Chapter 7

The next morning atmosphere was thick with stress and tension as Aria entered the King Enterprises office building.

Although the sun blazed brightly outdoors, the upcoming meeting with Harper placed a shadow over her mind and thoughts. She rehearsed the strategy Heathen and she had developed, determined to carry it out.

Aria walked into the stunning lobby entrance and saw Heathen waiting for her near the elevators. His sleek grey suit and strong demeanor expressed power, and authority but his expression was steely, a clear indicator of his concentration on the task ahead.

Heathen saw her approaching and his gaze softened a little. He waited for her to join him in the elevator.

"You are prepared for this?" Heathen spoke as she joined him.

"As prepared as I'll ever be," she said, shifting the bag on her shoulder.

The elevator ride to the top level was silent, but their mutual determination was obvious. Heathen's jaw was set, and his eyes held the steely determination Aria had grown to expect from his prepared for battle manner.

When they entered the conference room, Harper was already sitting at the far end of the table. His usual easygoing approach seems a matter of act today; his hands fidgeted on the desk, and his gaze shifted uncomfortably between Aria and Heathen as they entered.

Heathen saw her approaching and his gaze softened a little. He waited for her to join him in the elevator.

"Good evening," Harper said, his voice calm but without his typical charm about him.

"Evening," Heathen said sharply, without wasting time with friendly greetings. He stayed standing, dominating over the table, as Aria sat across from Harper.

Aria was not in a mood of wasting any time. She opened her laptop and displayed the damaging materials records. We've detected a few problems in the delivery records, Harper. Time stamps have been changed, and shipments have been frequently delayed under your supervision.

"Harper blinked, his brows knitting together in confusion”.

"Problems” I was unaware of any questions or worries. Are you sure there wasn't an administrative work error?

Heathen chuckled abruptly and without humour.

"Paperwork errors do not leave patterns as clear. The manipulated records point directly at you.

Harper's expression showed an expression of panic and fear, but he quickly got over it. "If there's been some kind of error, I'd be glad to assist you to clear it up. But blaming me directly seems a bit… insufficient, doesn't it?"

Aria leaned forward, her gaze sharp. "This isn't a mistake, Harper. The records coincide with your shifts. You've had continuous access to both the timing of deliveries and the site reports. Care for an explanation why?"

Heathen saw her approaching and his gaze softened a little. He waited for her to join him in the elevator.

Harper stopped and asked his fingers tapping restlessly on the table. His eyes raced between them, looking for a way out.

"I have no idea what you're indicating," he finally answered, his voice tense. "But if you're claiming I've been involved with some sort of deception, you're false."

Heathen's voice pierced through the room like a sharp blade. "Don't disrespect what we know. Marcus Stone's thumbprints are all over this, and you have been his inside guy."

The accusation landed like a hammer. Harper’s composure cracked, and his shoulders slumped slightly.

Heathen was trying hard to control his temper. He gave one last warning to harper to speak up before he does something else which he won’t be able to bare. Harper gulped in fear.

"All right," he whispered his voice low to begin with. "You're correct. I've been working with Marcus."

Aria's chest clenched with rage, but she kept her expression neutral. "What was the reason she demanded.

"What could he perhaps offer that made you determined to put at risk this project and every person involved?"

Harper's gaze slipped to the table, guilt blinking across his face. "Marcus offered me a huge sum I couldn't reject it. I've been struggling financially, and he knew exactly how."

Heathen's mood was cold and harsh. "Whether you're suffering or not, you made a decision that endangered people's lives and their financial security. The efforts you make go far beyond personal gain.”

Harper’s eyes dropped low, and he seemed truly regretful and sad. "I hadn't imagined it would get past this point. It began with little delays and changes But Marcus continued the purpose of pressing, and I had no idea how to refuse."

Aria’s voice softened slightly, though her face remained firm. “You’ve caused huge damage, Harper. But you can start making amends by cooperating fully. We need every piece of communication you’ve had with Marcus, emails, texts, calls anything.”

Harper nodded slowly. “I’ll give you everything. I swear but please forgive me”

Aria looked towards Heathen and sighed. Heathen’s gaze bore into him. “You’d better. Because if you withhold anything or tried to manipulate us, I’ll make sure you face the full consequences of your actions.”

The meeting ending with Harper being escorted out by security, leaving Aria and Heathen alone in the conference room.

Aria sat down on chair and exhaled deeply, running a hand through her hair. “Well, that was hard and intense.”

Heathen looked towards her and smirked faintly, a rare flicker of amusement breaking through his stern posture. “You handled it well.”

