Chapter 197

Aria Bennett never doubted Damian Cross's loyalty.

She waved her hand dismissively. "Handle it yourself. It's your mess to clean up."

Damian's expression turned serious. "I barely know her."

Aria nodded. "That much is obvious."

A sharp glint flashed in her eyes as she added, "But if she provokes me again, I won't hold back."

The venomous glare the woman shot her as security dragged her away told Aria this wasn’t over.

She hated these petty female rivalries—always blaming each other when the real fault lay with the man.

So what if Bianca Cole had powerful connections? Aria had her own ways of dealing with troublemakers.

Damian chuckled. "Do as you please."

"I’ll handle the fallout."

A thought suddenly struck Aria. "Her name is Bianca Cole. What about her brothers?"

Damian answered, "The eldest is Sebastian Cole. The second is Tristan Cole."

Aria nearly laughed out loud. That notorious playboy?

In the original story, Serena Blake had been desperately chasing Tristan before Aria's death.

Given the book’s clichéd ending, the womanizer would likely end up in Serena’s harem.

Damian noticed her distraction. "What’s wrong?"

Aria snapped back to reality. "Just wondering if Bianca will drag her brothers into this."

Damian considered it. "Mason is principled. He won’t indulge her whims."

"But Tristan is ruthless. Be careful."

Aria nodded. "Got it."

After chatting a while longer, they retired to their respective rooms.

Meanwhile, in a luxury hotel overseas...

Tristan Cole opened the latest email.

Photos of Aria filled the screen.

He smirked. "No wonder even Damian fell for her."

Scrolling through the attached dossier, his grin widened.

"Interesting. I accept the challenge."

The next day, the production crew returned to Aldercrest Mountain.

Their final destination—the Tea Hall.

Aside from Damian and Aria, none of the other guests knew the first thing about tea ceremonies.

The pair breezed through four challenges, effortlessly unlocking the pavilion’s doors.

After the livestream ended, the director beamed.

"I never expected you’d unlock all the pavilions!"

Ratings had hit another record high.

Caleb Monroe grinned. "All thanks to Aria and Damian."

The others chimed in agreement.

Aria and Damian exchanged a knowing smile.

Back home, Aria caught up on sleep.

She’d just woken when Walter Lowe called.

"Master Aria, I’ve found three potential mountains."

Aria brightened. "I’m free tomorrow."

At dawn, Walter arrived to pick her up.

After inspecting all three sites, they settled on the largest.

Walter contacted the owner. "He’s hosting a gala this afternoon. We can negotiate there."

Aria hesitated. "Is that appropriate?"

Walter smiled. "Perfect chance to introduce you to some connections."

Post-lunch, the trio headed to the event.

Aria and her mother chose a quiet corner.

Then her gaze sharpened.

Silas Kane stood across the room in a white suit—his demeanor utterly unlike before.

Every instinct in Aria screamed:

Something’s wrong.