The CEO's Rejected Wife And Secret Heir novel Chapter 127

Chapter 127: Chapter 127: Family Reunion

Aria pov

"Aria"

"Damien, I watched you get drugged and staged for photos, I’m not leaving this hospital until you do. End of discussion."

He smiled slightly. "You’re very stubborn."

"You’re just noticing this now?" I raised an eyebrow. "I built a company from nothing while raising a toddler alone in a foreign country. Stubbornness is kind of my thing."

"It’s one of the things I love about you." He pulled me back down beside him. "Fine. Stay. But at least eat something you must be starving."

As if on cue, my stomach growled as we both laughed."I’ll order delivery," I said, pulling out my phone. "What do you want?"

"Whatever you’re having." He closed his eyes. "I just want you here."

"I’m not going anywhere," I promised.

We spent the day in comfortable companionship. I worked remotely, fielding calls about the merger while Damien dozed on and off. Margaret called with updates—Sophia’s arraignment was scheduled for tomorrow, and the evidence was overwhelming.

"She’s going to try to plea bargain," Margaret said. "Her lawyer knows they can’t win at trial."

"No deals," I said firmly. "We’re going to trial. I want everyone to see exactly what she did."

"Aria, trials are expensive and time-consuming, a plea bargain"

"I don’t care about expensive." My voice was cold. "I want her convicted in open court. I want the jury to hear about the drugging, the staging, the premeditation. I want her socially destroyed so she never tries this again."

Damien’s eyes opened at my tone. When I hung up, he studied me carefully. "You’re going to war," he observed.

"Yes." I met his gaze steadily. "She tried to destroy you. Destroy us. I’m making sure she pays for that."

"This isn’t like you." His voice was gentle. "The Aria I’ve been getting to know is compassionate, forgiving."

"With people who deserve it," I interrupted. "Sophia doesn’t deserve compassion. She deserves exactly what she tried to give us—public humiliation and consequences."

"Okay." He caught my hand. "Then I’m with you. Whatever you decide."

"You’re not going to try to talk me out of it? Tell me I’m being too harsh?"

"No." His smile was slight. "Because you’re right. She needs to face consequences and honestly?" His expression hardened. "I want her to pay for what she did too. Not just to me, but to you. Making you doubt us, making you relive that trauma—that’s unforgivable."

"Good." I kissed him quickly. "Because we’re in this together. Partners."

"Partners," he agreed.

*******

By evening Damien was cleared for discharge. Richards brought clothes from the penthouse—comfortable sweats instead of Damien’s usual suit. We were signing discharge papers when Lucas Hayes appeared in the doorway.

"Hope I’m not interrupting," he said. "I wanted to check on you both before you left."

"Lucas." I stood. "Thank you for coming by yesterday, that was thoughtful."

"Of course." His eyes were kind. "Damien, how are you feeling?"

"Better." Damien actually smiled slightly. "Thank you for your concern."

"I also wanted to let you know—Hayes Tech is prepared to testify at Sophia’s trial if needed. We’ve had similar issues with her in the past. Stalking behavior, boundary violations."

I exchanged glances with Damien. "That could be helpful. Shows a pattern of behavior."

"My lawyer will be in touch," Damien said. "Thank you, Lucas. Really."

"Of course." Lucas hesitated, his ears turning slightly pink. "And Aria, I meant what I said yesterday. If you need security support, business backup, anything—Hayes Tech has resources at your disposal."

"We appreciate that," I said warmly, then caught the telltale color in his cheeks. My eyes narrowed with interest. "Speaking of support—how’s Olivia doing? I know she’s been working crazy shifts lately."

Lucas’s entire face went red. "She’s—yeah, she’s good. Busy. Very busy."

"Mmm." I crossed my arms, fighting a grin. "Funny how you know that. Almost like you’ve been... checking in on her? Frequently?"

"I—we talk sometimes. About medical stuff. Professional conversations."

"Right. Professional." I was full-on smirking now. "That’s why you texted me three times last week asking what kind of coffee she likes and whether she prefers Italian or Thai food."

Damien let out an actual laugh. "Hayes, you’re terrible at this."

Lucas rubbed the back of his neck. "Is it that obvious?"

"To everyone except maybe Olivia," I said. "But she’s been equally weird lately. Last week she asked me if I knew your favorite place, but then tried to play it off like she was just making conversation."

"She did?" Lucas’s whole face lit up.

"Oh my god, you’re adorable," I laughed. "Just ask her out already. Properly not a ’professional coffee’ or ’medical consultation dinner.’ An actual date."

"I’m working on it," Lucas admitted. "She’s intimidating. Smart, successful, doesn’t take anyone’s crap"

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