The Alpha's Forced Mate

Face to Face

The relief of clearing his family's doubts didn't last very long. Just as Aria finished her breakfast, the main elevator of the penthouse chimed, and the doors slid open. Aria expected it to be the stylist or Ethan’s assistant, but instead, a tall woman dressed in an expensive white business suit stepped out. She had sharp features and cold, piercing blue eyes.

This was Veronica Vance, Ethan’s cousin and his biggest rival for the CEO position of the Vance empire. She had been out of the country for a merger, but she had returned the moment she heard about Ethan's sudden marriage.

"So, you must be the mysterious bride," Veronica said, her voice smooth but laced with a clear undercurrent of poison. She walked into the living room, her high heels clicking sharply against the marble. "I must say, Ethan usually has better taste. You look like you belong in a small-town grocery store, not a billionaire’s penthouse."

Aria stood up slowly from the dining table, refusing to show any fear. She remembered Ethan’s words about his family being full of snakes. "Appearances can be deceiving, Miss Vance. Ethan values what is inside a person, not just the designer labels they wear."

Veronica let out a cold, artificial laugh, stepping closer until she was standing right in front of Aria. "Don't get too comfortable in this beautiful place, sweetie. I know Ethan. He doesn't do anything without a cold, calculated reason. I am going to find out exactly what secret deal you two made, and when I do, I will personally throw you out on the streets."

"Is that a threat, Veronica?" Ethan’s deep, cold voice suddenly boomed from the hallway. He walked into the room, his expression completely dark as he stood right next to Aria, putting a protective arm around her waist.

Veronica smirked, stepping back toward the elevator. "It's not a threat, dear cousin. It's a promise. Enjoy your little playground while it lasts."

As the elevator doors closed, Aria looked up at Ethan, her heart racing again. The storm wasn't over. In fact, a brand new war for survival had just begun.