Chapter 25 The Legacy of
the Coles
Ariana Cole had always known that being born into the Cole name meant more than just wealth and privilege.
It meant responsibility.
It meant expectations.
And most of all?
It meant power.
Power that could build empires–or burn them to the ground.
As she stepped into her parents‘ estate, a sprawling mansion nestled on the outskirts of the city, she was reminded of exactly where she came from.
Everything about the Cole residence exuded wealth and precision–from the immaculate gardens to the grand
nual salary. marble foyer that gleamed under the soft glow of a chandelier worth more than most people’s
She barely had time to take off her coat before she heard her mother’s sharp, unmistakable voice.
“Ariana, darling,” Victoria Cole called from the sitting room. “I was beginning to think you were avoiding us.”
Ariana smirked, stepping into the elegantly decorated room. “If I were avoiding you, Mother, you wouldn’t be able to find me.”
Victoria lifted a perfectly arched brow, her lips curling in amusement.
Seated beside her, James Cole, Ariana’s father, chuckled. “She has a point, Victoria.”
Victoria sighed dramatically. “Yes, well, she gets that from me.”
Ariana shook her head, moving to kiss her father’s cheek before settling into the plush leather armchair across
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from them.
She had always been closer to her father.
Where Victoria was ruthless and pragmatic, James was strategic and measured. He was the kind of man who never raised his voice because he never had to.
One look, and the world bent to his will.
“So,” Victoria began, swirling her wine glass. “Are we here to discuss business, or is this a rare social visit?”
Ariana exhaled, leaning back. “Both.”
Her parents exchanged a glance.
James set down his newspaper. “We heard about Liam.”
Ariana smirked. “Of course you
did.”
Victoria sighed, shaking her head. “You could have told us your plans earlier. I would have offered my expertise.”
Ariana chuckled. “I think I’m handling it just fine.”
James smirked, clearly enjoying himself. “You’re handling it brilliantly. But your mother hat destruction.”
Victoria scoffed. “It’s not destruction–it’s justice.”
Ariana lifted a brow. “Is that what we’re calling it?”
eling left out of
Victoria’s eyes gleamed. “If a man is foolish enough to betray a woman like you, then he deserves what’s coming.
”
James hummed, sipping his whiskey. “And it seems like he’s losing more than just his reputation.”
Ariana’s smirk widened. “His business is failing.”
Victoria perked up. “Oh, I do love a good downfall.”
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James chuckled, shaking his head. “Victoria, let the girl breathe.”
Victoria waved him off. “I’m simply admiring her work.”
Ariana chuckled, but before she could speak, James leaned forward.
“There’s something else on your mind,” he observed.
Ariana hesitated.
James always saw through her.
She exhaled, swirling the wine in her glass before setting it down. “It’s about Damian Blackwood.”
Victoria’s brow lifted, intrigued. “Oh?”
James studied her closely. “Tell me.”
Ariana hesitated for only a second before speaking.
“It’s… different,” she admitted. “He’s different.”
Victoria smirked knowingly. “Different how?”
Ariana exhaled. “He’s… relentless. He doesn’t play games. He wants something, and he goes after it.”
James smirked. “Sounds like someone else I know.”
Ariana rolled her eyes. “I’m serious. He’s not like Liam.”
Victoria scoffed. “Of course not. Liam was a boy. Damian is a man.”
Ariana blinked.
Her mother had never spoken so highly of anyone she had been involved with.
James leaned back, his expression thoughtful. “Blackwood is a powerful man. Wealthy, ruthless, and extremely
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Chapter 25 The Legacy of the Coles
well–connected. If he’s pursuing you, it means he’s serious.”
Ariana swallowed, glancing between them. “So you approve?”
James smiled slightly. “You don’t need our approval, Ariana.”
Victoria smirked. “But if you did? He wouldn’t be the worst choice.”
Ariana laughed. “That’s the closest thing to an endorsement I’ve ever heard from you, Mother.”
Victoria sipped her wine. “I don’t waste compliments, darling. You know that.”
James chuckled, shaking his head. “Just… be careful.”
Ariana tilted her head. “Careful of what?”
James’s expression darkened slightly. “Men like Damian Blackwood don’t give their hearts away easily. But when they do? They don’t take loss well.”
Ariana stilled.
Because she had a feeling he was right.
An hour later, Ariana was preparing to leave when the butler appeared at the door.
“Miss Cole,” he said, “You have a visitor.”
Ariana frowned, “Who?”
The butler hesitated. “Mr. Blackwood.”
Victoria’s brows shot up in amusement. “Well, well. Speak of the devil.”
Ariana exhaled, smoothing down her blouse. “I’ll handle it.”
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As she stepped outside onto the grand marble balcony, Damian stood by his car, arms crossed, watching her with that unreadable intensity,
“Damian,” she greeted, stepping toward him. “What are you doing here?”
He smirked. “I was in the neighborhood.”
Ariana lifted a brow. “You don’t do casual drop–ins.”
Damian chuckled, “No, I don’t.”
Ariana exhaled. “Then why are you here?”
He stepped closer, his gray eyes locking onto hers.
“Because I wanted to see you.”
Ariana’s heart skipped.
And just like that, she realized-
She wasn’t just playing the game anymore.
She was in it.
And this time?
She wasn’t sure who would win.
