Chapter 8
Six months after Dad’s burial, I took complete control of Sterling Industries.
The wrinkled brows of several board members smoothed out the instant they saw the quarterly reports.
The Manhattan elite’s whispers of “Sterling’s daughter can’t handle the pressure” gradually became “Aria Sterling is more powerful than her father ever was.”
When the butler gave his weekly reports on Summer’s activities, his tone always carried barely concealed mockery.[]
“That Miss Summer camps outside Ravencrest Industries every single day, rain or shine.“[]
He placed surveillance photos on my desk–pictures of Summer staring at Caspian with desperate eyes, and continued:]
AV
“Last week she blocked Mr. Ravencrest’s car in the parking garage, crying that she was pregnant with his child. His assistants had to physically remove her.”
I sighed and said nothing.]
I should have seen this coming.
But Caspian was probably really panicking–he came looking for me the very next day.[]
“Aria, can’t you talk some sense into her?“]
“I never touched her, but now she’s stuck to me like glue–I can’t shake her off!“]
“Didn’t you think she was pitiful, Mr. Ravencrest? Now’s your perfect chance to protect her.“]
His face instantly turned purple: “I was only trying to…“]
“Only trying to use her to disrupt my life and make me think I couldn’t live without you?“]]
www
1
www
w
www
www
ww
I looked up at him. “Or were you planning to quietly interfere in our business while I was dealing with family drama?“]
Caspian’s Adam’s apple bobbed violently as he opened his mouth but couldn’t get a single word out.]
Watching him flounder like this, I suddenly felt completely bored.]
I’d known his game all along anyway.[]
ww
www.
“Aria, I know I was wrong.” He suddenly crouched down, hands braced against my desk, positioning himself even lower than when he’d proposed. “Give me one more chance–I’ll make her disappear immediately, I’ll never again…”
“No need.
I cut him off and pressed the intercom for my secretary to escort him out.[]
Later, I chose myself a strategic marriage partner.]
Marcus Blackwood, a true Manhattan crown prince who controlled half the nation’s port logistics, and the only person who’d quietly offered comfort during Dad’s passing without trying to interfere in Sterling affairs.]
Chapter 8
We set the engagement party for the full moon at month’s end.[]
Standing beside Marcus, accepting guests‘ congratulations, I caught sight of Caspian in a corner.
He was staring fixedly at the diamond ring on my ring finger.]]
Halfway through the evening, he predictably sought me out, cornering me while Marcus was networking.
“Why him?“]
His voice was heavy with alcohol.]
“Just because the Blackwoods have more power than the Ravencrests? Aria, you didn’t used to be like this!“]
“What was I like before?” I held my champagne glass.
“Completely fooled by your sweet talk, or grateful you existed?“]]
His face paled: “I know I made mistakes before, but my feelings for you were real…“[]
**
ww
P
awe
www.
www
“Real enough to manipulate me with an illegitimate daughter?” I laughed. “Caspian, you want to know why I chose him?“]
I leaned closer, voice low enough that only we could hear: “Because you’re stupid.“]
“You thought you could control me with Summer, but never imagined she’d turn around and bite you.“[]
I emphasized each word: “Your genes–I’m afraid passing them on would destroy Sterling Industries.“]
Caspian looked like all the strength had been drained from him. He stumbled back two steps and crashed into a tower behind him.]
champagne
He stood there in the wreckage, staring at me with hollow eyes.
Marcus returned at just the right moment, unobtrusively positioning himself to shield me as he nodded politely at Caspian:
“Mr. Ravencrest, if you’ve had too much to drink, perhaps time to head home and rest.“]
Watching Caspian’s stumbling figure as he left, I knew this farce that had dragged on for over half a year could finally come to an end.
As for whatever happened next with Caspian and Summer?
I couldn’t care less.
All I wanted was complete control over my own life, and Sterling Industries‘ century–long legacy.
(0)
