Chapter 150

Elodie hadn’t known Ari had siblings. She wanted to ask about the ‘heir,’ but Ari was obviously reluctant to elaborate, his gaze flitting away. Instead, he steered the conversation back to his company. ‘It’s perfect for me. Exposure to diverse industries, flexible hours, allows me to travel the world. And speaking of travelling…’ he winked, his playful charm returning. ‘It also brought me to you, hasn’t it?’ Elodie raised her glass at that. She had entered the evening bristling with the intent to end things, but found her resolve melting away with his heartfelt confession. ‘I guess I know how you feel,’ she sighed, sympathy colouring her voice. ‘Family could be…’ Her own life was no walk in the park, riddled with its own brand of familial intrigue: scheming uncles eyeing her inheritance, a venomous cousin resorting to kidnapping, and a shadowy mastermind pulling the strings from the darkness. Ari leaned closer, a flicker of relief in his eyes. ‘Complicated? Messy? Downright terrifying?