The CEO's Rejected Wife And Secret Heir novel Chapter 124

Chapter 124: Chapter 124: The Frame

Aria’s POV

"Then there should be evidence of that," I spoke up, my voice cold. "Medical examination found no such evidence. No consensual activity occurred. Because Damien was unconscious, unable to consent to anything."

Officer Reyes nodded slowly. "The DA is reviewing the case now. Given the evidence, we’re moving forward with charges: assault, administering drugs without consent, and attempted blackmail."

"What about conspiracy?" Margaret asked. "My client has reason to believe Ms. Clarke didn’t act alone."

"We’re investigating." Officer Reyes looked at me. "Ms. Monroe, you mentioned your sister Vivian might be involved?" 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

"They’ve been in contact." I pulled up more screenshots. "Social media shows they’ve been meeting, messaging. And Vivian has a motive—she blames me for her social exile, for her failed life, for everything wrong in her life."

"We’ll look into it." Officer Reyes closed her notebook. "For now, Ms. Clarke is being held pending arraignment. If we find evidence of conspiracy, we’ll pursue additional charges."

"Thank you." Margaret stood, and I followed suit.

Outside the station, I finally let myself breathe.

"You did well in there," Margaret said. "Most women in your position would have reacted emotionally, made assumptions. You stayed rational."

"I learned the hard way what assumptions cost." I unlocked my car. "This time, I chose differently."

"Good." She squeezed my shoulder. "Now go be with your fiancé. He needs you."

**********

Back at the hospital, I found Damien’s room full of people. His assistant, his head of security, and Lucas Hayes, of all people.

"Aria." Lucas stood immediately. "I came as soon as I heard, is he"

"He’s fine." I moved to Damien’s bedside. He was awake, looking better but still pale. "What are you doing here, Lucas?"

"I wanted to make sure you were both okay." His eyes were genuine. "And to offer Hayes Tech’s security resources. If Sophia and Vivian conspired, you need better protection."

"We appreciate that," Damien said quietly. His eyes found mine. "But right now, I just need my family safe."

"Understood." Lucas nodded to both of us. "Call if you need anything, I mean that."

After he left, Damien’s security chief, Richards, briefed us on the situation.

"The photos Sophia took went to six media outlets," Richards said grimly. "Four of them published before the police statement went out clarifying Mr. Blackwood was drugged and assaulted. The damage control team is working overtime."

"Let them publish," Damien said tiredly. "The truth will come out."

"It already is." Richards showed us his tablet. "Social media is rallying behind you. Once people learned you were drugged, public opinion shifted hard. Sophia Clarke is being eviscerated online."

I scanned the headlines:

"CEO Damien Blackwood Drugged and Assaulted: Ex-Fling Arrested"

"Frame Job Exposed: Sophia Clarke Staged Photos of Unconscious Blackwood"

"Aria Monroe Stands By Fiancé: ’I Know the Man He Is Now’"

That last one included a photo of me entering the hospital, my expression fierce and protective.

"The board is calling for a statement," Richards continued. "They want assurance this won’t impact the merger or company reputation."

"Tell them the merger is proceeding as planned," I said firmly. "And that anyone who has a problem with how we handled this can take it up with me directly."

Damien’s eyes widened slightly. "Aria"

"No." I cut him off. "We’re partners. Equal partners and I’m not letting them question your competence because you were a victim of assault. That’s not how this works."

Richards actually smiled. "I’ll convey that message, Ms. Monroe. Diplomatically."

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