CHAPTER 71
ARIA’S POV
I want to call Adam and blast him over the phone for tarnishing my reputation, but then I decide to stay silent on the subject. He might be doing this to provoke me into calling him first and agreeing to all his demands, but I’m not going to let that happen. I refuse to give him the satisfaction of thinking he’s in control.
Suddenly, my phone rings. It’s Eva. As I pick up, her familiar giggle filters through the line, a sound that sends a shiver of irritation down my spine. I brace myself, knowing exactly what’s coming next. Her tone is dripping with amusement, a prelude to whatever condescending remark or veiled threat she’s about to make.
“Are you returning back Grandpa’s antique piece or not?”
Her voice is laced with a mocking tone that instantly makes my blood boil. The smugness in her question is palpable, as if she believes she holds all the power. If she thinks she can intimidate me into submission with her threats, she’s sorely mistaken.
Anger and defiance surge through me, solidifying my resolve not to let her manipulate me. She must be dreaming if she thinks I’ll cave so easily.
“Why would I return something I’ve paid a billion dollars for?”
I remind her firmly about the payment I made, emphasizing that once someone pays for an item, it belongs to the buyer. Is she so dense that she doesn’t get this basic concept? My frustration grows as I repeat myself, incredulous at her audacity and apparent lack of understanding.
I can practically feel the heat of her anger radiating through the phone. Firstly, the fact that I have Grandpa’s antique piece, a prized possession he likely assumes is still tucked away safely at home, must be a source of bewilderment and irritation for her.
Secondly, the sheer audacity of my purchase, dropping a billion dollars on this necklace, undoubtedly blind–sided her and added fuel to the fire. It’s clear that my actions have rattled her, and I can’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction in knowing that I’ve managed to shake up her carefully laid plans.
“Do you think after seeing those viral photos of yours online your Neal Jackson will still stay with you?”
So, she knows. She tells me that Nick will leave me just as Adam did. But I remind her that it is I who left her brother and not the other way round.
“How do you know about those rumors? Are you the one who spread them?”
As the conversation unfolds, it becomes increasingly apparent that the purpose behind Eva’s call is more than just idle chatter. Her confidence is palpable, her demeanor almost smug as she dances around the topic at hand. Yet, beneath her polished façade, there’s a subtle urgency, a determination that belies her casual tone.
With each passing moment, the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, and I realize the true reason for her call. She wants the antique piece. It’s a bold move, but one that fits perfectly with her character. Despite her attempts to mask her intentions, there’s a distinct edge to her voice, a hint of anticipation.
When I finally muster the courage to confront her and ask if she’s the one behind all the gossip, there’s a brief moment of silence before she responds. Then, without hesitation, she confirms it. Her admission hangs in the air, a stark confirmation of my suspicions.
The air of superiority and intimidation in her voice makes it clear that she believes she has the upper hand. It’s a calculated move, designed to assert her dominance and keep me on the defensive.
“Better return the necklace or lose everything, bitch! Afraid of me now?”
1/2
CHAPTER 71
+25 BONUS
I refuse to be cowed by her tactics. Instead, I steel myself, drawing on my own inner strength and resolve. I may be facing an uphill battle, but I refuse to let her intimidation tactics dictate the course of our interaction. With every word, I push back against her arrogance, refusing to let her control the narrative.
What she does not know is that I am about to drop a huge ball on her. I have actually recorded her voice call with me, where she admitted to spreading the rumors and blackmailing me. Therefore, I immediately hang on her, without answering her last question.
How stupid of her to think that she has won! She has no idea what’s coming her way.
