Ryan's POV
The sun sat high up in the sky, scorching as ever and on a normal day I would not have thought of stepping out. But my meeting with Vanessa is more important than the sun burns I might get today.
Surprisingly, the hotness of the sun didn't affect the breezy weather as cool air hit my face the moment I stepped out of the house. The tension from my conversation with Mia still lingered in my clouded mind.
I walked toward my car, my mind racing and doubt was slowly seeping into my head. Bringing Vanessa into this was a risk, but it was a necessary move. If there was anyone who could expose Aaron, it was her.
I hadn't told Mia everything about Vanessa. Some things were better left unsaid, at least for now. Vanessa wasn't just Aaron's ex. She was a wildcard, someone with too many secrets of her own. And if we played this wrong, everything could blow up in our faces.
As I drove through the busy streets of the city, I thought about how far things had gone. What had started as a plan to protect the company and, in my own way, Mia, had changed into something darker. Aaron's moves were more calculated, more vicious than I had anticipated. I should have seen it coming, but I had underestimated how low he'd sink to maintain control.
And now Mia was caught in the middle of it all.
She was tougher than I'd given her credit for. When she had first signed that contract, I thought she'd crumble under the pressure. But Mia wasn't the type to break easily. She had a fight in her, a kind of fire that I hadn't seen in a long time. I couldn't help but respect her for that, even if it complicated things between us.
A part of me hated that she was in this mess. But another part, the darker part, was drawn to the chaos. Because as much as I wanted to take down Aaron for what he had done,I couldn't deny that Mia was becoming more than just a piece in this game. She was becoming someone I wanted to protect. Someone I wanted for myself.
I shook my head, trying to push those thoughts away. This wasn't about Mia, not in that way. It couldn't be. The risks involved were too high, and I needed to stay focused.
When I arrived at the small café where I had arranged to meet Vanessa, I parked the car and took a moment to gather myself. Vanessa was unpredictable, and I had no idea how she'd react to what I was about to propose.
As I entered the café, I spotted her immediately. She was seated by the window, her dark hair perfectly styled, her designer sunglasses perched on her head. Vanessa always had a way of looking effortlessly put together, even when her life was in shambles.
From where I stood, it was obvious that she wasn't settled mentally and I could easily tell from the way her legs kept shaking under the table.
I approached the table, and she looked up, her face, pale and completely emotionless.
"Ryan," she muttered, her breathy voice laced with tiredness. "It's been a while."
"Vanessa," I replied, taking a seat across from her. "Thanks for agreeing to meet."
She arched an eyebrow, leaning back in her chair. "I'm curious, Ryan. What could you possibly want after all this time?"
I didn't waste any time. "It's about Aaron."
Her eyes twitched with interest, but she didn't say anything. I took that as a good sign.
"I know things ended badly between the two of you," I continued, choosing my words carefully.
"And I know you've kept certain… truths hidden for a long time. But now, we both have a chance to set things right."
Vanessa laughed hysterically, a bitter sound that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
"Set things right? Ryan, there's no setting anything right with Aaron. He's not the kind of man who forgives or forgets. You, of all people, should know that." she slurred and I raked my fingers through my hair
"I do," I responded coldly, my tone firm. "Which is exactly why I need your help. I'm not asking for much—just the truth."
She narrowed her eyes and folded her arms over her chest as her back rested on her chair.
"The truth about what?" she requested and glued her eyes on me like she was ready to pierce into my soul.
"About Aaron's involvement in Hartley Enterprises," I pressed further, watching her closely.
"And about the paternity of your child." I whispered and held her gaze.
Vanessa stiffened at that, her fingers tightening around the edge of the table. "You don't know what you're talking about."
I watched her silently and the redness of her face was enough to convince me that rage was slowly building up inside of her. My fingers brushed continuously over my beards and I leaned back on my seat.
" Calm your nerves Nessa, why do you look so enraged?" I probed and she forced a faint smile.
"I'm not, Ryan. I'm just letting you understand that you know nothing about the paternity of my child." she bickered and her jaw clenched.
"Oh, I do," I countered, leaning forward slightly. "I've done my homework, Vanessa. I know Aaron isn't the father, and I know you've been keeping that secret to protect yourself. But if you help me, I can make sure Aaron never finds out."
For a moment, a deafening silence hung between us. I could see the conflict in her eyes, the fear of what Aaron might do if he ever discovered the truth. But there was something else too—something that told me she wasn't entirely opposed to the idea of betraying him.
"And why would I help you?" she questioned, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Because if you don't, Aaron's going to take everything," I replied.
"Not just from me, but from Mia too. He's selling Hartley Enterprises out from under her, and if we don't stop him, he'll destroy everything she's worked for."
Vanessa's expression softened slightly at the mention of Mia. She had always been protective of other women, especially those Aaron had hurt. It was one of the few things I respected about her.
"You really think Aaron will stop if you take him down?" she asked, her voice laced with skepticism.
"He's always ten steps ahead. Even if you block the sale, he'll find another way to ruin her."
"Not if we have the right leverage," I replied. "If we expose him, if we show the world what he's really capable of, he won't have any power left. But I can't do that without your help." I urged and gently wrapped my hands around hers, stopping it from quivering.
Vanessa stared at me for a long moment, her expression unreadable. I could see the wheels turning in her mind, weighing the risks, calculating the benefits. After what seemed like an endless trail of thoughts, she exhaled heavily and her nerves settled. .
"I want protection, Ryan." she demanded and I slowly nodded my head in agreement.
"If I give you what you need, I want assurance that Aaron can't come after me or my child." she continued. Her eyes bore into mine and the lights reflected on them, revealing the depths of those hazel eyes.
I already expected this request even before this conversation commenced so I already made prior arrangements for it.
"You'll have it. I'll make sure of it." I reassured and her lips curved up a smile. Even though I couldn't really tell if that smile was genuine, I still smiled along with her.
She hesitated for another second before speaking. "Fine. I'll help you. But you better make sure Aaron pays for what he's done."
"I will," I promised, relief washing over me. "We both will."
With that, I stood, ready to leave, but Vanessa stopped me with a hand on my arm.
"One more thing," she said, her voice low. "Aaron's playing a bigger game than you realize. It's not just about Hartley Enterprises. He's going after Ryan Corp, too. He wants to take everything from your family—starting with you."
Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. Aaron's plan wasn't just about Mia's company. It was about revenge. And I was his real target.
"Thank you" I mouthed and patted her shoulder gently.
I left the café, my mind spiraling in circles. This changed everything. If Aaron was coming for me, I couldn't afford to make any mistakes. I needed to protect Mia, but I also needed to protect my family's legacy.
As I drove back to the estate, one thing was clear: this wasn't just a battle for Hartley Enterprises anymore. It was a war—and Aaron had just upped the stakes.
The dangerous game we were playing had just turned deadly.