Chapter 77
Aria’s POV
I had no idea what to say. This was exactly what I’d meant to discuss, but suddenly I was terrified he might think I was after his money. Why did I have to open this can of worms?
I fidgeted with my hands, pressing my fingernails into my palms. God, I wished someone would burst through the door right now and rescue me from this awkward silence.
The room was so quiet I could hear my own accelerated heartbeat pounding in my ears.
I pressed harder into my palms, desperately searching for something-anything-to say that would ease this tension, but my mind went completely blank.
“What are you thinking about?” Aiden finally broke the silence, his voice low and curious.
Without thinking, the words tumbled out of my mouth. “I’m afraid you’ll think I’m after your money or something.” As soon as I said it, I wanted to disappear into the floor.
To my surprise, Aiden’s lips curved into a smile that made my stomach flip. He shifted closer, the leather sofa creaking beneath us as the gap between our bodies narrowed.
“Money is the last thing I worry about,” he murmured, his breath warm against my ear. “If you were after my fortune p>
His hand found mine, thumb brushing over my knuckles in slow, deliberate circles. “Then I’d have the perfect reason to keep you by my side forever p>
The intensity his eyes caught me off guard. I’d expected anger or suspicion, not… whatever this electric thing was happening between us. My cheeks burned as his gaze dropped briefly to my lips before returning to my eyes.
Two could play that game. I found my confidence and leaned a little closer, our thighs now pressing together.
“Well then, Mr. Carter,” I whispered, letting my free hand rest lightly on his forearm, feeling the muscles tense beneath my touch.
“Maybe you should draft a contract right away. Transfer some Carter Group shares first so I can see what I’m getting myself into p>
I meant it as a joke, but his response knocked the breath out of me.
“I’ll have Lucas bring a lawyer over to draft the agreement this afternoon,” he said without hesitation, his eyes never leaving mine. His hand moved from mine to my waist, fingers splaying possessively against the thin fabric of my shirt.
“What?!” I practically choked, my body instantly reacting to his touch. “Aiden, I was kidding p>
He moved even closer, eliminating what little space remained between us.
His hand reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering against my skin, trailing down my neck in a touch so light I almost wondered if I’d imagined it.
“But I’m not,” he said, voice dropping to that dangerous register that made my entire body vibrate with anticipation.
I couldn’t breathe properly. The way he was looking at me like I was something precious he’d never let go of, something he wanted to devour-was too much to handle.
My skin tingled everywhere his fingers had touched, and I found myself leaning into him without meaning to, drawn by some magnetic force I couldn’t resist.
Damn my impulsive mouth. Why did I have to say that?
I wasn’t his match-not when it came to this game of seduction. Not when his mere presence could scatter my thoughts like this.
Just as the air between us became thick with tension, just as his eyes darkened and his head tilted toward mine, there was a knock at the door.
Lucy’s voice called out, “Mr. Carter, lunch is ready downstairs p>
I exhaled in relief, though part of me was disappointed at the interruption.
“Aiden, it’s time to eat,” I said, already jumping to my feet, putting necessary distance between us before I did something impulsive.
I practically flew out of the room, scurrying away like a rabbit being chased.
My heart was hammering in my chest, and I needed space to collect myself, to cool the heat that had spread through my entire body.
I moved so quickly that I missed the darkening look of desire on Aiden’s face as he watched me flee.
After lunch, I received the materials Summer had sent me.
Aiden had finished eating early and was outside making phone calls, so I grabbed my phone and retreated to my room to edit my social media post.
Although Adrian’s public support had improved public opinion somewhat, the accusations about me using “special privileges” still needed to be addressed directly.
Summer had sent me video footage from the dressing room.
To avoid giving trolls any ammunition, I decided to post the unedited video-starting
30 seconds before Diana’s appearance and ending 30 seconds after I was kicked out.
Three minutes and fifteen seconds of pure, undeniable truth.
I watched it once more, drafted several lengthy captions, then deleted them all. In the end, I settled for something simple: “Apparently being humble just gets you bullied p>
After posting, I notified Summer, who immediately began coordinating with others to help amplify my message.
Within twenty minutes, my post had over 5,000 reposts. In thirty minutes, comments exceeded 50,000.
Half an hour later, the “Resonance” event organizers released an official statement: “Regarding certain rumors circulating online about our recent performance, we wish to clarify: While Ms. Diana Hayes was initially scheduled to open the event, the decision to replace her with Ms. Aria Carter was not due to any ‘special privileges’ as alleged online.
As a charity organization, our primary goal is philanthropy. The change in performers was made after careful consideration, as we believed Mrs. Carter would be more suitable.
We sincerely apologize to Mrs. Carter for any negative impact our staff’s negligence may have caused her during this event p>
With this statement and the video evidence, public opinion shifted dramatically:
“So the one using ‘special privileges’ was actually Princess Diana p>
“LOL Diana’s got some nerve-she can bully others but can’t handle being called out p>
“It’s obvious the organizers didn’t want Diana on stage because she was being difficult. Sure, Aria’s powerful husband probably applied some pressure, but Diana started it p>
Diana’s team scrambled to control the damage and suppress the trending topic, but it was already too late the story had taken on a life of its own.
But I wasn’t done yet. Half an hour later, I posted another update: “I admit I did rely
on someone’s influence, but when Mr. Carter gets angry, what can I do p>
I attached several photos-Aiden carrying me to the car and my medical records from the hospital visit.
After hitting “post,” my heart raced so fast I had to take several deep breaths to calm myself.
The response was immediate. Public opinion had completely shifted in my favor.
“LMAO, Diana is something else. She acts entitled when bullying others, but plays victim when she faces consequences. I honestly can’t see how Aria abused any ‘privilege’ here p>
“Poor Aria! She’s so talented but gets called a ‘fraud’ by some mediocre idol singer, then when her husband defends her after she’s bullied, she gets accused of using ‘privilege’? The injustice p>
“Looking at all the evidence, Aria has been treated horribly! When will the entertainment industry clean up its act?
How is someone like Diana Hayes still popular while a piano genius like Aria gets attacked? Make it make sense p>
“Am I the only one shipping this couple? Aria vs. Aiden (Brilliant Piano Virtuoso VS Protective, Intense CEO) This is literally a romance novel come to life p>
The online discussion now overwhelmingly criticized Diana. Only her most dedicated fans and some obviously paid commenters were still defending her.
“Setting everything else aside, changing a pre-arranged opening performer at the last minute is still bullying, isn’t it p>
“Oh, so now scheduled performers can just be replaced on a whim? That’s news to me p>
But these comments were quickly drowned out, especially since Angel had stepped in as the replacement.
With Angel’s much higher profile, her fans weren’t about to let Diana’s supporters
get away with their snide remarks.
Shortly after posting my second update, Lillian messaged me:
Lillian: OMG, you’re showing off your relationship to the whole internet! You go, girl! [You’re_Amazing.jpg]
Lillian: Aiden Carter rushing to defend his woman’s honor! How does it feel, my dear?
Lillian: Don’t be shy, tell me how it feels!
My face burned hot as fire as I stared at her messages. I held my phone for several seconds before finally replying: “I just feel… really happy p>
Lillian: Ugh! The PDA is killing me! I’m going to check what people are saying about
Diana now!
Lillian: HAHAHA, I’ve been waiting for someone to put Diana in her place for SO long. Finally happening! HAHAHA!
Me: Go for it.
I put down my phone and covered my face with my hands, already regretting my
second post.
Would Aiden think I was being dramatic? I couldn’t help but wonder.