Chapter 207 Narrow Encounter
In the bathroom, I was nervously fixing my appearance in the mirror, my heart racing. I was torn between the fear of messing up the meeting and the excitement of what this opportunity could mean for my career.
Out of nowhere, I bumped into Aria.
She clearly didn't expect to see me. Her eyes widened, and she took a step back, almost like she'd seen a ghost.
"Diana, what are you doing here?" she practically yelled, her voice high-pitched with surprise.
I crossed my arms and shrugged, a smirk playing on my lips. "This hotel isn't just for you, Aria. Why can't I be here?"
"Edward is taking me to meet someone important today. You're not here to mess things up, are you?" Aria shot back, her arms crossed and her eyes glaring at me like I was some kind of threat.
Her words made my blood boil. I couldn't believe how small the world was, running into her again so soon.
I clenched my fists and let out a cold laugh. "Aria, don't think your little schemes can fool me."
I took a step closer, my eyes locked onto hers, sharp and unyielding.
Aria's face flushed, and she looked away for a second before trying to play it cool. "What are you talking about? I haven't done anything."
She lifted her chin, but her trembling lips gave her away. She was guilty, and we both knew it.
I decided to call her out, exposing how she had stolen work from Stellar Legal Advisors and engaged in dirty competition.
Realizing I knew her secret, Aria dropped the act and snapped, "Yeah, our company took those cases. We offered lower prices, so of course, clients chose us! If you want clients, lower your prices!"
She looked smug, even proud. After a moment, she covered her mouth with a hand, her eyes gleaming with malice. "Oh, I forgot. Your firm can't afford to lower prices, right? Unlike me, I've got Edward's support. No matter how low I go, Edward's got my back."
With that, she strutted out of the bathroom, her high heels clicking on the floor.
She was a far cry from her usual composed self, now just a spiteful mess. Watching her walk away, I couldn't help but feel sorry for Edward. The Howard family might be rich, but even their fortune couldn't withstand Aria's recklessness. At this rate, she'd burn through it all.
Thinking of this, I touched up my makeup and walked out of the bathroom with purpose.
Just as I was about to enter the private room, a familiar voice called out behind me. "Diana, what are you doing here?"
I turned around to see Edward's refined face looking at me. He was dressed in a sharp suit that made him look even taller and leaner. His tie was perfectly knotted, and the subtle luxury watch on his wrist caught the light just right, making him look every bit the elegant gentleman.
Before I could say anything, Aria rushed over and latched onto Edward's arm. She was dressed to the nines, but her flashy outfit and heavy makeup looked tacky next to Edward's refined style. They just didn't match.
Aria was all smiles, but there was a hint of urgency in her voice. "Edward, let's go in. The producers are waiting."
Edward's lips twitched like he wanted to say something, but he just sighed and let Aria drag him into the room.
Even though Edward and I were divorced, I knew I was still a sore spot for Aria. She'd never let me get a moment alone with him.
I didn't have feelings for Edward anymore, but he was once the man I loved deeply. I had hoped he and the Howard Group would do well in business.
But as Hayden said, Aria came from a modest background and might not have the vision to plan for the Howard Group's future.
Now, she was always trying to please, control, and manipulate Edward. Who knew if this would cause problems for the Howard Group down the line? But since Edward and I were divorced, my worries didn't matter to him anymore.
Watching them leave, I shook my head and walked into the private room Nicholas had reserved.
Soon, Nicholas and his director friend Orval Montes came in, laughing and chatting. Hearing the noise, I stood up, put on a smile, and waited for them.
Orval looked familiar, but I couldn't place him right away.
He seemed to recognize me too and smiled as he shook my hand. "Ms. Cooper, it's been a while."
I was still trying to remember when Nicholas asked, "You two know each other?"
I shook my head, confused.
Orval smiled and said, "I worked on a project with Mr. Wilson and met Ms. Cooper at a club."
I tried to remember and thought of the time before Edward and I divorced when David gave me a hard time at the club. Orval must have been there.
That was a rough night, and I had to drink a lot, so my memory was fuzzy.
Orval, being savvy, quickly changed the subject. "Ms. Cooper, you look as radiant as ever."
Nicholas, not knowing the backstory, thought Orval and I were old friends and said, "Since it's just us today, let's relax and not be too formal."
With Nicholas's lead, Orval and I took our seats.
Nicholas's pretty assistant, who had been following him, quietly left the room and closed the door behind her.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
