Chapter 6

Before her, under the evening lights, the city skyline seemed to be infinite and glittering. From where Aria Laurent stood—no more Isabella Marsden, no more the lady who had cried in silence—she could see everything. Under her feet was the world that had once felt like a cage, the tall buildings, the crowded streets. These days, this was her universe. She had been establishing a new life away from Adrian's shadow, redefining herself, getting ready for this moment for the past six months. But tonight represented the actual start. Her fingers tightened around the champagne glass in her hand as she scanned the magnificent rooftop location, filled with New York’s most influential personalities. Gathering for the Carter Industries gala, an event hosted by one of the most powerful men in the business, were billionaires, investors, media moguls. also the man she had gone to visit. Liam Carter. Her heart should have thumped. Once upon a time, it might have. But Aria no longer had th