Aria Thron and Elias arrived in London just hours before the Zenith Records launch party. Their flight from New York had been seamless, a necessary evil of their shared existence. While the world knew them as formidable financial minds, Aria, the brilliant shareholder, Elias, the CEO of Vance Global, only a chosen few knew their private reality: they were high-ranking soldier mercenaries, their professional careers a high-functioning cover for their secret life of mission work. Aria's corporate rank was superior to Elias's, a dynamic that translated into deep respect and protective reverence from him.
Elias was immediately annoyed by the reason for their trip: Jax Ryland.
"This entire event is a ridiculous display of vanity built around a song about being trapped," Elias muttered to Aria as they were driven toward the Royal Opera House. "Ryland is selling drama, and the shareholders are buying it."
Aria, dressed in a sleek, midnight blue column dress that radiated power, only gave a slight shrug. She had seen the small correction" in her Q3 assets, the subtle, brilliant financial move Jax had made in London. It was a clear demonstration of his power, a strategic, non-verbal communication that bypassed her corporate guard. It was a gesture of respect, and to her annoyance, it had worked. The wall of hate she had carefully built around him was beginning to crumble.
"He is a master artist, Elias. He creates the narrative, and we profit from the attention, Aria observed, though her thoughts were already straying to the memory of his drenched, unyielding face in the video. It is a bit funny, she thought, that the man who drove me crazy with his obsession now manages to impress me with his discretion.
The Royal Opera House was dazzling, a beacon of light and luxury in the London night. The area was cordoned off, lined with fans, security barriers, and a relentless line of press. As their car pulled up, the scene erupted, forcing them back into the public role of corporate elite.
The atmosphere intensified further a few minutes later when Aether's convoy arrived. The moment the sleek, custom vans stopped, the collective roar of the nearby fans and the shouts of the press became deafening. The four members of Aether stepped out, looking like living statues carved from fame and perfection.
Jax, Kellan, Rhys, and Nick were immaculate in identical black tuxedo variations, custom designed to contrast with the chaotic video. They moved as a single, choreographed unit. The Event Photographers went into a frenzy, their flashes firing, so rapidly the red carpet became a blinding strobe light.
The cameras snapped every angle of their entry: the way Jax held his head, conveying intense, cold focus; the luminous, slightly troubled beauty of Kellan; the charming, irresistible smile Rhys used to disarm the press; and the genuine, easy warmth Nick gave the fans.
Inside the crowded main hall, the party was in full swing, with waiters circulating, offering trays of champagne. The entire corporate elite held a glass.
At the central stage, the CEO of Zenith Records, Damian Reed, took the microphone, holding a glass of champagne aloft. The chatter instantly quieted.
"Welcome, esteemed shareholders, partners, and artists," Damian's voice boomed across the room. Tonight, we are celebrating not just a song, but a phenomenon. In the last 48 hours, Aether has broken every single platform record with the release of their dual singles and the spectacular video for 'The Break.' They have proven, yet again, that they are not just musicians; they are cultural architects. This band is a driving force for Zenith Records, for our partners at Gucci, and for the global economy. To Jax, Kellan, Rhys, and Nick: thank you for creating the necessary chaos. Now, please raise your glasses!
Everyone in the room, including Aria and Elias, raised their champagne flutes in a massive, glittering toast. A thunderous chorus of clapping and cheering erupted, followed by the sound of drinking as the executives celebrated their victory.
Aether, having fulfilled their public duties, moved to the side of the stage. This was Jax's cue to seek out Aria. However, he was intercepted immediately by Soverkis Volkov, who glided toward him like a shark sensing blood.
Soverkis was aggressive in her pursuit. She took his arm, her eyes shining with manic adoration that bordered on the obsessive. Jax, darling. You were phenomenal. The 'Iron Anchor' video will only cement your status. You know I was right to offer you the deal in New York. We belong together creatively; no one understands your ambition like I do.
Jax was visibly uncomfortable. He disliked her possessive energy, feeling it was the very thing he was trying to shed for Aria. He offered a minimal, polite smile. Thank you, Soverkis. I'm happy where I am.
