Chapter 174

Aria Bennett crossed her arms, a mocking smile playing on her lips.

Just as she was about to taunt Julian Valmont, the cold voice of Nolan Reed cut in from behind.

"With a face like that, you actually dare to lust after Aria?"

Nolan had casually picked out a few raw stones when he spotted Aria selecting jade alone in the distance. He had intended to approach her, only to overhear Julian's crude remarks, instantly igniting his fury. If not for the public setting, he would have already thrown a punch.

Julian turned around, his face dark with rage, ready to unleash a torrent of curses—until he recognized Nolan. The words died in his throat. The Valmont family was currently seeking a partnership with the Reeds, and he couldn’t afford to offend the heir.

"Miss Bennett, you’d better think carefully about my proposal," he muttered under his breath, his tone laced with threat.

Aria tore his business card into pieces right in front of him.

"Nolan’s right," she sneered. "You should take a good look in the mirror. See if you even deserve to breathe the same air as me."

Julian’s expression twisted. "You—!"

How dare a mere actress act so arrogantly?

"Just you wait," he spat venomously before storming off.

Aria’s fingers twitched imperceptibly, and a wisp of miasmic energy slithered unnoticed into Julian’s body. His face bore the marks of cruelty, his hands stained with blood. From today onward, he wouldn’t be harming any more women.

And she’d make sure his life was plagued by endless "accidents."

"Are you okay?" Nolan asked, concern lacing his voice.

Aria shrugged. "Just a stray dog barking."

"A rabid one, at that," Nolan agreed, then lowered his voice. "He’s that woman’s son?"

Aria nodded. "The whole family’s rotten."

"Should we leave?" Nolan suggested.

Aria arched a brow. "Why should I be the one to avoid them?"

"This auction will leave them empty-handed."

Nolan chuckled indulgently. "Fine. I’ll stay with you."

Just then, Damian Cross approached with a small entourage.

"Did Julian bother you?" he asked bluntly.

Aria answered plainly. "He offered to be my sugar daddy. I told him off."

Damian’s gaze turned icy.

Elias Vaughn adjusted his glasses. "Julian just got out of jail. Seems he hasn’t learned his lesson."

"Miss Bennett, we meet again," he greeted with a smile.

Aria inclined her head. "Here for the jade auction, Mr. Vaughn?"

"My jewelry company needs raw materials," Elias explained.

Damian added, "His company and Valmont Jewelers are bitter rivals."

Elias grinned. "With your blessing, I’ll crush them this time."

"How’s your selection going?" Damian asked Aria.

"Only halfway through," she replied.

"Let’s go together," Damian said. "I’ll help Elias pick a few stones too."

Aria agreed.

Nolan suddenly interjected, "You know jade appraisal, Mr. Cross?"

Damian smirked. "Got a problem with that, Mr. Reed?"

"Just worried you’ll embarrass yourself in front of the crowd if you pick duds," Nolan challenged.

Damian remained unruffled. "I could say the same to you."

Tension crackled between them, but Aria pretended not to notice, turning back to examine the stones.

Meanwhile, Julian returned to his sister, Celine Valmont, his face thunderous.

"What happened?" Celine asked.

After hearing his account, Celine’s cold gaze locked onto Aria. For some reason, she had despised this woman at first sight.

"Playing hard to get," she scoffed. "Once she’s in your hands, we’ll see how she begs."

Julian bared his teeth in a vicious grin. "Exactly."