Effortless
Hannah Hale's face was a mask of resentment, but with Damian Xavier present, she didn't dare disobey. Humiliated, she could only lower her head to Aria Sterling.
"I'm sorry."
Aria Sterling smiled.
"What did you say? I didn't quite hear you."
Hannah Hale gritted her teeth. "I'm sorry!"
This apology was loud enough for everyone nearby to hear.
Only then did Aria Sterling nod in satisfaction. "Since you know you were wrong, I'll be the bigger person and let it go. But if you let someone else talk you into provoking me again, don't expect me to be so polite."
Aria Sterling shot Mya Walsh a deep look, then turned and left without a second thought.
'She'd lost her appetite.'
On her way out, she conveniently bought a gift and immediately called Julian Grant.
The call was answered quickly, and Julian Grant's voice, as playful and nonchalant as ever, came through the line.
"What's up, Aria? Miss me already?"
Aria Sterling raised her hand, glancing at the Van Cleef & Arpels women's watch on her pale, slender wrist.
"Are you free right now?"
Julian Grant twirled a pen in one hand.
"Just about to leave work. Need me for something?"
"Want to grab dinner? There's something I need to talk to you about."
Julian Grant agreed without hesitation.
"Sure. You pick the place, just send me the location."
"Okay."
「Forty minutes later.」
The two met up at an antique, traditional Chinese restaurant.
Aria Sterling sat behind a carved wooden table, pouring tea for herself from a small pot. Her delicate face seemed even finer than the white porcelain cup on the table, and she exuded an air of calm, classical beauty.
Julian Grant couldn't help but smile at the sight. He casually pulled out a chair and sat down across from her.
"So, you needed me for something?"
Aria Sterling nodded.
"In a couple of days, Victor Lawson's wife is hosting a cocktail party for all the socialites and prominent women in our circle. I want you to help me get an invitation."
Julian Grant was taken aback.
"Victor Lawson? What do you want to go to his wife's party for?"
"Just tell me if you can do it or not."
Julian Grant thought for a moment.
"If it's Victor Lawson's wife hosting, she'll definitely invite my mother. My mom gets along with her quite well. It shouldn't be too hard for my mother to ask for an extra invitation and say she's bringing a friend."
"Great. I'll leave it to you, then."
'Once I have the invitation, I can take the next step and discuss the project with Victor Lawson.'
Julian Grant was quick.
「The next morning.」
He had the invitation secured and even had someone deliver it to Aria Sterling.
Aria Sterling looked at the invitation, a faint smile gracing her lips.
「At eight o'clock.」
She arrived right on time at the Sofia Hotel, where the party was being held.
The moment Aria Sterling appeared in the grand hall, nearly every eye in the room turned to her.
Beneath the massive crystal chandelier, her makeup made her skin glow. Her hair was swept up in a simple updo, with a single curl left to drape down her neck. A silver hair ornament added a touch of sparkle, and teardrop pearl earrings dangled playfully from her delicate earlobes.
She wore a beige evening gown that was clearly custom-made. Its elegant, cinched waist skillfully outlined her exquisite figure. Paired with white high heels, she looked utterly poised.
Clutching her handbag, Aria Sterling walked further into the hall, catching snippets of whispered conversations.
"Hey, isn't that someone from the Sterling Family? I heard she's their CEO now."
"Yeah. Who would've thought a slip of a girl like her would be so capable."
"Capable? You mean capable of using a man, right? Wasn't she married to that guy from The Xavier Group…"
Aria Sterling couldn't be bothered to listen to the rest. Her purpose tonight was Victor Lawson.
Soon, her target appeared in her line of sight.
Victor Lawson was arm-in-arm with his wife, exchanging pleasantries with a business partner. Aria Sterling took a glass of red wine from a passing waiter's tray and, timing her approach perfectly, walked over.
"Mr. Lawson, Mrs. Lawrence, good evening."
Aria Sterling greeted them politely. Victor Lawson, however, seemed surprised to see her.
"Ms. Sterling, you came! Welcome, welcome."
Aria Sterling glanced around. "You've invited quite a crowd tonight, Mr. Lawson."
"It's not too bad. Just a simple business reception, a chance for friends in the industry to chat."
That's what he said, but everyone knew these kinds of parties were for networking, gathering business intelligence, and finding new partnerships.
Aria Sterling gave a faint smile and was just about to bring up the collaboration when she noticed that almost everyone in the room had turned to look toward the entrance. Even Mr. Lawson excused himself and hurried in that direction.
His features were flawlessly handsome, and he projected an aura that was both noble and aggressive. His skin was so fair it seemed unreal. A well-tailored, gray, handmade suit amplified his coldness and detachment.
'It's Damian Xavier! He's here too!'
Aria Sterling was still frozen in place as he strode directly toward her, giving only faint nods to the people who tried to greet him.
Aria Sterling instinctively tried to step aside, but Damian Xavier was already blocking her path.
Catching the scent of his signature aquatic cologne, her heart began to beat a little faster.
"Trying to run the moment you see me?" Damian Xavier looked down at her, taking his time.
Aria Sterling rolled her eyes, doing her best to keep her tone level. "Mr. Xavier, good evening."
"Here to talk business with Victor Lawson?"
"That doesn't seem to be any of your business, Mr. Xavier, does it?"
Aria Sterling ignored him and turned to find Victor Lawson, but she hadn't taken two steps before Damian Xavier's hand clamped firmly around her wrist.
Aria Sterling frowned, forced to turn and face him. "Let go of me!"
'This man is completely insane! We're divorced, but he's still haunting me like a ghost!'
"Why are you avoiding me?"
"You're overthinking it, Mr. Xavier. I just don't think there's any need for us to see each other."
Aria Sterling shook off Damian Xavier's hand and walked away to find Victor Lawson without looking back.
"Mr. Lawson, regarding the collaboration with The Sterling Group, I was wondering what your thoughts were?" Aria Sterling asked, maintaining a polite, faint smile.
Seeing it was Aria Sterling, Victor Lawson rubbed his nose slightly. "Ah, Ms. Sterling. I know The Sterling Group's factories are well-established, but you also know business is tough these days. All the new factories are cutting their prices. The quote you gave us is really a bit too high."
'He wants to drive down the price.'
Aria Sterling scoffed inwardly, but she wasn't about to be discouraged.
"New factories can certainly offer you a satisfyingly low price, but can they truly deliver a product that is just as satisfying? You know The Sterling Group's factories. Many top-tier domestic and international brands work with us. If it weren't for our excellent reputation, The Sterling Group wouldn't have been able to stand so tall in this industry for so long."