped out of a sorority recruitment poster.
"Dear sister," she said with a saccharine smile, "why have you blocked Dad, Mom, and me on your phone? That's not very family-oriented of you."
I took a deep breath, reminding myself to stay calm. "Professional people knock before entering, Scarlett. What do you want?"
"I wanted to check on you," she pouted, stepping further into my office uninvited. "Dad's not feeling well, and he's been asking about you."
"Is that so?" I kept my voice flat, uninterested. "Funny how his health only becomes an issue when he wants something from me."
"He misses you, Aria. We all do." Her wide-eyed innocent act might fool others, but I knew better.
"Cut the crap, Scarlett. If there's nothing else, please get out of my office. I have actual work to do."
Her facade dropped for a second, irritation flashing across her face before she quickly recovered. "You're so cold these days. What happened to family loyalty?"
"It died along with any respect I had for all of you," I replied coolly. "Now, if you don't mind—"
"But Dad really isn't—"
"Don't you have a perfect daughter role to play somewhere else?" I cut her off. "Isn't that why Dad transferred Mom's beach house to you? For all your devoted daughterly perfection?"
Scarlett's mouth opened to respond, but a knock at the door interrupted us. Sophia poked her head in, her expression carefully neutral but her eyes communicating silent support.
"Aria, Devon Kane and his team have arrived for the presentation. They're waiting in the conference room."
My heart skipped a beat at his name, but I kept my face composed. "Thank you, Sophia. I'll be right there."
I stood up, smoothing my blouse. "Melanie," I called to my assistant, "please escort Ms. Harper out. She's not authorized to be on the premises, and her presence constitutes a security risk for our client projects."
"You can't just throw me out," Scarlett protested, her voice rising slightly. "I'm your sister!"
"Stepsister," I corrected. "And yes, I can. This is my company."
As I opened my office door, I froze. Devon Kane stood in the hallway, immaculate in a tailored charcoal suit, flanked by two men I recognized as members of his executive team. His gray eyes met mine, revealing nothing of our encounter last night.
"Ms. Harper," he said formally, extending his hand. "I hope we're not interrupting."
"Not at all, Mr. Kane. We were just concluding a personal matter." I shook his hand, ignoring the electricity that shot through me at his touch.
Scarlett, never one to miss an opportunity, immediately transformed. Her shoulders slumped slightly, her eyes widened with a hint of unshed tears, and her voice took on a tremulous quality.
"I'm so sorry to intrude on your business, Mr. Kane," she said, stepping forward with an extended hand. "I'm Scarlett Harper, Aria's sister. I just came to tell her that our father is unwell and asking for her, but she's..." she glanced at me with perfect wounded innocence, "she's insisting I leave."
Devon's gaze slid from Scarlett to me, then back to her. "Ms. Harper," he said, his voice neutral, addressing Scarlett. "Family matters are important, but perhaps they're better addressed outside of business hours."
"Of course," Scarlett nodded eagerly. "I completely understand. I just worry about my sister. She works so hard, and with Dad being sick—"
"Scarlett," I cut in sharply, "do you need me to call building security to escort you out? Or can you find the exit yourself?"
Her eyes narrowed for a fraction of a second before she recovered her mask of concern. "Aria, I just wanted—"
"Security it is, then," I said, reaching for my phone.
"That won't be necessary," Scarlett said quickly. "I'll go. It was lovely meeting you, Mr. Kane. Perhaps we'll meet again under better circumstances."
As she sauntered away, deliberately accentuating the sway of her hips, I caught Devon watching her with an unreadable expression.
"Shall we proceed to the conference room?" I said, redirecting his attention.