Chapter 115
Aria pov
I watched him work, efficiently coordinating lawyers, accountants, PR teams. This was the Damien Blackwood the business world knew: decisive, strategic, utterly in control.
But when he glanced at me, softness crept into his eyes. The Damien only I and Noah saw.
My phone buzzed, it was Olivia.”Did you just agree to merge companies with your ex-husband? Because that’s either brilliant or the worst decision of your life p>
I typed back. “Still deciding which. Call you later p>
“We’re definitely talking about this. And the fact that you’re still LIVING with him till now, are you insane p>
“Possibly. Love you too p>
I set down my phone as Damien finished his call.
“Lawyers will have drafts ready by five,” he said. “PR team is preparing a joint statement. We’ll announce the merger tomorrow, before Sterling can complete their hostile bid p>
“That fast?” My head spun.
“We don’t have time for slow.” He touched my face. “But Aria, this is going to work. I promise p>
“You keep making promises.” I echoed my words from last night.
“And I keep meaning them.” He smiled. “Get used to it p>
Noah ran over, climbing onto the couch between us. “Are you gonna work together like real partners now p>
“Yes, baby.” I hugged him. “Mama and Daddy are going to be business partners p>
“Like superheroes!” He bounced excitedly. “You’ll save everyone from the bad guys p>
“Something like that.” Damien ruffled his hair.
“And then you’ll get married for real?” Noah’s innocent question made my breath catch.
“We’re working on it.” Damien’s eyes met mine over Noah’s head.
“Good.” Noah snuggled against me. “’Cause I like it when we’re all together. It feels right p>
My throat tightened. “Me too, baby p>
Later that evening, after Noah was in bed, I sat in Damien’s home office reviewing the merger contracts. His lawyers had worked fast, and true to his word, the terms were fair. Equal partnership, shared decision-making, clear exit strategies.
“Find anything concerning?” Damien asked from the doorway, carrying two glasses of wine.
“No.” I accepted a glass. “Which concerns me. This is too clean, too perfect p>
“Because I actually mean what I say?” He sat beside me. “Or because you’re still waiting for the trap p>
“Both.” I sipped the wine. “Old habits p>
“I get it.” He studied his own glass. “But Aria, business aside, I need you to know something p>
“What p>
“Working with you these past few days, planning the engagement party, dealing with Marcus, now this merger” He met my eyes. “It’s reminded me why I fell for you in the first place p>
My heart stuttered. “Damien”
“You’re brilliant.” He continued. “The way your mind works, the strategies you develop, your instinct for business. I’m not flattering you, I’m stating facts. Monroe Global’s success isn’t luck, it’s you p>
“I know that.” I set down my wine. “I built it from nothing p>
“I know you know.” He smiled slightly. “But I need you to know that I see it. I respect it. I’m in awe of it. And this merger? It’s not me doing you a favor. It’s you elevating my company by bringing your genius into it p>
“Now you’re definitely flattering me.” But I was smiling.
“I’m definitely not.” He leaned closer. “Sign these contracts tomorrow, not because you trust me—though I hope someday you will—but because it’s the smartest business decision available. Because you’re too brilliant to let pride or fear cost you what you’ve built p>
“Is this your corporate negotiation tactic?” I raised an eyebrow. “Appeal to ego p>
“Is it working p>
“Maybe.” I stood, pacing to the window. The city glittered below, full of life and possibility and danger. “If I do this, if we merge, people will talk. They’ll say I’m sleeping my way back into your fortune p>
“Let them talk.” He joined me at the window. “You and I will know the truth. That you’re a formidable businesswoman who made a strategic alliance with an equal partner p>
“Equal.” I tested the word. “You really see me that way p>
“I see you as better than me in most ways.” His voice was honest. “Smarter, more creative, definitely more resilient. You built an empire while raising a child alone in a foreign country. I inherited mine and nearly destroyed it through stupidity p>
“You’re being too hard on yourself p>
“I’m being honest.” He turned me to face him. “And honestly? Having you as a business partner is probably the best thing that could happen to Blackwood Enterprises. With or without Marcus’s threats p>
I studied his face, searching for deception and finding none. Just sincerity and something that looked like hope.
“Okay,” I whispered. “I’ll sign p>
“Thank you.” He exhaled with relief.
“But Damien?” I touched his chest. “If you screw me over”
“You’ll destroy me financially and personally.” He covered my hand with his. “I know. And I’d deserve it p>
“Glad we understand each other p>
“Always.” He pulled me closer and for a moment, we just stood there, two former adversaries turned reluctant allies, wrapped in each other’s arms against the world.
His phone buzzed. He glanced at it, and his expression hardened.
“What?” I asked.
He showed me the screen. A text from an unknown number.
“Enjoy your little merger. Won’t save you. I’m always three steps ahead. —M”
My blood ran cold. “He knows p>
“Of course he knows.” Damien’s jaw clenched. “Marcus has been watching every move we make p>
“So the merger won’t work.” Defeat crept in. “He’ll just find another way to attack p>
“No.” Damien pulled me closer, his voice fierce. “The merger will work because we’re not doing it to stop Marcus. We’re doing it to build something he can’t touch. And when will he comes for us?” His eyes blazed. “We’ll be ready p>
“I’m not wearing that,” I said flatly, staring at the red dress hanging in Damien’s closet.
“Why not?” Olivia emerged from the bathroom, already dressed in elegant navy. “It’s stunning p>
“It’s too much.” I touched the silk fabric—designer, expensive, absolutely gorgeous. “This isn’t me anymore p>
“Bullshit.” Olivia crossed her arms. “This is exactly you. Powerful, beautiful, commanding. The woman who built an empire doesn’t hide in boring black suits p>
“The charity gala tonight requires business formal,” I argued. “This is practically a ballgown p>