ADAM’S POVAs the soft glow of the screen illuminates my face, I sit alone in my living room, replaying the video from that fateful evening. The viral live feed captures everything; the glittering lights, Tony, an old lady and Aria. My heart tightens as I watch her, every movement exuding a confidence and strength that I hadn't fully appreciated before. She moves gracefully, her eyes scanning the room with a sharp, calculating gaze. It's in these moments, frozen in time, that I realize just how capable she is of protecting herself. There's a sense of pride that wells up inside me, mingled with an almost painful admiration. Aria doesn't need anyone to shield her from the dangers of the world; she’s more than equipped to handle them on her own. And yet, the thought of her being put in such a position in the first place stirs a protective instinct within me. I can’t help but feel relieved that Tony never had the chance to scam her, that his schemes were thwarted before they could cause
ARIA’S POVThe courtroom buzzes with a low hum of conversation, punctuated by the occasional rustle of papers and the murmur of attorneys conferring with their clients. The atmosphere is tense, charged with anticipation as we wait for Tony's trial to commence. My stomach churns with a mix of nerves and satisfaction; today, I am not here for justice alone, but to ensure that Tony’s meticulously crafted public image is irrevocably tarnished.Some of Tony's fans are also present at the court, but due to the overwhelming crowd, many are waiting outside for their turn to enter the courtroom. It seems they've come to a mutual agreement to take turns watching the drama unfold. The anticipation is palpable as they eagerly await updates, their loyalty to Tony now mixed with curiosity and doubt.“Tell us Miss Cook, how did you discover that Tony was a scammer.”“I had suspicions from the start about our coincidental meetings and then Adam Miller confirmed the same.”As I sit in the witness stan
ADAM’S POVThe evening light filters through the curtains of my study room, casting long shadows across the walls. The air is thick with tension, and the silence is broken only by the occasional rustle of papers on my desk. I am lost in thought, contemplating the day's events, when my mother bursts in, her face a mask of desperation and frustration.Her sudden presence is jarring. She stands before me, her eyes pleading, and I know immediately what she wants. She has come to beg me to bring Aria back. The irony is not lost on me. This is the same woman who never liked Aria, who dismissed her because she came from nothing. And now, after our divorce, she wants her back, all because she discovered that Aria is the daughter of Dave Wilson, the richest man in the country.“What have you thought about the matter we discussed last time?”“I told you before, I don’t want Aria back!”“This isn’t what you said weeks back. Now you don’t want her?”It feels like a betrayal. My own mother, my blo
ARIA’S POVAs I sit back in my office and replay the last conversation I had with Adam when Tony was sentenced, I feel a wave of emotions crashing over me. Adam had tried to catch me at the courthouse steps, and the memory of that moment stirs a complex mix of feelings within me.“Aria.”“Yes?”“We need to talk.”“About?”“Us.”My thoughts drift to what Stella mentioned the other day. She had overheard Adam telling his mother that he didn’t want me back. It stung to hear that, a sharp reminder of our past and the painful end of our relationship. So why does he want to speak to me now over a cup of coffee? What game is he playing?The pieces of this puzzling situation fall into place, and the conclusion I reach is disheartening. Adam knows I'm the richest woman in the country now, a revelation that has undoubtedly changed his perspective. Is he reaching out for financial or business reasons? Maybe he fears I hold a grudge and wants to smooth things over for his own benefit.I sit back,
ARIA’S POVThe shift in how people treated me was palpable. Almost overnight, I went from being just another face in the crowd to someone who commanded attention and respect—or at least the appearance of it. It was astonishing and, frankly, a little disconcerting. The same individuals who had once looked down on me, questioned my abilities, or outright dismissed me were now flocking to me, eager to curry favor with someone they now perceived as powerful.Walking through the corridors of my father’s company, Wilson Paragon, was a surreal experience. People who had once sneered or ignored me were now all smiles and politeness. Their sudden change in behavior was so transparent, and while it was flattering in a way, it also felt disingenuous. The whispers of "she's here because of her father" echoed around me, similar to the skepticism I had faced when I first arrived at Neal’s company. Back then, they had assumed I was there because of a romantic relationship, not because of my capabili
ARIA’S POVOne evening, as I walk through the bustling office, I overhear a conversation between two employees. They are discussing a project I have led, praising the innovative solutions I have implemented. It is a small moment, but it fills me with immense pride. Slowly but surely, I am earning their respect.My father’s pride in me is a constant source of motivation. His belief in my abilities has never wavered, and it pushes me to strive for excellence every day.The journey is far from over, but with each step, I feel more confident in my abilities and my place within Wilson Paragon. The respect I am earning is hard-won and deeply valued, a proof of my resilience and determination.I throw myself into work, letting the familiar rush of deadlines and meetings distract me from the swirling emotions underneath. It’s hectic, but the routine offers a comforting escape—until Stella suggests rock climbing. At first, the idea feels like an interruption, a disruption to my carefully contr
ARIA’S POVAs Adam and I navigate through the bustling corridors of Neal’s company, our focus on the joint project at hand, murmurs of a new opportunity ripple through the office. It’s a project shrouded in exclusivity, whispered invitations extended to a select few—Adam among them. I catch wind of this development just as the day’s tasks begin to settle into a rhythm, the promise of a new challenge beckoning from the periphery.The realization hits me with a pang of disappointment. This project isn’t just another assignment; it’s a chance to showcase my capabilities, to carve out a niche beyond the shadows of past perceptions. Yet, my name isn’t on the coveted list. It’s a setback that weighs heavily, a reminder of the uphill climb in proving my worth in a competitive arena.“After working so much to bring our companies to the next level, I’ve not gotten any invite!”Adam, sensing my quiet turmoil, offers a lifeline with a casualness that pricks at my pride. But what he suggests shoc
ADAM’S POVAfter the dinner with Aria yesterday, the realization hits me hard—she’s difficult to impress and even harder to win back. Despite this, I find myself resolute, unwilling to give up on my ex-wife. I have never needed to pursue anyone before, and the concept is foreign and daunting. Seeking guidance, I turn to my assistant, hoping for some insight on how to navigate this unfamiliar territory.“Women love small gestures of love and care.”My assistant, ever efficient, listens patiently to my dilemma. He offers practical advice—small gestures, thoughtful gifts, and genuine expressions of care. It’s a start, but I know it will take more than material tokens to win back Aria’s trust and affection. In an attempt to understand her better, I approach the butler, hoping he might shed some light on Aria’s preferences and interests.“No one has ever treated Miss Aria the way she deserved. Such a shame.”The butler’s response is sobering. Aria rarely receives anything from the househol