Chapter 14
Chapter 14
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Owen rubbed his temples, watching Aaron’s eyes brim with tears. “You can’t let your feelings screw up a case, and you sure as hell can’t let some random gossip throw you off your game.
“I’m cutting you a break this time, but go home and get your head straight. Mess up again, and you’re out.”
Aaron shot up, stumbling over his promises. “Mr. Shaw, I swear, it won’t happen again!”
“Beat it.”
“Gotcha.”
Aaron stunk out, easing the door shut, silently cursing Hannah. She’d been so smug, swearing Aria was a crook like she had a file of proof stashed somewhere.
In the hospital’s sterile, buzzing hallway, Liam leaned close to Hannah. “What makes you so sure Aria’s 150 mil is dirty money and not just a gift from the Saxons?”
Hannah’s gaze dipped, her voice sharp as a blade. “My cousin mil for Aria’s dowry.”
PLus, she believed Aria didn’t have the smarts
to
th was
King on her pretty face.
was Silvia’s college roommate. She told me last night the Saxons only forked over fifteen
pull in that kind of cash unless she
Hannah was dead certain Aria was knee–deep in that fraud
mess.
Call
the
strings.
Liam’s thoughts churned. He’d met Aria right when that scam was blowin pulli 0
- up.
If Hannah was onto something, Aria had played him like a cheap guitar from the start–shaping herself into his perfect girl, tossing flirty signals to lock in
a ring and a marriage license.
a
Then, while he was halfway across the globe, she’d slithered into the Cole Group, snapped up shares for peanuts, and laundered money for bigger paydays.
‘She is a damn viper,‘ he cursed silently.
Rage flared hot in his chest, but he shoved it down and pulled Hannah in, arm around her shoulders. “Hannah, thank God you came into my life. You showed me Aria’s true face.”
Hannah smirked, all confidence. “Girls like her are born to fake it, especially with looks like that. Don’t kick yourself for falling for her game.”
Her tone turned bitter. “Why’s your uncle dodging us on that injury report?”
Liam let out a heavy sigh. “He worked with her for two years. Guy’s too soft–hearted. Let’s not hound him. I’ll check with Mary when I get home. If she’ll speak up, Aria’s done.”
A dark glint flashed in Hannah’s eyes, but she nodded. “That’ll work.”
“Come on, I’ll drive you home.”
“Sweet”
Liam dropped Hannah off, then gunned it back to the Cole Manor,
He tracked down Mary and got straight toft. “Did Aria ever put hands on you?”
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15:08 Mon, 26 May MT.
Chapter 14
Mary’s eyes went wide, her nod shaky. “Mrs. Cole was obsessed with perfect ingredients. Thought I got her crap produce, so…”
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Her voice cracked as she looked away, rolling up her sleeve to show a patchwork of bruises and scars. Tears spilled over as she begged, “Mr. Cole, you gotta have my back! She roughed me up bad and didn’t even toss me a buck for the doctor.”
Liam’s gaze hardened as he noticed the dark bruises staining Mary’s arms. His jaw clenched, a surge of loathing for Aria twisting in his chest.
‘How could she be so vicious?‘ he thought, his expression like ice.
“Why didn’t you say something when she laid hands on you?” he asked, his voice low, sharp with barely contained anger.
Mary’s legs gave way, and she crumpled to the floor, her hands shaking. “She–she swore she’d fire me if I talked, sir. My boy’s in college. I can’t lose this gig.”
Liam let out a heavy breath, crouching to gently lift her up. “Get to a hospital and have those injuries checked. Send me the report. I’m wiring you 65 grand to make this right. She’s not touching you–or anyone–ever again.”
Mary’s eyes flickered with hope before she ducked her head. “Sir… you and Mrs. Cole… are you calling it quits?”
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IVION, 20 May
Chapter 15
