The gala had ended hours ago, but Aria Vale's mind was still alert, scanning, calculating. Lucien's words echoed faintly in her thoughts: "There's something behind those eyes, something I can't place."
She returned to her office within Kane Corporation, the space quiet now that the event had concluded. The polished floors reflected her heels as she moved with deliberate grace, settling at her desk. The sketches from the gala lay neatly in front of her, each line a testament to the careful planning she had poured into this moment.
Aria allowed herself a small exhale. One step closer… she thought. Vivienne Wynn had already taken notice, of that she was certain. The real game was about to begin.
Across the hall, Vivienne sat at her own desk, feigning concentration as she made subtle notes in her planner. Her eyes flicked to Aria through the glass partition, calculating. She thinks she can walk into my world and take what's mine… Vivienne muttered under her breath, her fingers drumming a quiet rhythm of malice.
Aria didn't notice the gaze directly, but she felt it — a prickling awareness she had long since learned to trust.
Her assistant, Mia, knocked softly. "Miss Vale, a small issue came up with the gala sketches. The client requested minor adjustments to one of the centerpiece dresses."
Aria nodded, her expression calm. "Of course. Send the revisions to the studio immediately. I'll review them tonight."
She worked quickly, mentally reviewing every stitch, every detail, anticipating potential errors. Vivienne, eager to undermine her, had already planted a subtle misdirection in the sketches — a small measurement discrepancy meant to be noticed too late.
Aria's sharp eyes caught it instantly. A faint, almost imperceptible smirk tugged at her lips. Predictable.
She made the necessary corrections with ease, subtly redirecting Vivienne's sabotage without alerting anyone. The misstep would appear as a clerical error to the uninformed, but to Aria, it was a small victory, proof that she was already three steps ahead.
Hours later, Lucien stopped by her office unexpectedly. He leaned casually against the doorway, dark eyes observing her with a mix of curiosity and something more.
"You work late," he remarked. "I suppose that's part of being… exceptional."
Aria looked up, her expression calm yet subtly teasing. "Some things require vigilance, Mr. Kane. Perfection doesn't wait for convenience."
He stepped closer, his gaze lingering. "You handle challenges… differently. There's a strength in you that I've never seen before."
Her chest fluttered for a fraction of a second — the familiar pull she had tried to bury rising — but she masked it with measured calm. "Experience teaches us how to adapt, Mr. Kane."
He studied her for a long moment, as if sensing a deeper truth he couldn't yet place. "And what if someone underestimates you?"
Aria's eyes glimmered faintly. "Then they learn the hard way."
From her office window, Vivienne's figure could be seen pacing in her own suite, hands clenched, frustration evident. She's clever… but clever isn't enough. Vivienne muttered. I'll find a way to break her. And when I do, Lucien Kane will watch, and I'll be the one standing victorious.
Aria, unaware of Vivienne's growing obsession, allowed herself a small, quiet smile. Let her try. The game had begun — and she was ready.