Aria's POV
I didn't sleep
Not for a second.
Each time I closed my eyes I saw Damian at the parking garage and the words " I care about you" kept coming into my mind. I had sworn to destroy him now I don't know what he truly wants.
Why would he say that to me?
Does he like me ?
Is he innocent?
No
Those are lies
He's been manipulative.
But I won't let him have his way. He wants me inside his company, he wants me so badly by his side. That way I can destroy him from the inside.
Destroy him
Expose him
At least…that's what I thought but here I was standing in front of Blackwood Corporations Headquarters for the third time in one week. The glass of the building reflected the morning Sun.
I took a deep breath.
Then pushed through the revolving doors.
The receptionists stared at me when I walked in—some remembered me as the woman who tore their CEO's strategy while others stared at me and murmured saying "that's the lady the CEO wants so badly"
How did she get hired? others asked.
I ignored all if it .
The elevator ride to the 47th floor was long. I could only take a deep breath to calm myself. Once the door opened, every staff was busy. Everyone rushing in preparation for the executive meeting. Papers shuffled and the tension in the air was high like the slightest mistake can get them fired.
Then I heard that voice in the hallway.
Loud and commanding.
"Send him to the Conference Room B. No excuses"
It's Damian again, my pulse stuttered and I remembered those words from him again .
"I care about you "
Damian stepped out of the corner office like he owned gravity. I took note of everything about him, from his brown hair down to his suits and shoe. His eyes locked unto mine the moment I appeared.
His expression changed when our eyes met, like he knew I would show up today.
"Aria Lawson" he called
I forced indifference. "You summoned me "
"No I invited you" with a smile on his face.
But I knew what he did so I corrected him.
"No, you cornered me" I said
He looked like he was satisfied hearing the truth from me.
"Follow me," he said, turning
Everyone parted for him as he walked past them. I could feel their gazes at my back as I followed him.
Inside his office, he offered me a sit.
We looked at each other for a moment, then he said
"Before we start ,let's clear the air."
"I didn't destroy your father."
"Before you hate me at least get to know the truth and stop misunderstanding what happened "
"Don't—" I said but he insisted trying to touch me but he couldn't instead he sat close to me.
Too close, close enough to give me a kiss ,I could hardly breathe.
"Let's get to why I'm here please" I managed to say.
He stood up and walked behind his desk, picked up a folder and handed it to me.
"This is your contract, go through it and Sign it" he added
"I haven't agreed to anything"
"We'll get there" he said calmly.
I opened the folder.
Senior Corporate Financial Strategist.
Full access to budget reports.
Corporate planning department.
Desk two doors from his office.
Salary triple my current one.
My stomach dropped.
This wasn't a job.
It was infiltration made easy.
"This is too much " I said as I closed the folder.
"nothing is too much for you Aria. I told you I care about you."
"Why would you grant me such access?"
"Because you're not decoration. You are talent and I don't clip my talents wings." he said
"But I work for Chen Industry"
"Then resign, it's simple "
My eyes lit up immediately he said that
"Are you not scared I might sabotage you?"
"Nothing I can't Control Aria" he said
"You think you can control me ? I whispered
He immediately said "I know, " You want me to try?
I felt a sudden heat.
"If I accept this job it would be for my own benefit not for you" I said
"Of course Aria ," "You can pretend about that for as long as you want"
"I'm not pretending."
"You are."
"Listen you want the truth about your father's death"
"My Company is the only answer to your questions"
I was quiet, like I was caught in the act of a crime.
Before I could say anything he held my hands
"Aria you will find the truth here," his voice lowering and continues "but only if you stay long enough to see it"
I couldn't flinch
"My office— 8 AM tomorrow "
"I haven't accepted "
"yes you have"
He walked around the desk again— slowly, deliberately taking my hand
It wasn't romantic but gentle ,like he was making a vow
"Welcome to Blackwood Corporation " he said
Just then his secretary rushed into his office—
"Sir, the auditors are here —Oh" her eyes widened when she saw our hands joined.
Immediately I pulled my hands away so his assistant doesn't misinterpret it.
"Later," he ordered her without looking.
She left hurriedly.
I glared at him, " Is this part of your scheme?"
He smirked. "No, if it was you'd still be holding my hands."
I could have given him a slap
But Instead I walked out of his office, with the contract trembling in my grip. My heart banging against my ribs and my revenge plan cracking at its edges.
Because I wasn't entering the Lions Den to destroy the lion.
I was entering it because the Lion already had my scent…
and I wasn't sure if I wanted to run any more.