She looked toward him and gave a small laugh. “Thanks. But we’re not done yet. We still have to deal with Marcus.”

Heathen nodded, his expression darkening. “And we will. But first, let’s review everything Harper provides. If we’re going to take Marcus down, we need a solid case and proof against him.”

The rest of the day was a blur of activity. Harper completed his promise, handing over everything emails, messages, and financial records that proofed and showed a damning picture of his collaboration with Marcus.

Aria and Heathen worked side by side in his office, poring and exploring over the documents. The tension between them had eased slightly, replaced by a shared determination and interest.

“This is it,” Aria said, pointing to a series of emails on her screen. “Marcus sharply instructed Harper to delay shipments and materials inventory. He even outlined how to cover his tracks and records.”

Heathen leaned over her shoulder, his sharp eyes scanning the screen. “It’s enough to blame him, but we’ll need more proof to make him admit it.”

Aria frowned. “What about the financial records? If we can trace payments from Marcus to Harper, it would solidify the connection.”

Heathen nodded, already reaching for another folder.

“Let’s see what else we can find.”

Hours passed as they pieced together the puzzle after puzzle. Aria’s focus never wavered, even as exhaustion crept in. Heathen’s presence was a steadying force, his focused determination fueling her own.

Finally, as the city lights began to twinkle outside the office windows, they had their breakthrough.

“Here,” Heathen said, holding up a bank statement. “A series of deposits into Harper’s account, all originating from an offshore account that is linked to Marcus.”

Aria’s eyes widened. “That’s it. This ties Marcus directly to the sabotage.”

Heathen allowed himself a rare smile of satisfaction. “Well done, Miss Chen.”

Aria grinned, a surge of pride washing over her. “We make a pretty good team.”

Heathen’s gaze softened, and for a moment he chuckled and admired her, the weight of their work seemed to lift. “Yes, we do.”

The following morning, armed with their evidence, Heathen and Aria prepared for the final confrontation with Marcus.

The meeting was scheduled at a neutral location a sleek, modern conference room in a high rise and posh downtown.

Marcus arrived with his usual air of arrogance, his tailored suit and confident smirk a stark contrast to the tension in the room.

“Ah, Heathen,” Marcus drawled as he took a seat. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Heathen’s expression was cold. “We’re here to discuss your interference in the King Enterprises project.”

Marcus face showed surprise. “Interference, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Aria leaned forward, her voice calm but firm. “Don’t bother denying it, Marcus. We have proof emails, financial records, the works. Your connection to Harper and the sabotage is truly undeniable.”

Marcus’s smirk faltered for a fraction of a second before he regained his composure. “Proof.Let’s see it.”

Heathen slid a folder across the table. “By all means, take a look.”

Marcus flipped through the documents, his expression darkening with each page. When he finished, he set the folder down, his smirk replaced by a cold glare.

“So, what now?” he asked, his tone laced with disdain.

“Are you planning to take me to court? Drag my name through the mud?”

Heathen’s voice was ice. “If that’s what it takes, yes. But I’d prefer to settle this quietly. You’ll back off this project, sever all ties with Harper, and issue a public statement clearing King Enterprises of any wrongdoing.”

Marcus laughed bitterly. “And if I refuse?”

Aria met his gaze head-on. “Then we go public. And when we’re done, your reputation will be in shreds.”

Marcus studied them for a long moment, his jaw tight. Finally, he leaned back in his chair, his smirk returning.

“Fine,” he said. “You win this round. But don’t think for a second that this is over.”

Heathen’s eyes narrowed. “If you come after us again, Marcus, I’ll make sure it’s the last mistake you ever make.”

Confrontation with Marcus and Harper removed from the project, the team at King Enterprises began to rebuild.

The delays had been costly, but with renewed focus and determination, the project was back on track and now things were working with better pace.

On evening, as Aria stood on the construction site, watching the progress and was discussing plans with workers Heathen joined her.

“You did well,” he said, his voice quiet.

Aria looked up startled but smiled when saw Heathen standing beside her. “So did you.”

They stood in comfortable silence, the city lights twinkling around them. For the first time in weeks, Aria felt a sense of peace.

“Thank you for trusting me,” she said softly.

Heathen’s gaze met hers, rare warmth and respect in his eyes. “You’ve earned it.”

As they turned to leave, a thought struck Aria. This wasn’t just a job or a project anymore. It was a testament to resilience, teamwork, and the power of standing up for what was right.

And in that moment, she knew she had found more than just a career she had found her purpose or maybe something more important.