**Dust Writes New Stories by Rei Holt Wilder**
**Chapter 59**
“You absolute bastard!” he spat, releasing my wrist to hastily wipe the tears from his eyes. “Do you have any idea how much this suit costs?”
“Less than your dignity, I hope,” I retorted, stepping back to create some distance between us, my heart pounding in my chest.
His face twisted in fury, a dark storm brewing behind his eyes. “You really think you can humiliate Warren Grayson and walk away unscathed? I’ll ensure you never work in this city again. Who do you think you are?”
“I’m Aria Harper,” I declared, lifting my chin defiantly, refusing to show any hint of fear.
In that moment, a flicker of recognition sparked in his eyes, but instead of backing down, it only intensified his rage. “Harper? The daughter of William Harper? Oh, this just got better. I have connections with your father’s rivals. One word from me, and your little marketing firm will be left with nothing but crumbling walls and empty desks.”
My pulse quickened, and I glanced around the bustling club, desperately searching for security or anyone who might come to my aid. My gaze drifted upwards to the second-floor VIP section, where I spotted Devon Kane, leaning casually against the glass railing, engrossed in a tablet. Our eyes locked across the crowded room, and I silently begged him for help.
Devon’s gray eyes flickered with recognition, but then, to my dismay, he turned away, focusing back on whatever was on his screen. The sting of his dismissal cut deeper than I anticipated, igniting a fire within me that pushed me to confront Grayson on my own terms.
“Mr. Grayson,” I said, forcing calm into my voice, “I suggest you walk away now before this escalates further.”
“Worse for me?” he laughed mockingly, a cruel edge to his voice. “Sweetheart, you have no clue who you’re dealing with. With just one phone call, I could obliterate your entire career.”
As I backed away, I collided with the bar, sending a row of meticulously crafted cocktails tumbling to the floor. The vibrant liquids splattered everywhere, drawing the attention of nearby patrons and, at last, the security team.
Two bouncers approached, but to my utter dismay, they seemed more inclined to side with Grayson than to offer me any support.
“Is there a problem, Mr. Grayson?” one of them inquired, casting a suspicious glance in my direction.
“This woman assaulted me,” Grayson whined, gesturing dramatically to his drenched suit. “And she’s caused damage to club property.”
“I’ll cover any damages,” Grayson added smoothly, reaching into his wallet with a predatory grin. Then, he turned to me, his smile chilling. “No need to make a scene. Why don’t we discuss this… privately? I hear your company is on the lookout for investment. Perhaps I could assist with that.”
The implication of his words sent a shiver down my spine, and I felt a wave of revulsion wash over me. Just as I was preparing to defend myself once more, a familiar voice sliced through the tension like a knife.
I nodded, but curiosity gnawed at me. “Why did you help me? You’re friends with Devon, not me.”
His eyes sparkled with mischief. “Why can’t I be your friend too?”
Despite the chaos, a smile crept onto my face. I reached out my hand to him. “I’d like that.”
He shook it firmly, sealing our newfound friendship. “Now you are.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Devon making his way down from the VIP section, heading straight for the exit without sparing me a glance. The sting of his dismissal hit me even harder this time.
“Excuse me,” I said to Christopher, urgency creeping into my voice. “I need to… handle something.”
I pushed my way through the club, weaving past swaying bodies and sidestepping waiters balancing trays of champagne. By the time I reached the entrance, Devon was already outside, waiting as his driver pulled the car around.
“Devon!” I called out, desperation lacing my voice.

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