"Aria, what can I do? I'm one of the investors here, so I'll pay for this," Ava said mockingly, folding her arms with a smirk.
Aria smiled faintly, refusing to show any hint of anger. She calmly pulled out her phone to make a call, her expression unreadable. Just before the call connected, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the boutique.
The manager came rushing toward them, sweating profusely and panting heavily. "Are you… Mrs. Brook?" he asked nervously.
Aria blinked in confusion but answered politely, "Yes, I am."
The manager's eyes widened in panic. "Oh my! Thank God I came on time!! Miss please know what you say ,or the security will escort you out,!!.
Ava froze in shock. "What?" she blurted out., manager drag her out immediately.
The manager, however, didn't hesitate. He motioned for security to approach before suddenly pausing, as if realizing something important. His thoughts raced — Wait, I still love my job… I can't make a mistake like this.
He turned toward Ava with a nervous smile. "Young lady… how could I possibly drag out the largest investor and owner of AD Shopping Mall? Miss Brook, please forgive my earlier mistake. We didn't recognize you sooner." He bowed deeply in apology.
Aria stood frozen, her mind blank. Owner? Largest investor? she thought in disbelief. But I didn't even acquire the mall… the call hadn't even connected!
Before she could say anything, Sophia leaned closer and whispered smugly in her ear, "It's my uncle."
Aria turned to her sharply. "How did he even know I was here?"
"I called him," Sophia admitted with a mischievous grin.
Just then, Ava stormed toward them, her face red with anger. "Manager! What's going on here?" she demanded.
The manager's expression hardened. "Miss, please leave, or security will escort you out."
Ava's eyes widened in disbelief. "You're asking me to leave?!"
"Yes," the manager said firmly.
Aria smiled faintly and turned to Ava, her voice calm but confident. "I guess I won this time." Then she faced the clerk and added gently, "Miss, please pack these clothes for me."
The sales clerk, who had been silent the whole time, blushed at how softly Aria spoke. Her voice was like a melody—gentle but commanding. "Yes, ma'am," she said quickly, moving to wrap the clothes neatly.
Ava clenched her fists in fury, her pride crushed. Without another word, she stormed out of the store and immediately called Amalia.
"Amalia! You won't believe what happened today!" Ava cried into her phone. "That sister of yours humiliated me in front of everyone!"
"What?!" Amalia shouted on the other end. "How did she do that?"
"She had the manager throw me out! Maybe she's got some old man backing her. How else could she afford all that?" Ava hissed bitterly.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk," Amalia clicked her tongue. "I heard she can't even play the piano properly. Let's embarrass her at Diana's birthday party tonight." Her lips curved into a cruel smile.
Ava's anger slowly turned into excitement. "Yes… yes, that's perfect. Let's do it."
---
Later that afternoon, Aria turned to Sophia. "Sophia, next time, please don't call your uncle again. It's unnecessary."
Sophia lowered her head. "Okay, I won't," she said softly. Then, suddenly, her eyes brightened. "Aria! Let's go to Diana's birthday party tonight, please!"
Aria looked at her curiously. "You mean Mr. Thomas's daughter's birthday party?"
"Yes!" Sophia said eagerly. "I heard she just came back from abroad."
"She went abroad?" Aria asked.
"Yes," Sophia replied. "She's the apple of her family's eye. She studied medicine overseas."
"Medicine?" Aria repeated.
Sophia nodded, smiling. "You remember her, don't you? She was always quiet in class."
"I know her," Aria said finally. "Alright, I'll go to the birthday party. See you at seven."
---
That evening, the grand hotel ballroom sparkled with luxury. The chandeliers glimmered like stars, and the elegant floral decorations whispered of wealth and power. Waiters moved gracefully with trays of wine and pastries, and guests mingled in their finest attire.
Aria and Sophia arrived together, both dressed in matching snow-white gowns with a touch of crimson embroidery. As they entered, the crowd fell silent for a moment.
"Who are they?" someone whispered. "They're stunning!"
Another voice added, "Especially the one with the long hair—she's breathtaking."
Aria's long, silky hair flowed freely down to her waist, shining under the golden lights. Her beauty was effortless—no heavy makeup, just pure elegance. She looked less like a guest and more like a goddess descended from the heavens.
She and Sophia walked gracefully through the hall, greeting familiar faces before finding their seats.
From a corner, Amalia and Ava watched, their eyes burning with jealousy.
Moments later, Mr. Thomas took the stage with a proud smile. "Welcome, everyone! Today we celebrate my daughter's birthday. She has just returned from abroad, and I hope you all make her feel at home. Thank you for coming!"
Polite applause followed as Diana descended the grand staircase. She was lovely—slim, fair, and radiating confidence.
"Hi, everyone," Diana said sweetly. "Welcome to my birthday party."
Many guests were charmed, but still, whispers continued: "She's beautiful, but that lady over there… who is she?" They were, of course, talking about Aria.
Amalia and Ava quickly rushed to Diana's side, showering her with compliments and gifts. Aria and Sophia also greeted her politely and presented their gifts.
Just when things seemed peaceful, Amalia's voice cut through the music. "Sister," she said with feigned innocence, "can you play the piano for Miss Thomas?"
Sophia's eyes widened in shock. "Amalia! You know Aria isn't good at playing the piano—"
But before she could finish, Aria's calm voice interrupted. "I'll play, Sophia."
Sophia turned to her, confused. "But you—"
"Trust me," Aria said softly.
She stood up, her movements graceful and poised, and walked toward the grand piano at the center of the hall. The crowd's attention followed her like a magnet.
Taking a seat, she adjusted her gown, bowed slightly, and smiled. "Hello, everyone," she said politely. "Happy birthday once again, Miss Thomas. I'll play something special for you."
Diana nodded, intrigued.
Aria's fingers hovered over the keys for a moment. Then, she began to play.
The melody that filled the hall was soft at first—gentle like falling rain—but soon it grew stronger, richer, and more passionate. Every note spoke of emotion, strength, and grace.
The audience sat in stunned silence. Even those who planned to mock her couldn't tear their eyes away.
When the final note faded, there was a heartbeat of silence… then thunderous applause erupted across the hall.
Aria stood, bowed again, and smiled—calm, radiant, victorious.
Amalia's and Ava's faces twisted in disbelief. Their plan had failed, and Aria had once again stolen the spotlight.
And somewhere in the crowd, unseen by her, a pair of sharp gray eyes watched her every move with deep interest— she's truly mine, said in a deep hoarse voice .