Chapter 5: Taking Back What's Mine

Aria's POV "Aria, my darling girl, we're so proud of you!" Grandma Elena's voice trembled with joy as she pulled me into a warm hug, her familiar lavender scent wrapping around me like a blanket. Grandpa Thomas joined in, his strong arms enveloping us both. "Reclaiming your place as CEO of Sinclair Group...it's about time. You've always been the heart of this company." I hugged them back tightly, feeling tears prick my eyes. After everything Brandon had stolen from me, coming home to them felt like the first real breath I'd taken in weeks. We sat in the grand living room of their estate, sunlight streaming through the tall windows. "But please," I said softly, pulling away to look at them both, "keep my profile low-key for now. No announcements, no updates to the company website. I don't want anyone knowing I'm back in charge yet." Grandma frowned gently, her silver hair catching the light. "Why the secrecy, sweetheart? You've earned this. The world should know Aria Sinclair is leading again." Grandpa nodded, confusion in his wise eyes. "She's right. After what that bastard did to you, let them see you're stronger than ever." I smiled, touching their hands. "I know you don't understand, but trust me. I have a plan. I need to handle things my way, quietly. Just for a little while." They exchanged a long look, then Grandma squeezed my fingers. "We trust you, Aria. Whatever you need, we're here." Grandpa chuckled warmly. "Always. Now go show them what a Sinclair is made of." ***** That evening, I drove to the Harlow Enterprises holiday party in a simple black gown that hugged my curves without screaming for attention. The venue was stunning...crystal chandeliers, live music, executives in tuxedos mingling with champagne flutes in hand. I'd arranged for the massive contract with Sinclair Group to land on Ethan's desk earlier that day, signed under an anonymous holding name. No one knew it was me. Not yet. I spotted Ethan across the room, tall and commanding in his tailored tuxedo, laughing with a group of board members. His eyes found mine almost immediately, lighting up with that predatory warmth I'd come to crave. He excused himself and strode over, pulling me into his arms without hesitation. "There's my beautiful girlfriend," he murmured against my ear before kissing me deeply, right there in front of everyone. His lips were firm, possessive, sending heat rushing through me. Whispers rippled around us, but I didn't care. Until a sharp voice cut through the air. "Oops! I'm so sorry!" Sophia appeared out of nowhere, her red dress clinging to her like a second skin. She "accidentally" bumped into me, tipping her glass of red wine all down the front of my gown. The cold liquid soaked through instantly, staining the black fabric dark and sticky. Gasps echoed nearby. Sophia pressed a hand to her mouth in fake shock, but her eyes gleamed with triumph. "Oh dear, how clumsy of me," she said sweetly, dabbing at my dress with a napkin that only smeared the wine worse. "You really should watch where you're standing, darling. Ethan deserves someone who doesn't make such a mess of things. Back off while you can—he's way out of your league." Her words were quiet enough for only me to hear, laced with venom. I forced a calm smile, my cheeks burning. "Excuse me," I said politely, stepping away. "I need to clean this up." I headed toward the restroom, heart pounding, I watched as she wrapped her arm on his, I rolled my eyes, telling myself that he's not actually mine. Before I could reach the hallway, a rough hand grabbed my arm and yanked me into a shadowed alcove. Brandon pinned me against the wall, his face twisted with rage. "You w***e," he hissed, breath hot and sour. "Throwing yourself at my boss like a desperate slut. Have you no shame?" I met his glare without flinching. "If you can betray me, hide a child, steal my kidney for your mistress..then I can sleep with whoever I want, whenever I want. We're divorced, Brandon. Remember?" He laughed cruelly, gripping tighter. "You're broke now, Aria. Clinging to Ethan because you have nothing left. Pathetic." I smirked, twisting my arm free. "Think whatever makes you sleep better at night." I walked away, head high, leaving him fuming. Back in the ballroom, the wine mostly blotted away with water, I joined Ethan at the head table. He stood immediately, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me close. "Thank you," he whispered, kissing my temple. "That contract—it's going to change everything for Harlow. You're incredible." I smiled up at him, leaning into his warmth. For a moment, everything felt perfect. Then chaos erupted. Sophia stood up slowly, she glanced at me and scoffed, glass in hand, voice high pitched and laced with honey. "Everyone! I can't stay silent anymore, for the sake of the company. This woman....Aria leaked designs to competitors...I have proof she can't be trusted around this company!" Murmurs turned to outraged shouts. Executives I'd only met once pointed and whispered. "Troublemaker!" "Get her out!" Brandon stepped forward with a smug grin, phone already to his ear. "I've called security—and the police. She shouldn't be here." "Who gave you the power to throw her out?" Ethan's deep calm voice echoed behind me. "What proof do you have?"