Chapter 143
ARIA
รห
529
After spending a day with the children, I finally returned to my professional routine according to Jessica’s carefully planned schedule. Tonight’s event: a charity gala hosted by the Scott family. The same Scotts who had a nasty confrontation with the Morgans three years
ago.
I checked my reflection in the car window before stepping out. My mask-a simple black design covering half my face-was securely in place. Not exactly typical gala attire, but necessary for my plans.
Three years ago, I attended a similar event as Blake’s wife. That night, Emma accused Samuel Scott’s son of inappropriate behavior and poured wine over his head. The aftermath wasn’t pretty-Mrs. Scott made sure I felt her wrath for months afterward.
But tonight was different. I wasn’t Aria Taylor-Morgan anymore. Tonight, I was simply Arya, the driving force behind Nouvelle Retail
Group’s rapid expansion.
I walked into the ballroom with deliberate steps, my black heels making sharp sounds on the marble. Several heads turned as I passed, but no one recognized me. The power of a simple mask and three years of absence from New York’s social scene was remarkable.
My target was clear. Samuel stood near the center of the room, surrounded by the usual circle of business associates. Without hesitation, I
walked directly toward him.
“Mr. Scott,” I said, extending my hand. “A pleasure to finally meet you. I’m Arya, head of Nouvelle Retail Group.”
His eyes narrowed slightly at the mask, but his business instincts overrode any immediate suspicion.
“Ah, Nouvelle. The new player making waves in luxury retail.” He shook my hand firmly. “Though I must say, the mask is… unusual.”
*A necessity due to a recent medical procedure,” I replied smoothly. “Nothing serious, but rather unsightly for an evening like this.”
He nodded, though his expression remained guarded. “I’m not particularly familiar with international corporations. American businesses
tend to be my focus.”
Translation: he wasn’t interested in foreign investments. I’d anticipated this.
“Actually, Nouvelle is registered in Delaware, and I’m American born and raised,” I corrected him gently. Our international presence doesn’t change our American roots. In fact, our mission centers on elevating American creative industries on the global stage.
His expression shifted subtly. “An American company promoting American creativity globally? That’s certainly a refreshing approach.”
“We believe American artistry deserves more international recognition,” I continued. “Which brings me to why I wanted to meet you
specifically.”
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Chapter 143
Samuel raised an eyebrow. I’m listening.”
នគ
52
‘The Scott family’s annual arts festival is one of the most prestigious cultural events in New York. What if, instead of its usual venue, it
were hosted at Nouvelle’s flagship stores?”
“And why would that benefit the Scott?’ he asked, though I could see I’d captured his interest.
“Imagine the festival simultaneously showcased across nearly one hundred high-end retail spaces throughout Europe and America. The international exposure would be unprecedented. I paused to let that sink in. “The Scott get global recognition, and Nouvelle gets prestigious content and foot traffic. A win-win situation.”
Samuel stroked his chin thoughtfully. “That’s… actually quite compelling. The international reach alone would-
‘Mr. Scott, good evening!” A sweet, feminine voice interrupted us.
I didn’t need to turn to recognize that voice. Three years hadn’t changed it at all.
Emma stood there in a pristine white gown, her hair immaculately styled, makeup flawless.
Samuel’s expression instantly hardened. “Miss Grant. I don’t recall seeing your name on the guest list.”
Emma’s smile didn’t falter. “Oh, I’m here as Mr. Baker’s plus one. He’s just parking the car. She glanced toward the entrance before turning her attention back to Samuel. “I’ve been hoping to run into you, actually. About that whole mess three years ago-*
‘Mess?” Samuel cut her off with a bitter laugh. “Is that what we’re calling it now? You were Morgan’s golden girl three years ago, allowed to do whatever the hell you wanted. And now you’re here pretending to apologize? Give me a break. We all know your boyfriend Blake will throw money at any problem you create.”
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