Episode 8
The next morning, Aria stood in front of the mirror, fastening a pearl necklace around her neck. It had been delivered to her room an hour ago with a note from Lucien: "Wear this. You're going to meet the man we're going to destroy."
Leonard Vale.
Even the name made her hands tremble.
She stared at her reflection, taking in her flawless appearance. A cream-colored designer dress hugged her figure perfectly, elegant yet modest. Her makeup was subtle, enhancing her sharp cheekbones and almond eyes. She didn't just look like a CEO's wife — she looked like a queen.
Exactly what Lucien needed her to be.
Exactly what she needed to become.
When she entered the foyer, Lucien was already waiting. Dressed in a charcoal suit and black shirt, he exuded danger and dominance. But when he looked at her, his eyes lingered with something else — approval.
"You clean up nicely," he said, offering his arm.
"I always did," she replied coolly, slipping her hand through his.
They drove in silence, the tension crackling like electricity between them. Aria's thoughts were racing. She'd memorized the file Lucien gave her last night. The facts were undeniable. Leonard Vale had methodically crushed her family — for revenge, for power, for nothing more than convenience.
Now she would smile in his face… while plotting his downfall.
The car pulled up to the headquarters of Vale International — a towering glass skyscraper in the heart of the city.
As they entered the sleek lobby, Lucien leaned down and whispered, "Don't let him see your anger. Smile. Charm him. He underestimates women — especially the pretty ones."
Aria smiled sweetly. "Then he's in for a surprise."
The receptionist blushed as she greeted Lucien. "Mr. Blackwood, Mr. Vale is expecting you."
They were escorted up to the penthouse floor, where a grand office awaited them — floor-to-ceiling windows, expensive artwork, and a giant mahogany desk.
Leonard Vale stood to greet them.
He was tall, broad-shouldered, with silver hair slicked back and a politician's practiced smile. His handshake was firm, his tone warm.
"Lucien, always a pleasure. And this must be your lovely bride."
Aria stepped forward, offering her hand with grace. "Aria Blackwood. It's an honor, Mr. Vale."
He kissed her knuckles. "Please, call me Leonard. Any wife of Lucien's is family."
She forced herself to laugh gently. "I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot of each other."
Lucien chuckled. "Especially since I'm considering a new partnership. But let's not rush. Today is about introductions."
As they sat, Leonard's eyes never left Aria for long.
She played the part perfectly — charming, curious, a little naive. She asked questions about the company, complimented his decor, even laughed at his tired jokes.
But underneath, she was studying him.
His habits. His pride. His weaknesses.
He was arrogant, that much was clear. He loved power. Loved being admired. And he dismissed her intelligence entirely.
Good.
That would make his fall even more satisfying.
At one point, Leonard leaned in, speaking directly to her. "Lucien's never brought a woman here before. You must be special."
Aria gave him a demure smile. "He's full of surprises."
Leonard's eyes twinkled. "So are you."
The meeting lasted an hour. By the end, Leonard was visibly impressed.
As they stood to leave, he said, "Let's have dinner sometime. The three of us."
Lucien nodded. "We'd like that."
In the elevator, Aria let out a slow breath.
"He's worse than I imagined," she murmured.
Lucien smirked. "You handled him perfectly."
She turned to him. "He thinks I'm just another trophy wife."
"Exactly. That's your weapon."
They exited the building, the summer sun blinding for a moment. But Aria didn't squint. She didn't stumble.
She was walking into war now.
And she would not blink.
---
Later That Night…
The Blackwood estate was silent when Aria returned to her room. Her heels clicked softly across the marble floor as she went straight to her desk.
She opened her laptop and began compiling her notes. Leonard's mannerisms. His triggers. The subtle glances he gave her when Lucien wasn't looking. She was creating a profile — building the first layer of the trap.
There was a knock at the door.
Lucien entered without waiting.
"I knew you'd be working," he said, stepping inside.
Aria looked up. "You didn't come here to ask what I found, did you?"
Lucien grinned. "No. I came to give you this."
He handed her a sealed envelope.
She opened it and froze.
Inside were photos — Leonard in compromising positions. Private parties. Secret meetings. Even a blurred photo of what looked like an offshore bank account transaction.
"Where did you get these?" she whispered.
"I have my ways," Lucien said. "Think of them as… leverage. But we won't use them yet."
She looked up. "Then why show me?"
"So you know the kind of man you're dealing with. He plays dirty. So will we."
She nodded slowly, absorbing the weight of the truth.
Lucien sat on the edge of her desk, watching her with interest.
"You didn't flinch today," he said. "Even when you shook his hand."
"I've shaken worse," she replied.
He raised an eyebrow. "Have you?"
Her lips curved. "You, for example."
Lucien laughed — a rare, genuine sound. It surprised her. Disarmed her.
"You're dangerous when you're like this," he said.
"I've always been dangerous," she replied. "You just never noticed."
He leaned in, serious now. "Oh, I noticed. That's why I married you."
They were inches apart.
But instead of kissing her, he stood.
"Get some sleep," he said. "We'll need it. Tomorrow, we start phase two."
Aria watched him leave, heart thudding.
Tomorrow, the real game would begin.
And this time, she wasn't just playing.
She was aiming to win.
💥 To be continued…
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