Chapter 90
Aria’s POV
I rolled my eyes as Claire stared at me with that perfectly composed expression. The way she looked at me like I’m some fascinating puzzle she’s determined to solve-made my skin crawl.
“If I say no, will you leave me alone?” I asked her pointedly.
Claire just smiled, her lips curving in that practiced, elegant way. “No, I won’t. So you might as well humor me, Mrs. Carter p>
God, she was persistent. I glanced around at the luxurious hotel ballroom, feeling trapped. Everyone was watching us the new Mrs. Carter and the woman rumored to have been Aiden’s perfect match for years. The tension was practically visible. “Fine,” I sighed dramatically. “I’ll listen to whatever nonsense you want to share p>
Someone in the crowd actually laughed out loud at my bluntness. Heat crept up my neck—I’m not usually this bitchy, but something about Claire Bennett just brought out the worst in me. Maybe it was her flawless appearance or the entitled way she carried herself, like Aiden should naturally be hers.
Despite my embarrassment, I kept my expression neutral as I turned to Aiden. “Honey, I need to step away for a moment p>
Aiden raised an eyebrow, looking reluctant to let me go. “Alright p>
But his hand stayed firmly on my waist, his grip tightening slightly. We were surrounded by New York’s elite, champagne flowing freely as whispers about us circulated the room. I was forced to awkwardly add, “Um, you can let go of me now p>
Only then did his hand drop away.
I turned back to Claire. “Where would you like to have this pointless conversation, Miss Bennett p>
She gestured toward a set of French doors. “The garden would be nice. It’s quieter p>
“Fine.” I followed her, painfully aware of the whispers erupting behind us.
“Did you hear how she spoke to Claire Bennett p>
“Who does Aria think she is? She can’t hold a candle to Claire p>
“I don’t know, there’s something kind of badass about her p>
“Classic cat fight over the rich guy. So cliché but I’m here for it p>
“Let’s follow them and see what happens p>
As Claire and I walked away, Lucas approached Aiden. “Aren’t you going to check on your wife?” he asked.
Aiden shot him an icy look that immediately silenced him. I caught this exchange from the corner of my eye, almost smiling despite myself.
The garden was beautifully landscaped, with twinkling lights strung through the trees and flowering bushes carefully arranged around a stunning infinity pool. Despite the extravagance of tonight’s charity gala, most guests had stayed inside where the networking opportunities were better, leaving this elegant space practically deserted.
Just as Claire promised, it was quiet out here. The lighting was dim and atmospheric rather than practical, casting everything in a soft glow.
I set my orange juice down on a nearby table and followed Claire to a pair of cushioned lounge chairs. She took a delicate sip of her red wine before her eyes drifted over me appraisingly.
“What do you enjoy doing in your free time, Mrs. Carter?” she asked suddenly.
Wait, what? I was prepared for threats or territory-marking, not small talk about hobbies.
“Excuse me?” I straightened my posture, suspicion flaring. “Let’s cut to the chase, shall we? It’s just us here p>
Why bother with pleasantries? She obviously dragged me out here to warn me away from Aiden or remind me I don’t belong in his world.
Claire pressed her lips together before changing tactics. “Why did you marry Aiden Carter p>
Finally! The real question emerged.
I couldn’t help the cold laugh that escaped me. “What a strange question, Miss Bennett. Why does anyone get married? I love him, of course p>
Seriously, what kind of amateur hour was this? I expected better from Manhattan’s ice princess.
“It’s entirely possible he forced you,” she said, completely throwing me off guard. What game was she playing? This wasn’t following any script I anticipated.
I frowned, trying to regain my footing. “What century do you think we’re living in? Who gets forced into marriage these days p>
“My cousin was,” Claire replied matter-of-factly.
Claire didn’t respond to my jab. She just kept studying me with those calculating eyes, making me squirm inside though I was careful not to show it.
After what felt like forever, she spoke again. “So your marriage to Aiden was completely voluntary p>
“Yes. Is that so hard to believe?” I was getting more confused by the minute. Claire furrowed her perfect brows. “What exactly do you like about Aiden?” “Does love need a reason?” I countered, increasingly irritated by this bizarre interrogation.
“I see p>
And then, completely out of nowhere, she asked, “Do you enjoy outdoor sports p>
What. The. Actual. Hell.
“Miss Bennett,” I said, standing up, “if you have nothing else to say, I should get back to my husband p>
She didn’t argue. “Fine. We’ll continue this another time p>
Continue what? There was absolutely nothing to continue!
I suddenly realized her strategy-she was trying to befriend me to get closer to Aiden. How didn’t I see it before? She was playing the long game trying to infiltrate our marriage through me.
Not happening. I turned quickly to leave, wanting nothing more than to get back to Aiden before I accidentally revealed something this woman could use against us.
ver
I’d only taken a couple steps when she called out again. “Mrs. Carter p>
Losing my patience completely, I spun around. “Look, Miss Bennett, Aiden and I are married. You’re a beautiful, wealthy heiress-I’m sure you have plenty of admirers Theres. no need to fixate on my husband p>
“You’re absolutely right,” she said.
But instead of coming toward me, she walked toward the pool behind her.
I watched, baffled. “Miss Bennett, you can’t possibly think such an obvious ploy would work p>
We were standing yards apart—if she fell in, there was no way anyone could blame
me.
Claire ignored my comment. “Do you know how to swim, Mrs. Carter p>
She didn’t wait for an answer. “I don’t. There’s no one else around. If I fell in, you wouldn’t just let me drown, would you p>
Was she serious? This woman should be running scam operations, not attending charity galas.
Before I could process what was happening, there was a loud splash. Claire Bennett had actually thrown herself into the swimming pool!
What the hell was she doing p>