The CEO's Rejected Wife And Secret Heir novel Chapter 156

Chapter 156: Chapter 156: Business Merger

Aria pov

Damien and I exchanged glances. I nodded slightly, letting him answer.

"It sends the message that partnerships—real partnerships built on mutual respect and shared vision—are powerful." His voice was firm. "That two strong leaders can work together without one dominating the other. That love and ambition aren’t mutually exclusive. And—" He glanced at me with a small smile. "That sometimes the best business decisions come from choosing to build something with someone you trust completely."

The reporters ate it up. More flashes, more questions shouted over each other, but our PR team stepped in to close the conference.

"Thank you all for coming. Full merger details will be available in the press packet. Have a wonderful afternoon."

As we left the stage, Damien’s hand found the small of my back, a gesture so natural I barely noticed until I saw a photographer capture it. That photo would be everywhere by tomorrow—the new power couple of Ravenwood’s business world.

And I didn’t mind one bit.

Later That Evening

The celebration was held in the executive penthouse suite of Blackwood Enterprises—now Blackwood-Monroe Corporation. The entire top floor had been transformed with catering, champagne, elegant decorations, and most importantly, all our key employees and supporters.

"To the merger!" Lucas raised his glass, grinning. He and Olivia had arrived together, her engagement ring catching the light. "May it be profitable, innovative, and everything you two workaholics deserve!"

Laughter rippled through the crowd as we all drank.

"To my best friend conquering the business world." Olivia hugged me tight. "Again. I’m so proud of you."

"Couldn’t have done it without you." I squeezed her back. "You kept me sane through all the negotiations."

"That’s what best friends are for." She pulled back with a smile. "Plus, someone had to make sure you actually ate during those marathon strategy sessions."

I made my rounds, thanking board members who’d supported us, reassuring those who’d been skeptical, discussing plans with department heads who were excited about the merger’s possibilities.

But through it all, I was aware of Damien. Across the room, he was doing the same—networking, thanking, planning. But every so often, our eyes would meet, and the look he gave me made my skin flush.

"You two are disgustingly in love." Lucas appeared beside me with fresh champagne. "It’s kind of beautiful, actually."

"We’re professionals," I protested weakly.

"Who eye-fuck each other across conference rooms." He grinned at my expression. "Aria, I’ve been in business meetings with you two. The sexual tension is palpable. Half the board is scandalized, the other half is taking notes."

"Lucas!" I laughed despite myself. "We’re behaving appropriately."

"You’re behaving like two people who can barely keep their hands off each other but are trying really hard for propriety’s sake." He sipped his champagne. "It’s actually kind of hot. If I didn’t know you both and wasn’t madly in love with Olivia, I’d be jealous of what you have."

"What do we have?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"Partnership. Real partnership." His expression turned serious. "You’re equals, Aria. In every sense. And watching you two work together—in business, in parenting, in life—it’s inspiring. You make each other better."

"He makes me braver," I admitted quietly. "Makes me believe I can do anything."

"And you make him human." Lucas smiled. "I remember the old Damien Blackwood. Cold, ruthless, impossible to read. But with you? He’s real. Vulnerable. Happy. You healed him."

"We healed each other," I corrected.

"Exactly." He clinked his glass against mine. "That’s what real love does. Now go rescue your co-CEO from that boring conversation with accounting. He keeps looking over here like you’re his life raft."

I glanced over to see Damien trapped in conversation with Harold from accounting, who could talk about fiscal projections for hours. Damien’s smile was polite but his eyes were desperate.

"Duty calls." I grinned at Lucas and made my way through the crowd.

"Harold, so sorry to interrupt." I touched Damien’s arm lightly. "But I need to steal Mr. Blackwood for a moment. Board business."

"Of course, of course!" Harold nodded enthusiastically. "We can continue this discussion tomorrow. I have charts!"

"Looking forward to it," Damien lied smoothly, then steered me toward a quieter corner. "You’re my hero. Five more minutes of fiscal projections and I was going to fake a medical emergency."

"You’re a CEO of a multi-billion dollar corporation," I teased. "Fiscal projections are literally part of your job."

"Our job," he corrected, his hand still on my arm. "And yes, they’re important. But Aria, I’ve been watching you all evening and I—" He stopped, his expression turning serious. "I’m so proud of you. Of us. Of what we built today."

"We’re pretty amazing," I agreed, warmth blooming in my chest.

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