Aria's POV
Morning light streamed through the penthouse windows as I nursed my coffee, watching Noah build an elaborate dinosaur fortress with his toys. Damien sat across from me at the breakfast table, his laptop open, jaw tight with tension.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
He turned the screen toward me. "Sterling Industries just announced a hostile takeover bid. They're targeting both our companies simultaneously."
I leaned forward, scanning the headlines. My stomach dropped. "That's... strategically brilliant and completely devastating."
"Marcus." Damien's voice was flat. "It has to be. He's found a way to attack us financially while we're distracted by the engagement party trap."
"Sterling Industries is legitimate though." I pulled out my phone, already calling my CFO. "They wouldn't work with Marcus unless."
