Chapter 51
Aria’s POV
Before I could ask anything else, he was heading for the door, moving quickly despite his attempt to appear casual. I watched him disappear onto the street, then looked down at the small drive in my hand. Whatever was on this could change everything.
I paid for my coffee and left the cafe, mind racing with possibilities. As I stepped onto the sidewalk, something across the street caught my eye—a flash of familiar blonde hair. I froze.
Devon Kane was walking into an upscale French restaurant with Caroline Hayes on his arm. She looked radiant in a pale blue dress that complemented her fair complexion perfectly, and Devon was leaning close to say something in her ear.
I felt an unexpected stab of jealousy, which I immediately tried to suppress. Devon and I had a business arrangement with some physical benefits—nothing more. I had no claim on who he dined with. Still, seeing them together so soon after our intense conversation in his car left a bitter taste in my mouth.
Almost before I realized what I was doing, I was crossing the street toward the restaurant. I told myself I was just curious—wanted to see how Devon acted with the woman his mother had chosen for him. It wasn't jealousy. It was... research.
The French restaurant was one of those places where reservations were made months in advance, but I flashed my most charming smile at the maître d' and mentioned my father's name. The Harper media connections still opened doors, even if I was on the outs with my family at the moment.
I spotted them at a corner table by the window—an intimate setting with soft lighting and fresh flowers. Devon was sitting across from Caroline, his expression uncharacteristically gentle as he listened to her speak. The sight made something twist uncomfortably in my chest.
Before I could second-guess myself, I was weaving between tables toward them.
"What a coincidence!" I exclaimed with false brightness as I reached their table. "Devon, Caroline—lovely to see you both."
Caroline looked up, surprise flickering across her perfect features before she composed herself into a polite smile. "Aria, what an unexpected pleasure."
Devon's reaction was more controlled, but I caught the slight tightening around his eyes. "Ms. Harper," he said formally. "Are you dining here this evening?"
"I am now," I replied, pulling out a chair and sitting down between them without waiting for an invitation. "I hope you don't mind if I join you? I was just passing by and spotted you through the window."
A waiter appeared almost instantly, confusion evident as he looked between the three of us.
"We'll need another place setting," Devon said smoothly, though his eyes held a warning as they met mine.
"Of course, sir," the waiter replied, hurrying away.
An awkward silence fell over the table. I broke it with a bright smile directed at Caroline. "That dress is stunning on you. Valentino's spring collection, isn't it?"
"Good eye," she replied, her tone surprisingly warm. "Yes, it just arrived last week."
I noticed her demeanor toward me seemed different than our previous encounters—less territorial, more genuinely friendly. It was disconcerting.
"Devon mentioned you two had a business meeting earlier," Caroline continued. "He said your company is doing some innovative work in marketing."
I glanced at Devon, surprised he had discussed me with her. "Did he? How flattering. Though Mr. Kane can be quite demanding as a client."
Caroline laughed lightly. "Oh, I can imagine. Devon expects perfection in everything."
Throughout the meal, I observed their interactions closely. Devon was attentive to Caroline in a way I'd never seen him with anyone else—refilling her wine glass without being asked, listening intently when she spoke about her charity work. Yet there was something almost... practiced about it. Like he was playing a role he knew well rather than acting on genuine feeling.
After dessert, Caroline excused herself to the ladies' room, leaving Devon and me alone at the table.
"I'm sorry if I ruined your romantic date with your marriage candidate, Mr. Kane," I said with a mischievous smile.
His eyes narrowed slightly. "If you put half as much effort into your work as you do into creating drama, Ms. Harper, I imagine your proposals would be quite impressive."
"Perhaps," I countered. "But this is much more entertaining."
Devon studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable. "What are you really doing here, Aria?"
Before I could answer, Caroline returned, ending our private conversation. She smiled warmly at me as she sat down. "I was just thinking, Aria—we should have lunch sometime. Just us girls."
Her suggestion took me completely by surprise. "I... yes, that would be nice."
"Wonderful! I'll have my assistant call yours to set it up." She turned to Devon. "Darling, we should probably head out if we're going to make it to the gallery opening."
Devon nodded, signaling for the check. When it arrived, he paid without looking at the amount, then stood and helped Caroline with her chair. "Aria, will you be joining us at the gallery as well?" he asked, his tone making it clear what answer he preferred.
"No, I have some work to catch up on," I replied, suddenly feeling like I had overstayed my welcome. "Thank you for letting me crash your lunch."
Caroline surprised me by leaning in to kiss my cheek. "Don't forget about our lunch. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better."
I watched them leave, Caroline's hand resting lightly on Devon's arm as they walked toward the exit. Something about their relationship didn't add up. Caroline's sudden friendliness, the practiced nature of their interactions—it felt like I was missing a crucial piece of the puzzle.
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Devon's POV
I held the restaurant door for Caroline as we stepped out into the cool air. She maintained her perfect smile until we reached the sidewalk, then let out a small, exasperated laugh.
"Well, that was unexpected," she said, shaking her head. "Though I can't say I'm surprised. You two seem to run into each other everywhere lately. Is that by design, Devon?"
I remained silent, scanning the street for my driver.
"She's quite beautiful," Caroline continued, studying my expression. "Those amber eyes, and that beauty mark... very sexy."
I felt my jaw tighten slightly. "My car is here," I said, nodding toward the black Bentley pulling up to the curb.
Caroline wasn't deterred. "You know, our frequent dates are just for show, right? For your mother's benefit?" She laughed lightly. "It's a shame though—she clearly hates me, and we could have been friends."
"What are you talking about?" I asked, finally turning my attention fully to her.
"Oh, come on," Caroline rolled her eyes. "Whenever we've encountered her before, I've had to play the territorial girlfriend role. She probably thinks I'm horrible." She sighed dramatically. "And it's your fault. Making us pretend when we both know there's nothing between us."
I remained silent, remembering the occasions Caroline had subtly belittled Aria in my presence.
"You even let me criticize her at Pierre's studio," Caroline continued. "I said she wasn't right for the Blake family."
"You didn't need my permission for that," I pointed out.
Caroline playfully hit my arm. "I was helping you! The entire New York social circle knows about Ethan Blake's reputation as a playboy. She deserves better than him." Her expression turned sly. "Unless... you'd rather see her marry Ethan? Is that what you want, Devon? To watch your woman marry someone else?"
My expression darkened at her implication. "That's enough, Caroline."
"If a few words from me could stop her from marrying into the Blake family, that's just my talent," she said with a shrug. "Admit it, Devon. You're interested in her."
Without responding, I opened the car door. "I'm leaving. Find your own way home."
Caroline stamped her foot childishly. "That's so ungentlemanly of you! This is not how you treat a lady!"