Chapter 9
Logan’s brows furrowed, his face tightening as he fought to keep his cool. “Luke, Aria’s my daughter. How we raise her is our business, so back off.”
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Luke scoffed, jerking his hand back with a scowl. “You think I care about your family drama? I’m only stepping in ‘cause I don’t want Silvia getting hurt. And let’s be real–Silvia’s not even your blood. Why not let her come to our side? I’d treat her like my own.”
“Uncle Luke,” Silvia murmured, her voice soft but trembling with nerves she couldn’t hide. “Aria’s landed some killer deals for Cole Group. She’s got Dad’s brains–she’s incredible. Don’t get the wrong idea about her.”
She shot a quick, complicated glance at Aria, her eyes carrying a weight her words didn’t.
Luke let out a harsh laugh, dripping with mockery. “A delinquent who skips class and starts fights? Couldn’t even make it to high school. Brains? That’s a joke people’d spit their coffee over.”
“Cool it,” Joseph snapped, his glare pinning his youngest son. Then he turned to Aria, his tone all business. “A divorce would kick up a storm for both families. Besides, Daniel made it crystal clear–when he’s gone, Cole Group’s yours. You’ll be the one calling the shots. With us behind you, the Gibsons won’t dare stir up trouble. Let them run off to Erenoland if they’re so keen.”
The promise sparkled like a prize just out of reach. If Aria controlled Cole Group, the Saxon family would have it in the bag.
They’d dominate, soaring to the top of the four major families in no time.
Logan’s frown deepened, his voice low and tense. “Dad, you’re not seeing the whole picture. Aria was bullied into signing a prenup before the wedding. The Coles never saw her as one of them. Liam’s a deadbeat, and Daniel’s just stringing her along to keep her slaving for Cole Group. It’s all a big con.”
Zoe nodded fiercely, her eyes blazing. “Why should my daughter keep busting her ass for them after Liam cheated? No way Aria’s going back. This marriage is over.”
Joseph’s face darkened, his cane thumping the floor like a judge’s gavel. “If this was Silvia, she’d have guys falling over themselves even after a divorce. But Aria? Who’s she gonna find if she walks away?” His words cut deep, sharp as a blade. “I’m still head of this family, and I make the calls.”
The room fell silent, the air heavy with tension. Only Luke gave a quick nod, backing his father up.
Zoe’s heart twisted. Her daughter was being thrown to the wolves, not even allowed to choose her own path. In a low mutter, she said, “If Aria hadn’t been switched at birth, if she’d grown up a Saxon, would you still look down on her like this?”
The words slipped out, raw and unfiltered, and they hit like a slap, Silvia’s eyes filled with tears, and she dropped her gaze, biting her lip to hold back a
sob.
Luke’s face hardened. “Zoe, what the bell kind of thing is that to say? Silvia’s innocent!”
Zoe turned to Silvia, grabbing her hand with a look of pure regret. “Sweetheart, I didn’t mean it like that.”
Silvia tried to hold it together, but the tears broke free. “I’m so sorry, Mom,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “This is all because of me.”
As Zoe stood to comfort her, a faint warmth flickered in Aria’s chest, soft and fleeting. But it vanished before she could hold onto it.
Once again, Zoe had chosen Silvia. Aria had known this truth for years.
“I’m not here to talk about the divorce,” she said, her voice steady and unyielding. “I’m telling you it’s happening.”
Joseph froze, his eyes wide with shock. Silvia’s tears stopped as she looked up, her face blank, caught off guard.
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