Chapter 5
Hannah strutted over, tucking a stray curl behind her ear with a coy smile. “Hey there, I’m Hannah Gibson.”
Aria’s gaze slid to Owen, who stood brooding in the corner, his brows pinched as he eased back. “Sorry, not really a handshake guy. Who’re you?”
Hannah froze for a split second but bounced back with a grin, all warm and chummy. “Owen, dude, it’s me! Your Mandino junior, three years behind. We totally killed it co–hosting that gala, remember?”
After the quick trip down memory lane, she got to the point. “Alright, here’s the deal–I need you to take our case.”
Owen was the legal world’s ice–cold rockstar–chiseled features, a stare that could freeze lava, and a six–foot–three frame that owned any room, even when he was just lurking in the shadows.
The guy radiated don’t test me energy, and Liam, Hannah’s boyfriend, was clearly feeling the pressure. He stepped up, chest puffed out. “It’s a divorce case, Mr. Shaw. You got our back, we’ll make it worth your while.”
Here’s the hitch: lawyers from the same firm couldn’t play both sides of a case. If Owen took Hannah’s gig, Aria would have to hunt down a new firm.
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Aria cocked her head, reading the room. “Mr. Webb, no offense, but between you and Mr. Shaw… who’s the big deal around here?”
Hannah let out a snarky chuckle. “Aria, come on. My man Owen’s the top gun at Seacrest Law Firm. He’s not about to rep some sketchy con artist.”
Aria was ready to fire back, but someone cut in.
“Con artist? You got proof for that, Ms. Gibson?” Owen’s frosty gaze flicked between them, his voice sharp as a blade. “You know talking smack like that can get you sued.”
Hannah didn’t miss a beat. “Okay, let me break it down. Two years ago..
She spilled the whole story, claiming Aria pulled a shady marriage scam, snagged a questionable 150 million to funnel into the Cole Group, and used it to launder money.
“We’re not out to burn her, but Grandpa Cole offered her 230 million, and she just laughed. Girl’s demanding 1.5 billion bucks!“she said.
Her voice had that “I tried to help, but she’s too much vibe“. She wisely dodged the prenup mess–too spicy for this crowd.
Mason felt his stomach lurch. Fifteen billion dollars? That was straight–up wild. Aria’s odds of winning this case seemed slimmer than a tightrope in
a storm.
He wasn’t touching this without the full picture. “Ms. Saxon, quick question–how’d you rake in that kind of cash?”
Every eye in the place locked on Aria, waiting for her to spill the tea.
Aria’s lips curled into a smug, you wish smirk, her tone pure defiance. “Whoever’s throwing shade better bring receipts. The Coles want to jack my shares, saying my money’s dirty? Then they gotta prove I scammed someone. I don’t owe anyone an explanation about my cash.”
She shot a glance at Owen, testing how tight he was with his old schoolmate. “That’s how the law works, right, Mr. Shaw?”
Owen’s sharp eyes met hers, cool and unflinching. He gave a curt nod. “Exactly. You two need solid proof Aria’s a fraud. If it holds up, that money’s not hers anymore–it goes straight to the cops.”
Liam’s face twisted like he’d swallowed a bug. “Turn it over to the cops? What kind of crap is that?‘
Liam’s voice was thick with annoyance. “What the hell’s that about?”
Hannah gently grabbed his wrist, shutting him down. Her voice was soft but pointed. “Two years ago, a massive scam tore through back home. Families got crushed, and the scumbags behind it vanished. Funny thing—right about then, Ms. Saxon pulls 150 million out of thin air…”
She let the words hang, and the room buzzed with suspicion.
150 million? Even a big dog like Mr. Shaw would sweat to come up with that. How’s a girl barely out of college doing it?”
“Both went down two years ago. Hard not to raise an eyebrow.”
The whispers grew louder until a cleaning lady, who’d been quietly taking it all in, suddenly rushed forward and dropped to her knees in front of Aria. Tears poured down her face as she clutched Aria’s pant leg, sobbing. “Ms. Saxon, please, I need my 150,000 back! It was for my husband’s
surgery.
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Chapter 5
“They stole it, and he didn’t make it. I’ve got kids to feed–please, I’m begging you!”
The room went still,, everyone frozen by the woman’s raw grief.
Aria stepped back, her face cool and composed, while the woman wailed and pressed her forehead to the floor like her world had shattered.
Owen’s expression turned to stone, his voice like a blade. “Security, get her out of here.”
Two guards hustled in, gently but firmly guiding the woman away. Her gut–wrenching cries lingered in the air long after she was gone.
The mood in the room grew heavy, and the looks shot at Aria were now spiked with doubt.
Hannah’s lips curved into a faint, smug smile, loving how this was playing out.
Owen’s sharp gaze swept over the crowd, his tone cold enough to freeze blood. “No evidence, no rumors. You’re all in the legal game–start flapping your gums without proof, and you’ll never see the inside of a law firm again.”
His words hit like a punch, and the suspicious stares at Aria fizzled out. No one dared cross him.
Hannah’s brow creased, her mind spinning. ‘Why is Owen sticking his neck out for Aria again and again? Are they tight?‘
Aria, cool as a cucumber, acted like the woman’s breakdown was just another Tuesday. “Mr. Webb, about my case…”
“I’m out.” Mason cut her off, his voice heavy with conflict. “Ms. Saxon, I’ll lay it all out for Mr. Hayes exactly as it happened. If I took your case, I’d be your guy, but you’re still dodging the question about that 150 million. And asking for 1.5 billion bucks? That’s a long shot, and I’m not here to play dirty.”
Better to bail now than get pushed out later.
Liam’s face split into a cocky grin. “Smart move, Mr. Webb. With Mr. Shaw on our team, we’ve got this in the bag.”
He shot Aria a frosty glare. “Aria, quit screwing around. Grab your 230 million and hit the road.”
Aria arched a brow, her lips curling into a tight, sarcastic smirk. “Loud doesn’t mean right, pal. I’m not just getting my money back–I’m dragging both of you to court for slander, defamation, and tanking my rep.
“If Seacrest’s passing, I’ll find someone else. Peace out.”
She spun on her heel, striding toward the door with calm, unshakable confidence.
“Ms. Saxon.“Owen’s deep, steady voice stopped her cold.
She glanced back, one brow raised. “Yeah, what’s good?”
His eyes locked onto hers, intense and unyielding. “Your case? I’m taking it.”
The room went dead quiet, the only sound the faint rustle of wind outside.
“Mr. Shaw!” Liam’s voice cracked with disbelief. “You said you’d take our case! What’s with the switch–up?”
Owen’s brow furrowed. “When did I ever say I’d take your case?”
Liam choked, his eyes darting to Hannah.
Hannah’s face darkened, her suspicions locked in. Owen and Aria had to know each other.
She kept her voice steady but firm. “Owen, I get it. Maybe you and Ms. Saxon are old friends, and you feel like you owe her. But this is bigger than
that.
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