The little boy slowly walked toward Aria and wrapped his tiny arms around her legs.
Aria's heart softened instantly. She bent down and hugged him back, smiling at how adorable he was.
"That's your little brother, Noah. He really likes you," Vanessa said warmly.
After their small family moment, Aria was shown to her room.
It was spacious and elegant, far bigger than her old room. The soft cream walls, delicate lighting, and neatly arranged décor calmed her heart a little. She unpacked the few belongings she brought, set everything down carefully, then lay on the bed and dialed Rowan's number.
Later that evening, Mr. Richard stood on the balcony outside his bedroom, a glass of champagne in his hand. The night breeze brushed against him, but his eyes carried a quiet heaviness.
A pair of arms slipped around his waist from behind. He knew the scent instantly Vanessa.
"What's wrong?" she asked softly.
Richard exhaled, the sound weighed with guilt.
"I'm just… thinking about what we're doing. Aria seems like an innocent girl. Doing this to her, it feels like we're about to ruin her life."
Vanessa stepped in front of him, her expression sharpening.
"Richard, seriously? And what about Tiffany? Are we supposed to ruin her future instead? We planned this for months. And this is also an opportunity for Aria. She'll live in peace, comfort, luxury for the rest of her life, honestly, we're doing her a favor."
Richard hesitated, eyes drifting downward. "I don't know, Vanessa… she's still young."
"Tiffany is also young." Vanessa folded her arms. "Don't tell me you're backing out now. Think about the company. Without this marriage, we could lose everything. I won't let pity for a daughter you barely know destroy what we have built."
Silence stretched for a moment before Richard finally said, "So… when do we start?"
Vanessa stepped closer, her tone softening.
"Let her rest for today. Tomorrow, I'll talk to her. Everything will fall into place."
She rose on her toes and kissed him lightly, then slid her hand down his chest… lower… until her palm cupped him through his trousers.
Richard sucked in a quiet breath.
Vanessa smirked. "See? You're already relaxing."
Richard didn't even realize he had loosened his grip on the balcony rail. He set his glass of champagne down on the small side table with a soft clink, his restraint slipping.
In the next second, he grabbed her waist and kissed her back, rough, hungry, pushing her gently toward the room. Vanessa laughed breathlessly as he guided her inside, the balcony doors closing behind them.
Moments later, only muffled sounds of their passion escaped the bedroom.