ARIA’S POVMy retort is sharp, my tone defiant as I refuse to yield to their intimidation."I'm here for the bidding, what else do you want me to say?"But instead of a serious response, their reaction catches me off guard. Elodie and Eva erupt into laughter, their mocking tones reverberating through the room like a discordant melody.Their laughter grates on my nerves, but I refuse to let them see my vulnerability. Instead, I join in, my laughter mirroring theirs. Their expressions shift from amusement to confusion, as if they expected me to crumble under their mockery.“How can a poor person as you buy anything from here?”Elodie continues mocking me, while Eva does not waste any time to chime in.“Are you sure you got the right address?”“Better you go home, instead of embarrassing yourself.”Elodie is really getting on my nerves. She's neither my mother nor my mother-in-law, so she has no right to boss me around like this.Now that I am interacting with them, I ask them the most i
EVA’S POVMy mother and I are equally stunned when this bitch swipes her black card and the payment is approved. The collective gasps from those around us seem to elevate her sense of superiority. Since when does Aria have billions? She was always the poorest and most miserable person I've ever encountered. The transformation is shocking and leaves me grappling with disbelief. After the payment is through, Aria is supposed to give back the antique piece, but she does not.“Hand it over to me now.”My mother insists, her voice growing more firm, but Aria merely smiles at her, a condescending smirk that makes it seem as if my mother has just cracked a joke. It's as if Aria finds the whole situation amusing, adding to the tension in the air.“But I bought it. Why should I return it back?”My mother persists, reiterating that the purpose of the auction is for Aria to return the necklace, emphasizing its charitable nature. But Aria remains steadfast in her refusal. The audacity of this w
ARIA’S POVI am pleased that Grandpa’s antique piece is safe with me. Since that day, after Eva and Elodie literally begged me to return the necklace, I refused. I wanted them to run to Adam and complain, which I was certain they did. Thereafter, no one has approached me about it again.Just when I thought I could enjoy a peaceful week, and as I'm heading out the door on my way to work, my assistant Mario calls me with some fresh news to share. The news is something I was expecting.“Miss… There are pictures of you and Regis Miller in circulation online with caption stating that you’re his mistress.”This is not it. He tells me that they are also spreading rumours about my divorce and that they are still calling me a slut for sleeping with Neal Jackson. Will they ever stop talking like this about Neal and me?“Oh, really!”“I’ve forwarded the photo to you. It’s when you and Regis had dinner together.”“I’ll have a look. Just take care of the office matters in the meantime.”Mario agre
ADAM’S POVI am sitting in my office when my assistant bursts in with such urgency that I turn my head in astonishment. He doesn't even bother knocking.“Boss! Did you hear this? Aria is being disgraced online.”He tells me that a photo of Regis and Aria having dinner at a restaurant has gone viral and that this is why we have been divorced. Moreover, the rumors speak about Neal Jackson and Aria’s link up. My blood boils as he narrates everything to me. He even tells me that reporters have reached Jackson Paragon to pester Neal and Aria.I can imagine what Aria is going through.“Who’s spreading those kind of rumors?”Assuming he will leave to investigate, I direct my gaze back to the documents. However, he leaves me baffled when he reveals that Eva and my mother are the ones behind the rumors. I did ask them to retrieve Grandpa’s antique piece, but not in this manner—not by hurting Aria. I've hurt Aria too many times already, and now they are both adding salt to her wounds. Guilt wa
ARIA’S POVI want to call Adam and blast him over the phone for tarnishing my reputation, but then I decide to stay silent on the subject. He might be doing this to provoke me into calling him first and agreeing to all his demands, but I'm not going to let that happen. I refuse to give him the satisfaction of thinking he's in control.Suddenly, my phone rings. It's Eva. As I pick up, her familiar giggle filters through the line, a sound that sends a shiver of irritation down my spine. I brace myself, knowing exactly what’s coming next. Her tone is dripping with amusement, a prelude to whatever condescending remark or veiled threat she’s about to make.“Are you returning back Grandpa’s antique piece or not?”Her voice is laced with a mocking tone that instantly makes my blood boil. The smugness in her question is palpable, as if she believes she holds all the power. If she thinks she can intimidate me into submission with her threats, she's sorely mistaken.Anger and defiance surge thr
ARIA’S POVIt's high time to host a press conference and clear up all the rumors that have been circulating about Neal and me for the past few days. The falsehoods and gossip have gone on long enough, and it's time to set the record straight.This situation requires a direct and decisive approach, and addressing the media head-on is the only way to present the truth and put an end to the speculation.As we reach the conference room, reporters from countless channels are gathered, eager and expectant, as if this sensational news is going to earn them a lot of money. The buzz of excitement and the flashing cameras make it clear they are anticipating a major scoop.I have to be honest; I start feeling claustrophobic as the room is packed with reporters. They don't even bother to maintain a distance, swarming around like a pride of lions hunting their prey. The intensity of their presence is overwhelming, and I can feel the pressure mounting.“Have you both decided to announce your weddin
ADAM’S POVAs I realize that Eva is behind spreading those rumors, I feel a surge of anger coursing through me. How could she stoop so low? The betrayal cuts deep, and I can't shake the sense of disbelief that someone I once considered family could betray me in such a way.Without a moment's hesitation, I head home, my mind racing with thoughts of confrontation and retribution. Eva's actions have ignited a fire within me, and I'm determined to extinguish it once and for all.As soon as I walk into Eva’s room, I find both my mother and her glued to the television, where a live press conference is just beginning. The tension in the room is palpable, and I can feel my anger simmering beneath the surface as I watch the screen. It's clear that whatever is being said in that conference is significant.Eva and my mother spot me as I enter the room, but instead of immediately unleashing my anger on them, I find myself drawn to the television screen. My eyes fixate on the broadcast, where I se
ARIA’S POVAfter such a hectic week and a tough time with the press today, I'm relieved by how effectively Neal cleared up all the rumors. Additionally, the launch of our collection has become the talk of the town, generating a buzz that far exceeds our expectations.Dad, Neal, Nathan, and I are gathered around the dining table, the atmosphere buzzing with joy and excitement as we celebrate our recent success.The clinking of glasses and the sound of hearty laughter fill the room, creating a warm and festive ambiance. We share stories and reminisce about the journey that brought us here, each of us savoring the sweet taste of accomplishment.Neal and I exchange a proud glance, acknowledging the hard work and dedication that have paid off. Nathan chimes in with his usual humor, keeping everyone entertained and light-hearted. My father, beaming with pride, raises his glass for a toast, his eyes shining with happiness.However, my dad suddenly asks me who is the one who has been spreadin