The CEO's Regret: His Lost Wife's Secret Twins novel Chapter 124

Chapter 124

ARIA

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It had been three years since I arrived in the UK. I went by Arya and always appeared in public wearing a mask. Online, there was plenty

of chatter about me being hideously ugly – I just laughed it off.

During that time, I had built Nouvelle Retail Group from the ground up as a direct rival to Morgan Retail Group (a subsidiary of Morgan Global) for our US market entry. We had become Europe’s top shopping destination among young consumers, creating an enjoyable, laid-

back experience that put customers at ease.

I stood outside the meeting room, listening to the voices and laughter inside. My hand gripped the door handle as I took a breath. They always did this-acted casual and dismissive before I showed up. Their mistake.

Through the window, I could see them lounging around MY conference table. Several young executives had actually opened champagne bottles on the mahogany surface. The nerve. Three years running Nouvelle Retail Group, and these brand reps still treated my boardroom

like their personal club.

I caught pieces of their conversation through the door.

“Shouldn’t we wait for her?” a younger voice asked.

An older man laughed. “You planning to drink at Arya’s meeting? Better update your resume. I’ve seen her throw people out for less.”

“We’re doing her a favor by showing up,” came a voice I knew-Jason Williams, spoiled heir to LK luxury brand. ‘Who does this nobody think she is? Some random girl who got lucky with the Grants’ backing.”

My jaw clenched. Same crap, different day.

“What’s her deal with the Grants anyway?” someone asked. “Richard and Elaine treat her like family.”

“Maybe she IS Richard’s daughter,” Jason said with a smirk in his voice. “Just not with Elaine, if you know what I mean.”

The laughter that followed made my blood boil.

‘Don’t joke about that, someone said. “The Grants lost their real daughter three years ago. Tragic.”

“Their daughter was gorgeous,” another voice added. “Married to Blake Morgan of Morgan Global. Talk about power couple goals.”

I adjusted my champagne-gold mask, the metal cool against my scarred skin. Time to crash their little party.

I nodded to my assistant Jessica. “Two minutes, then bring the materials.”

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Chapter 124

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I pushed open the door. The conversation died instantly. Twenty pairs of eyes turned to me, some surprised, others sizing me up.

I walked to the head of the table, my heels clicking against the floor. The sound echoed in the sudden silence. I set down my portfolio and stayed standing.

“Gentlemen. Thank you for coming.” My voice was smooth, controlled. “Let’s discuss the new luxury wing.”

Jason sat halfway down the table, his slicked-back hair and cold blue eyes standing out. He didn’t bother hiding his disgust as he stared at

my mask.

“This woman with the messed-up face is Arya?” he said loudly to the room, not even addressing me. “I thought Nouvelle’s CEO would at least show her real face in a business meeting.”

The temperature dropped. Some executives shifted uncomfortably. Others studied their notes, pretending they hadn’t heard.

I kept my face neutral, though my jaw could’ve cracked walnuts. Three years of this garbage. Three years of proving myself over and over. And still these entitled brats thought they could disrespect me in my own building.

“Mr. Williams,” I said calmly. “You’re representing LK Luxury Brands today?”

He leaned back, champagne glass dangling from his fingers. “That’s right. And honestly, you should thank me for showing up. A lot of premier brands are questioning whether Nouvelle deserves our presence.”

“Is that so?”

“Without LK, your grand opening’s gonna tank,” he continued, swirling his champagne. “Our customers drive the traffic that benefits

everyone.”

“That would be troublesome,’ I agreed with a slight nod. The other reps exchanged glances, probably expecting me to grovel.

They had no clue who they were dealing with.

I pressed the intercom. ‘Security to the main conference room.”

Jason’s smug look faltered. ‘What are you doing?”

‘Making sure our meeting stays professional. I kept my tone flat. “Mr. Williams, your services won’t be needed. Today or ever.”

His face went red. “You’re making a huge mistake. Without LK-

“Without LK, I cut him off, “Nouvelle is set to become America’s top luxury destination.” I nodded to Jessica, who handed out folders to everyone except Jason. “Page three shows LK’s recent campaign that mocked cultural heritage and appropriated traditional designs without permission.”

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Chapter 124

I accepted graciously, never showing how satisfying their attitude change felt. Inside, I was savoring every moment of their newfound

respect.

The last to leave was Thomas Cooper, CEO of Cooper Luxury Watches. As he gathered his stuff, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen

and answered.

It was a video call from Blake.

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