Chapter 9

Thinking about his grip tightening around her wrist, like he was clutching a vanished memory. She should have felt nothing; she had schooled herself to feel nothing. But even now, surrounded by the power and success she had built, she felt the weight of his attention. She clenched her jaw, setting down the papers. She had traveled too far to turn back. Adrian Marsden was her past, and she was never going back. Yet, gazing at his memorized, uncontacted number, she wondered why it still felt like unfinished business.

The conference hall buzzed with anticipation. The air thrummed with the interest and speculation of reporters, industry leaders, and financial analysts, assembled to witness the year's biggest business news. Cameras flashed; voices mumbled; anticipation hung heavy. At the front, Aria Laurent sat poised, her expression cool and unreadable. Her dark hair was sleekly pulled back, her fitted black dress accentuating her figure with effortless confidence. Beside her, Liam Carter leaned back, his keen green eyes twinkling with amusement as he observed the restless crowd. Their news had already sent ripples through the business world; now, it would make waves.

Liam adjusted the microphone. His voice was smooth but forceful. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us. Carter Industries has always believed in strategic collaborations, but this… this is different.” He paused, glancing at Aria. “I am proud to introduce Laurent Global Investments as our official business partner.”

The room erupted. Reporters scribbled notes, their questions overlapping. “Laurent Global?” “Aria Laurent? Who is she?” “How did she rise so quickly?”

Aria remained composed, her fingers lightly resting on the table. She had expected this reaction. No one knew her… not yet. But after today, they would.

Liam smiled. “Aria?”

She leaned forward, her voice calm and unwavering. “Laurent Global has been operating behind the scenes for months, securing key investments, acquiring strategic assets, and positioning itself as a financial leader. This cooperation with Carter Industries isn't just about business; it’s about redefining power in an industry long dominated by the same names.” The subtle challenge in her words was unmistakable. And one name was conspicuously absent: Adrian Marsden.

The room exploded again, a cacophony of questions and flashing cameras. Then, a shift. A sudden quiet. The energy changed. Aria’s spine tightened before she even turned. She knew. And when their eyes met across the hall, her heart didn't race. She felt nothing.

Adrian Marsden stood near the back. Tall. Unshaken. His dark eyes fixed on hers with an intensity that sent a shiver through the audience. People whispered; reporters exchanged glances. He wasn’t supposed to be here.

Aria inhaled deeply, digging her nails into her palm. Of course, he couldn't stay away.

Liam's smirk widened, sensing the shift. He leaned closer, speaking only to Aria. “Looks like someone didn’t get the memo.”

Aria exhaled slowly, forcing stillness. Adrian didn't belong here. Not anymore. But before security could intervene, Adrian moved. He walked past the murmuring crowd, ignoring the curious stares and flashing cameras. He was Adrian Marsden—powerful, aggressive, determined to be ignored. And, despite Aria's wishes, he still commanded attention.

The murmuring grew louder, reporters focusing on him. “Mr. Marsden, are you involved in this partnership?” “Is this a takeover?” “Were you aware of Aria Laurent’s company before today?” Adrian ignored them, his eyes never leaving Aria’s.

He stopped feet from the platform, hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable.

Chapter 9

“Aria.” His name, a razor slicing through the remnants of the past.

Liam tapped the table lazily. “You’re interrupting a press conference, Marsden.”

Adrian didn't look at him. “I just need a moment.”

Liam smirked. “I don’t think you’re on the schedule.”

But Adrian wasn’t listening. His eyes blazed into Aria’s; his voice softened. “Just a moment, Bella.”

She didn’t react. Didn’t blink. Because Isabella was dead. And Adrian needed to understand that. The cameras rolled, capturing this real-time drama: a billionaire hunting a ghost.

Aria rose, her demeanor cool and controlled. She stepped closer, her heels clicking on the marble floor. For a moment, silence. Then, Adrian’s voice, raw, almost shattered.

“You can hate me,” he said, “but don’t erase what we had.”

Those words might have once mattered. They might have shattered her. But not anymore. Aria let out a soft, amused breath, then laughed—not loudly, not cruelly, just enough for him to feel it, to understand. She tilted her head, examining him like a stranger. “We never had anything, Adrian.”

His jaw tightened. She moved closer, whispering only he could hear. “It was all just your illusion.”

Adrian’s body tensed. For a second, she thought she saw something flicker in his expression, but it was gone. He straightened, his defenses firmly in place.

The cameras flashed. The world watched. And Adrian Marsden finally understood. She wasn’t coming back. He had lost. But as he turned and walked out, as the rumors followed him, Aria knew one thing: the game had just begun.