Chapter 256

The night breeze carried a chill through the capital.

The Whitmore Group's headquarters blazed with light, but nothing could mask the turmoil within. In just half a month, the once-glorious family empire now teetered on the brink of collapse.

"Chairman, the stock hit the limit-down again today," the secretary adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, his tone eerily calm.

Old Whitmore smashed his teacup against the floor. "Useless! All of you!"

He still couldn't comprehend how his affair with Celine Valmont had triggered this catastrophic downfall.

Unbeknownst to him, several major shareholders were already conspiring in the boardroom.

"Old Whitmore's finished. We need to cut our losses."

"I heard the Valmont family is preparing to flee."

"Serves him right. His lust dragged us all down."

......

Aria Bennett stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, watching the city's endless stream of headlights.

"The Whitmores are done," she murmured, taking a sip of coffee, her lips curling into a cold smile.

Tessa Morgan entered with a file. "Flight's booked. We leave for the States the day after tomorrow."

"Mm." Aria turned. "Before we go, let's visit our alma mater."

The university gates buzzed with students even at dusk.

"Remember that barbecue stall?" Tessa pointed to a small shop. "The owner still recognizes us."

They shared a smile, momentarily transported back to carefree college days.

"By the way," Tessa lowered her voice, "Roman's been finding excuses to take me to dinner lately."

Aria arched an eyebrow. "Oh?"

"Do you think he—" Tessa's words died as a chill ran down her spine.

Aria yanked her wrist. "Move!"

A corrosive stench grazed past them. White smoke hissed from the scorched pavement.

"Vivienne?" Tessa gasped at the disheveled woman emerging from the shadows.

Vivienne Archer clutched two glass bottles, madness gleaming in her eyes. "This is all your fault!"

Aria shielded Tessa calmly. "Your brother's choices weren't my doing. As for Malcolm—"

"Liar!" Vivienne shrieked. "If you hadn't seduced him—"

She twisted a cap open. Concentrated sulfuric acid glinted lethally under the streetlights.

A sudden unnatural gust swirled.

The acid arced backward, dousing Vivienne entirely.

"Karma," Aria observed coldly as the woman writhed on the ground, already dialing the police.

Sirens wailed in the distance.

Damian Cross arrived breathlessly as Aria gave her statement.

"Are you hurt?"

"Hardly." Aria smirked. "Though someone should leash his admirer."

Roman Vale rubbed his neck sheepishly, gaze drifting toward Tessa.

Damian scowled. "That lunatic belongs in a cell."

"Don't worry." Aria watched paramedics load the screaming woman away. "She'll never see daylight again."

The night wind carried away the last traces of acrid smoke.

Poetic justice was never just a saying.