Chapter 70
Aria’s POV
I felt my ears burn instantly when Aiden said “my wife.” The flush spread across my face like wildfire.
This was exactly what I’d hoped to avoid getting him involved in this petty drama. But before I could even open my mouth to downplay things, Summer’s indignation got the better of her.
“Mr. Carter, they treated Aria horribly in there!” Summer launched into a detailed account of everything—from the coordinator shoving me to Diana’s condescending remarks.
Her words tumbled out so fast I couldn’t stop her.
Aiden listened silently, his expression growing more controlled with each detail Summer shared. When she finally finished, he turned to me with those penetrating eyes that always seemed to see right through me.
“I understand now,” he said evenly. “How long until the performance starts p>
Summer, clearly delighted that Aiden was taking my side, quickly answered: “About thirty minutes p>
“Give me a moment,” he said to me, stepping aside with his phone.
I watched him walk away, feeling a mix of embarrassment and something else I couldn’t quite name. This wasn’t how I wanted him to see me – being pushed around at an event where I should have been treated with professional respect.
“See?” Summer whispered excitedly, nudging my arm. “Mr. Carter’s going to fix this for you. We’re not leaving, right p>
I frowned slightly. “I actually didn’t want him involved in this mess p>
The truth was, I already had my own plan in motion. I hadn’t spent years in this industry without learning how to handle situations like this. Diana might have her American fame, but I had my own connections and reputation.
This benefit concert wasn’t just any event – Elena Brooks, the head organizer, had personally invited me. She’d been transparent from the beginning about why she wanted me there.
While Diana brought local star power, I provided international reach. This wasn’t about fundraising as much as raising global awareness for hearing-impaired children.
What those staff members didn’t understand when they rudely pushed me out was that I was actually one of the event’s key performers.
Last year, I’d had a six-minute solo performance at the International Classical Music Awards – something Elena had specifically mentioned when inviting me.
She’d been strategic about wanting both domestic and international attention for this
cause.
I hadn’t actually planned to give up my performance at all.
While Summer thought I was just using the bathroom earlier, I’d actually called Elena directly to inform her of the situation. I knew it wouldn’t be long before she personally came to bring me back.
Everything was already arranged – I just hadn’t counted on Summer telling Aiden everything before I could explain the situation.
“Aria,” Summer said, misunderstanding my reluctance, “I know you like keeping a low profile, but you can’t just let someone like Diana Hayes walk all over you p>
I opened my mouth to explain that I wasn’t planning to let anyone walk over me, when I noticed Aiden returning from his call. I quickly closed my mouth. Somehow, I felt embarrassed to let him know about my little behind-the-scenes maneuvering.
“Do you still want to perform?” he asked directly, his eyes focused intently on mine.
I glanced at Summer, who was watching us eagerly, then back at Aiden. “Actually, I don’t think my performance will be canceled that easily p>
Right on cue, Summer’s phone rang. She checked the screen and looked up at me with wide eyes. “It’s Elena Brooks. Should I answer p>
“Go ahead,” I nodded, fighting a small smile.
Before stepping aside to take the call, Summer couldn’t help adding: “Mr. Carter, please talk some sense into her. She’s being bullied and still wants to take it lying down p>
I fought the urge to roll my eyes. I really didn’t come across as that magnanimous, did I?
After Summer walked away, I awkwardly touched my ear, feeling suddenly self- conscious. “This situation isn’t exactly what it seems,” I told Aiden.
“Oh?” His eyebrow arched slightly. “How so p>
“I actually have a backup plan already in motion p>
“Is that right?” Aiden’s lips curved slightly. “What kind of plan p>
As he spoke, he moved back toward his car, sliding into the seat but leaving the door open. He looked at me expectantly. “Come here p>
I walked over, having to lift the hem of my cocktail dress slightly to avoid tripping. As soon as I slid into the car beside him, that familiar woody cologne enveloped me. I glanced up instinctively and found his eyes already on me.
“Tell me about this plan of yours,” he said, his voice low and intimate in the confined space.
The car’s air conditioning cooled my flushed skin as I gestured toward Summer in the distance. “I already arranged for someone to notify Elena Brooks about what happened. That call Summer’s taking? It’s probably Elena apologizing p>
What started as embarrassment at revealing my scheming side quickly shifted to a hint of pride. “Just wait. Soon, Elena will personally come out here to escort me back in p>
I couldn’t help the small smirk that played at the corners of my mouth, feeling rather pleased with myself.
Aiden studied me intently, something darkly appreciative in his gaze. “What else p>
His question caught me off guard. I blinked in confusion. “What do you mean, what else p>
Surely having the event organizer personally apologize and reinstate me was sufficient payback?
“Is that enough?” he countered, turning my question back on me.
His unwavering gaze made me second-guess myself. “It… isn’t p>
Was I supposed to completely boycott the performance? That seemed excessive.
“No, it’s not enough,” he stated firmly, his eyes shifting to look through my window at the venue. Then he turned back to me, his expression contemplative. “Diana wanted you gone, didn’t she p>
He paused, and something in his tone changed. “Then we should return the favor p>
I felt a jolt of surprise. “That seems… a bit much, doesn’t it p>
Yet even as I protested, I couldn’t deny the tiny thrill that ran through me at the suggestion. What was happening to me?
“Why would it be?” Aiden’s voice dropped even lower, his eyes never leaving mine. “You are my wife p>