Chapter 10 A dance with Shadows
Ariana stepped out of her car with effortless grace, the morning sun casting a golden glow over the sleek glass façade of Cole Interiors & Design. The moment she entered the building, heads turned. Employees straightened in their seats, whispering among themselves, their admiration evident.
She was back.
She strode through the familiar hallways, her Louboutin heels clicking against the marble floor with a quiet authority that demanded respect. The signed Stirling Hotel contract was tucked neatly in her designer handbag -a symbol of victory.
As she pushed open the door to her father’s office, she found him at his desk, reviewing reports. James Cole was a man of power–his presence alone could silence a room. He was respected, even feared, in the industry, but to Ariana, he was simply her father.
“Good morning, sweetheart,” James greeted, looking up with a tired smile. “I didn’t expect you this early.”
Ariana stepped forward, a knowing smirk on her lips as she placed the contract on his desk.
James raised an eyebrow before flipping through the documents. The moment he saw Donovan Harrington’s signature, his head snapped up.
“You got the deal?” His voice held a mix of shock and pride.
Ariana nodded, her expression calm, but her eyes burned with triumph. “I did.”
James leaned back in his chair, letting out a slow whistle. “And here I thought Liam Carter had this one locked in.”
Ariana’s smirk widened. “He did. Until I took it from him.”
James studied her carefully, his sharp mind clearly piecing together the real reason behind her sudden return to the company. Then, slowly, a proud smile tugged at his lips.
“You were always meant for this business, Ari,” he said. “I don’t know why you ever stepped back.”
Because I was stupidly in love with a traitor.
Ariana simply lifted her chin. “I’m here now.”
James nodded. “Then prove it.” He slid the contract back to her. “This project is yours. You’re
harge.”
Ariana’s breath hitched.
This was more than she had expected. More than she had even dared to hope for.
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Chapter 10 A dance with Shadows
Her father was handing her control.
She met his gaze, her dark eyes gleaming with determination. “I won’t disappoint you.”
James smirked. “I know.”
she turned, walking out of his office with a satisfied confidence. She had just taken her first real step toward
power.
And it was only the beginning.
Ariana settled into her office, a sprawling space with floor–to–ceiling windows overlooking the city
Her assistant, Mila, entered with a steaming cup of coffee, a professional smile in place.
“Good morning, Ms. Cole,” Mila greeted. “Your schedule for today includes.”
Ariana took the coffee with a nod, flipping through the contracts on her desk as Mila continued
“a meeting with the design team at eleven, a call with the London office at one, and dinner reservations at eight-”
Ariana’s eyes snapped up. “Dinner reservations?”
Mila hesitated. “I assumed you’d want to celebrate after securing the deal. I can cancel if-”
Ariana smirked. “No need. I’ll handle dinner plans myself.”
Mila nodded, setting down a folder before leaving the office.
Ariana exhaled, stretching slightly before her phone buzzed.
A message.
Damian Blackwood: Good morning, little troublemaker. Slept well?
A slow smile curled on Ariana’s lips as she typed back.
Ariana: Like a baby. I assume you didn’t, since you’re texting me this early.
His reply was immediate.
Damian: Couldn’t stop thinking about a certain woman who looked devastating in black last night.
Ariana bit her lip, heat curling in her stomach.
Ariana: Flattery so early in the day, Damian? Careful. I might think you like me.
Damian: Oh, I do.
Ariana’s pulse skipped.
Then, another text.
Damian: Dinner tonight. Eight o’clock. I’ll pick you up.
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Chapter 10 A dance with Shadows
She smirked.
Ariana: You assume I’m free?
Damian: I assume you want to see me.
Damn him.
She rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress her anticipation.
Ariana: Fine. Impress me.
Damian: I plan to.
She placed her phone down, exhaling.
Her game with Liam was far from over.
But tonight? Tonight, she would allow herself a distraction.
At exactly 8 PM, Damian pulled up in a sleek black Aston Martin.
Ariana stepped outside, her fitted wine–colored dress hugging her curves like liquid silk.
Damian stepped out of the car, his gaze slowly traveling over her. His jaw ticked slightly before he smirked.
“Trying to kill me, Miss Cole?”
Ariana smirked back. “If I was, you’d already be dead.”
He chuckled, opening the door for her. “Let’s hope I survive the night, then.”
He drove them to Blackwood Hotels, where they were led into a private dining room.
Dim lighting. A table set for two. A room designed for seduction.
Ariana settled into her seat, crossing one leg over the other as Damian poured them both wine.
“You must really want my company if you went through all this trouble,” she teased.
Damian leaned forward, his gaze flickering to her lips before meeting her eyes.
“I always get what I want, Ariana.”
The air between them tightened.
Ariana lifted her glass, hiding the flutter in her chest. “And what is it that you want?”
Damian’s smirk was slow. Dangerous. “That’s a dangerous question.”
“Good,” she murmured. “I like danger.”
A moment of silence stretched, thick with tension.
Then, Damian leaned back, studying her. “I know what you’re doing.”
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Ariana arched a brow. “Oh?”
“You’re not just taking back your life, Ariana. You’re burning their world down.”
She tilted her head. “And?”
“And I think you might need help.”
Ariana went still.
Damian’s voice lowered. “I have resources, contacts. People who specialize in… dismantling empires”
Ariana’s breath caught. “Why would you offer that to me?”
His eyes darkened. “Because I enjoy watching powerful men fall.”
Ariana’s fingers tightened around her glass.
He was serious.
And for the first time since starting this game, she felt speechless.
Damian watched her reaction closely before smirking.
“Think about it,” he said, swirling his wine. “Just know–I’m in your corner.”
Ariana exhaled slowly.
She had started this game
alone.
But now?
Now, she had a shadow at her side.
Damian pulled up to her penthouse, stepping out to open her door.
As she got out, she turned to him, their faces dangerously close.
“Thank you for dinner,” she murmured.
Damian smirked. “Anytime.”
She hesitated for a second before speaking. “And for the offer…”
“Take your time,” he said softly. “Just know–when you’re ready, I’ll be waiting.”
Ariana swallowed.
Then, impulsively, she leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek.
Damian’s
eyes darkened, but he didn’t move.
Ariana smirked. “Goodnight, Damian.”
And with that, she walked inside, feeling giddy like a schoolgirl.
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