Kellan, ever perceptive of Jax's social discomfort and knowing the intense focus Jax had on Aria, slid smoothly into the conversation. Soverkis! You look incredible. Jax and Rhys need a word about the after-party logistics, right now.
Kellan gently pulled Soverkis's hand off Jax's arm, redirecting her attention with his sensitive charm. I need your expert opinion on the lighting design for our European leg, Soverkis. You have such a brilliant eye for creative flow," Kellan led the jealous rival away toward a quieter corner, effectively luring her away from his bandmate.
With Soverkis neutralized, Jax finally had a clear path to Aria and Elias.
Just as Jax approached, Damian Reed, the CEO, brought the entire Aether group over to greet the two most important corporate stakeholders.
"Aria, Elias! A huge thank-you. Your faith in Aether has been well-placed, Damian said, raising his glass of champagne to them.
Aria and Elias mirrored the gesture. Congratulations, Damian. The execution was flawless, Aria replied, her voice steady and professional.
Kellan was polite and gracious. "A pleasure to see you both."
Rhys, however, injected the necessary levity. Aria, Elias, thanks for coming! We appreciate the long flight. Hopefully, the money you're making on us buys you better airline food than we get.
Elias, ever formal, managed a small, restrained smile. Aria, however, let out a short, genuine, melodic laugh. The sound was surprising, entirely unrestrained, and beautiful.
Jax froze. He had never heard her laugh before. Her public persona was so disciplined, so guarded, that the sound hit him with the force of an emotional shockwave.
Jax's Thought: That sound... it's unguarded. It's light. It's what I'm fighting for. I want to hear that every day. I cannot believe that laugh was hidden behind that serious mask.
Elias, seeing Aria's genuine amusement, visibly cherished her joy, his rank and power dissolving into protective affection. He loved seeing her happy.
Jax seized the moment of connection. Ignoring Elias, he focused entirely on Aria, his voice dropping to a low, resonant rumble.
"Aria Thorne," Jax greeted, his gaze holding hers, acknowledging the entire drama show without speaking of it. "You've certainly brightened this rather predictable celebration."
The compliment was delivered with such sincere admiration that Aria's professional composure fractured slightly. She saw the intense, focused desire in his eyes, but now it was tempered by the respect he had shown in the financial maneuver.
I saw your 'correction,' Jax. A sophisticated demonstration of leverage. Thank you. It was... unnecessary, but noted, Aria replied, trying to regain her control.
Jax leaned slightly closer, his voice dropping lower so only she could hear. Nothing I do for you is unnecessary, Aria. I only pursue what I respect. And I respect your power.
The air between them crackled with the charged tension of their realized attraction. Elias, already disliking Jax, stepped closer to Aria, subtly attempting to draw her away.
Elias's Thought: Ryland is too intense, too distracting. He doesn't respect the rules of the corporate game. I have to shield Aria from this reckless pursuit.
Aria, fully aware of the public performance and the private challenge, knew she needed to end this intense public standoff.
"In that case," Aria said, returning to a professional tone but keeping her eyes locked on Jax, Since you clearly enjoy high stakes, I have a professional invitation. I am opening Vanguard Designs in New York next week, my new high-end security and defense firm. I would like Aether to perform at the private launch.
This was a major offer, a direct tie between Aether's public success and Aria's private, powerful business world.
"A private show for Vanguard Designs," Jax repeated, a slow, appreciative smile spreading across his face. That sounds like a contract I would enjoy signing. You have my word. We will be there.
Aria felt a rush of reckless energy. Good. Then the night had served its purpose. She started to turn, but Jax caught her wrist lightly, the brief touch sending a startling jolt through her.
"The night has not finished its purpose, Aria," he murmured, his eyes full of challenging invitation. He subtly moved them toward a less crowded alcove near a massive, decorative curtain, away from the immediate gaze of the Event Photographers. I need to discuss the Vanguard Designs contract in private. There are details that cannot be overheard.
Elias watched them move away with an expression of sharp, possessive displeasure, but Aria's rank ensured he could not openly challenge her decision to take a private meeting. He could only watch as his greatest rival led the woman he fiercely protected toward a secluded room.