The CEO's Regret: His Lost Wife's Secret Twins novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40

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I watched Blake’s face darken as he noticed Aria sitting beside Matthew. The mood in our private dining room instantly chilled. Conversations dropped to whispers. Under the table, I dug my nails into my palms, anger rising. She shouldn’t be getting his attention.

But this could work to my advantage too – seeing Blake’s jealousy confirmed what I suspected. He was developing feelings for her, which made destroying her reputation even more urgent. My plan needed to work.

I’d orchestrated this dinner down to the last detail-scouting the right venue, curating a guest list stacked with people who already looked down on Aria, biding my time for the right moment to strike. Tonight was about establishing dominance. Blake had been spending far too much time with his little “assistant lately. The way he looked at her made my blood boil. I wasn’t about to let some housekeeper’s

daughter steal what was mine.

“Everyone, I announced, rising gracefully with my warmest smile. “I’d like to properly acknowledge someone very special tonight-our dear Aria Taylor.” I paused, letting my voice carry just the right amount of affection.

Confused silence fell over the room. One of the socialites couldn’t help herself.

“Guest of honor? Weren’t we here to celebrate you and Blake?”

I caught the whispers circulating. “The housekeeper’s daughter…” “Why is she even here?” “Not our kind of people…” Exactly what I wanted to hear. Seeds of doubt, perfectly planted.

“There’s more to tonight than just celebrations,” I said, my voice soft and concerned. “Part of why I organized this gathering was to publicly show my support for Aria.” I placed my hand over my heart, looking genuinely moved. “You see, I recently learned that Blake took Aria to that important dinner with James Williams and the investors.”

I paused, shaking my head with what looked like sympathy. “And I heard that things got a bit… uncomfortable for her there. I looked directly at Aria with my most sincere expression. “As a woman, I just wanted you to know that I understand how difficult those situations can be. No woman should have to navigate such complicated attention from powerful men.”

Just what I needed. Plant the seed without saying anything directly accusatory.

The whispers started immediately, just as I’d planned.

I continued, lowering my voice as if sharing something delicate. “And Aria, I have to say-you really are remarkable. I smiled sweetly. “I mean, even James’s son used to pursue you, didn’t he? That was back when you first joined Morgan Global. I let out a small, almost admiring laugh. “It’s honestly impressive. Not many women can captivate both father and son like that.”

The room erupted in hushed gasps and murmurs.

“Father and son?” someone whispered. “Both Williams men?”

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Chapter 40

“That’s… unusual, another voice added, the judgment clear.

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I quickly raised my hands, looking shocked at their reaction. ‘Oh, please don’t misunderstand! I only meant that Aria must have such a charming personality to attract attention from successful men across generations. It’s a compliment, really. My smile widened. Though I suppose it does make things a bit complicated when you’re trying to maintain professional relationships, doesn’t it?”

There it is. The trap is set. I’ve complimented her while destroying her reputation. They’ll all think she’s been playing some kind of game

with the Williams men.

The room went completely silent. I was loving every second.

Someone said loudly enough for everyone to hear: “After something like that happens, she’s basically damaged goods.”

I had to fight to keep from smiling. Instead, I arranged my features to look outraged.

“Please, let’s not speak that way,” I protested, “Aria just experienced some verbal impropriety from Mr. Williams. Nothing more. The way I said ‘nothing more implied the exact opposite.

Aria’s face went white. She finally realized what I’d done. It didn’t matter what actually happened with Williams. The suggestion alone was enough. Blake would never look at her the same way again. And if that pregnancy came to light? Even then, he’d question if the baby

was his. Game over.

I glanced sideways at Blake, gauging his reaction. His expression was unreadable, but that protective instinct I knew so well was stirring

beneath the surface.

He still sees me as his savior. The woman who pulled him from the flames ten years ago.

The memory flickered in my mind-that terrible fire at the hotel in the other city. I watched as firefighters brought both Aria and Blake out, unconscious and smoke-damaged.

And then I saw my opportunity.

When Blake woke up days later with fragmented memories of being rescued, I was there at his bedside. “You’re safe now, I’d whispered, taking his hand. “I’m just so glad I got to you in time.” He’d been so confused, so vulnerable. He believed me without question. After all, why would Emma, the Grant family heiress, lie about something like that?

Aria never knew. She was too injured, too young to understand what her heroism might mean. And I made sure it stayed that way. Christine needed her job, needed the Grant family’s support for Aria’s father’s medical bills. One word from me about who really saved Blake, and she could lose everything. She kept quiet. They all kept quiet.

Blake has been mine ever since. His gratitude, his trust, his devotion-all built on Aria’s sacrifice. How poetic that the girl whose deed I stole is now threatening to take him from me anyway.

But I would never let that happen. Blake Morgan was mine. I’d claimed that right ten years ago, and I wasn’t about to give it up now.

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Aria’s eyes locked onto mine. “Tell me, Emma-if you really cared about me, why announce this in front of everyone? Why not talk to me privately?” She paused. ‘Or is this public humiliation exactly what you wanted?”

Several guests shifted uncomfortably, starting to see through my act.

She turned to address the room. ‘Even if a woman is harassed, that makes her a victim, not gossip material. Why are we judging her instead of the harasser?” Her voice grew stronger. “Emma just told you James Williams behaved inappropriately. So why am I the one

being discussed?’

The room fell silent. A few people looked ashamed.

“You’re pointing fingers at the wrong person,” Aria said coldly.

My cheeks burned. I blinked rapidly, summoning tears-years of ballet taught me to cry on command.

She thinks she’s clever. But Blake’s loyalty to me runs deeper than any attraction he feels for her. I saved his life, or so he believes.

‘I was only trying to help,” I whispered, letting my voice break. “As someone who’s also faced unwanted attention, I worried about you. I know what it’s like when powerful men and their sons both…” I trailed off, dabbing my eyes.

Exactly what I wanted. I’ve reminded everyone about the father-son situation while playing protector.

“I don’t need that kind of concern from you, Miss Grant,” Aria replied icily.

Before Blake could defend me, Matthew interrupted. “Drop the act. You’re crying like someone died.”

My tears vanished. How dare he?

“Back off, Matthew,” Blake snapped, his hand landing protectively on my shoulder.

I could breathe again. Blake was still mine. I leaned into his touch, making sure everyone saw our connection. Aria might have won this round, but I would win the war.

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