He claimed he was in a 14

Posted by admin, ? Views, Released on April 14, 2025

Best friend

Chapter 14 A Woman

Scorned

The week had barely begun, and Ariana Cole was already in a dangerous mood.

She had just returned from the Stirling Hotel site, where her team had finalized the luxury interior concepts for the grand entrance hall. The progress was seamless–as expected under her leadership.

Yet, despite the success of the project, her mind was focused elsewhere.

Liam Carter.

It was time to set his empire on fire.

Ariana strode through the lobby of Cole Interiors & Design, her black stilettos clicking against the marble floors

with quiet authority. Employees moved aside, some murmuring greetings, others simply watching in admiration.

She was the Assistant CEO–and today, she was about to make damn sure the world knew she was not to be

crossed.

By the time she entered her office, her assistant, Mila, was already waiting for her, notepad in hand.

Mila had been working under Ariana for years, but even she had never seen her boss like this.

“Good afternoon, Ms. Cole,” Mila greeted, handing over her schedule. “The final supplier contracts for the hotel are here, and your father wants to review them before the week’s end. Also, your mother left a message asking if you’re free for lunch.”

Ariana took the papers, flipping through them absently. “I’ll deal with my father later. And as for my mother-” she paused before adding, “she’ll find me if she really wants something.”

Mila hesitated before nodding. “Understood. Anything else?”

Ariana placed the contracts on her desk, her sharp dark eyes locking onto Mila’s.

“Yes,” she said smoothly. “It’s time to ruin Liam Carter.”

Mila straightened. “What exactly do you have in mind, ma’am?”

Ariana reached for her laptop, unlocking the encrypted folder she had saved last week. The screen glowed with damning evidence.

“Liam has been falsifying company revenue reports,” she said, tilting the screen toward Mila. “For months, he’s been inflating investor projections while secretly funneling money into offshore accounts.”

Mila’s brows furrowed. “Offshore? That’s serious.”

Ariana smirked. “Oh, it gets better.”

She clicked on another file.

“These are records of fraudulent invoices–Liam’s company has been reporting fake supply purchases to siphon company funds.” She flicked to another document. “And here? He’s overcharging clients while underpaying

vendors. Classic embezzlement.”

Mila’s eyes widened as she scanned the screen. “This could put him behind bars.”

Ariana leaned back, crossing one leg over the other. “That’s the idea.”

Mila exhaled, shifting slightly. “How do you want to handle this?”

Ariana’s lips curled into a dangerous smirk. “An anonymous tip to the authorities should do for now. But it has

0.0%

+–

x+

14:24

|||

0

<

Chapter 14 A Woman Scorned

to be strategic.”

Mila nodded, already pulling out her phone. “Any specific departments?”

“Financial Crimes Division,” Ariana replied. “And loop in the Securities and Exchange Commission. We’re dealing with corporate fraud.”

Mila began typing.

Ariana watched her carefully.

This wasn’t just about revenge.

This was about justice.

Liam had built his empire on lies and stolen money–the very same empire he had expected her to support

when they were together.

And now, she was going to make sure it crumbled beneath him.

As Mila worked, Ariana’s phone buzzed with a new message.

Unknown Number: I hope you’re happy with yourself, Ariana.

She stilled.

Her expression remained impassive, but inside, her pulse thrummed with dark amusement.

There was only one person who would send her a text like that.

Liam.

She had blocked both him and Sienna, cutting them out like a disease she had no interest in curing.

And yet–he had found a way through.

Unknown Number: Was this all worth it? Do you feel better now?

Ariana scoffed. Oh, Liam.

He was angry, that much was obvious. But there was something else laced in his words–desperation.

She smirked, tapping her fingers against her desk as she typed back.

Ariana: I have no idea who this is. But if you need legal assistance, I’d suggest hiring a good attorney.

Delivered.

Mila glanced up, noticing Ariana’s expression. “Problem?”

Ariana exhaled slowly. “No.” Then, after a beat-“Just another man realizing he messed with the wrong woman.”

Mila chuckled. “Should I go ahead and send the report now?”

Ariana’s smirk returned, her grip tightening around her phone.

“Do it.”

Mila nodded and pressed send.

And just like that, Liam Carter’s days of untouchable success were numbered.

Just as Mila was about to leave, the intercom buzzed.

“Ms. Cole,” the receptionist’s voice came through, slightly nervous. “Your mother is here.”

Ariana blinked.

Her mother never dropped by unannounced.

She sighed, waving Mila off. “Send her in.”

A moment later, Victoria Cole strode through the office, her Chanel suit flawless, her heels echoing autority

with every step.

Ariana stood, straightening. “Mother.”

Victoria’s sharp hazel eyes studied her daughter before she spoke. “You’re plotting something.”

Ariana smirked. “Good afternoon to you too.”

Victoria closed the door behind her, walking toward the large windows overlooking the city. She clasped her

41.1%

คก

14:24

O

<

< Chapter 14 A Woman Scorned

hands in front of her, her expression unreadable.

“You look… powerful today,” she murmured.

Ariana tilted her head. “Should I take that as a compliment?”

Victoria turned, finally facing her fully.

“You remind me of myself at your age,” she said, her voice softer than Ariana expected.

Ariana’s smirk faltered.

Victoria rarely showed affection in words.

Her mother sighed. “Your father told me you secured the Stirling Hotel project. I expected no less.”

Ariana lifted her chin. “It was mine to begin with.”

Victoria’s lips curled slightly. “Good.” Then, after a pause-“And what are you doing about Liam Carter?” Ariana blinked, masking her surprise. Her mother knew.