Chapter 182- Line is Drawn

HARDIN’S POV

The tension in the room was suffocating as the two figures emerged from the shadows, their faces illuminated under the dim overhead light. My heart stopped, and my blood ran cold as recognition set in.

Mr. Garry Miller. 

His face, weathered but sharp, was twisted into a smug grin. He adjusted his suit jacket, exuding the kind of authority that only came with years of manipulation and deceit. He had always been a vulture circling over Ariana’s family, waiting for his chance to strike.

But it was the second figure that made my stomach churn.

Claudia.

The first woman I’d ever fallen for. The one who had shattered me when she walked out of my life without a backward glance. And now, standing here, her eyes sharp and full of malice, I couldn’t help but feel disgusted. Whatever feelings I once had for her had turned to ash long ago, replaced by the warmth and love I’d found with Ariana.

And Claudia hated it.

“Well, this is quite the reunion, isn’t it?” Uncle Garry sneered, his voice dripping with satisfaction.

“Garry,” Ariana spat, her voice trembling with fury. “What the hell are you doing here?”

He chuckled, taking a step closer. “What I should’ve done a long time ago, my dear niece. Cleaning up loose ends and taking what’s rightfully mine.”

My fists clenched, every muscle in my body coiled with rage. “If you think you’re taking anything from Ariana, you’re delusional.”

“Still the protective guard dog, aren’t you, Hardin?” Garry mocked, his tone condescending. “But you’re in no position to make threats. Neither of you are.”

Claudia stepped forward then, her heels clicking against the concrete floor. Her gaze flicked to me, a twisted smile playing on her lips. “Hello, Hardin. It’s been a while.”

My jaw tightened, my voice cold and steady. “Not long enough.”

Her smile faltered, her eyes narrowing. “You’ve changed.” She looked over at Ariana, her disdain evident. “And all for her?”

I didn’t respond, my silence speaking volumes.

Claudia’s expression darkened, her voice dripping with bitterness. “You were mine, Hardin. We had something real, something perfect. But you threw it away for… this?” She gestured toward Ariana with a sneer.

“Leave her out of this,” I snapped, my voice low and dangerous.

“Oh, but she’s the entire reason I’m here,” Claudia said, her smile returning. “You see, Hardin, you made a choice. And now, so have I.”

Ariana stepped forward, her chin raised despite the fear I knew she was trying to hide. “You’re pathetic,” she said, her voice steady. “Helping Garry out of jealousy? You’re nothing but a coward.”

Claudia’s eyes flashed with anger, but before she could respond, Garry raised a hand, silencing her.

“Enough,” he said, his voice cold and commanding. “This isn’t about petty emotions. It’s about power. And both of you are standing in my way.”

“Then come and take it,” I growled, stepping in front of Ariana.

Garry smirked, shaking his head. “Brave, but stupid. You really think I came here unprepared?”

At his signal, two armed men stepped out of the shadows, their guns trained on us. My heart sank, but I refused to let the fear show.

“You can’t fight your way out of this one, Hardin,” Garry said, his tone mocking.

I glanced at Ariana, her face pale but defiant. I had to find a way to protect her. To get us out of this alive.

Claudia stepped closer, her voice low and venomous. “You should’ve chosen me, Hardin. But now… now you’ll pay for that mistake.”

“You’re insane,” I said, glaring at her. “Both of you are.”

Garry laughed, the sound echoing in the room. “Insanity or brilliance, Hardin? The line is thin. And right now, you’re standing on the losing side.”

The men moved closer, their weapons steady. My mind raced, searching for any way to turn the tide. But the odds were stacked against us.

“You’re going to regret this,” Ariana said, her voice firm despite the situation.

Garry chuckled again. “Oh, I doubt that. You see, I’ve already won. And soon, the Miller empire will be mine.”

Claudia stepped closer to me, her eyes locking with mine. “Goodbye, Hardin.”

The tension reached a breaking point, the room thick with the inevitability of what was about to happen. I tightened my grip on Ariana’s hand, ready to shield her with my body if it came to it.

But just as all hope seemed lost, the sound of a door bursting open shattered the air like a thunderclap.

The room froze, every head turning toward the source of the noise.

And then, a voice cut through the tension like a blade, low and deadly.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”
She's The Boss
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