The Abandoned one

Rain fell over the city like broken glass.

Inside a private rooftop restaurant, Aria sat across from Liam, her expression unreadable.

He had come without hesitation no guards,no secrets just himself.

I got your message,he said why here?

She slid a photo across the table — the document with his signature on the Project Phoenix witness file.

Liam's face froze.

Is it real? she asked quietly did you sign it?

He swallowed, eyes darkening.

I did… but I didn't know what it was at the time. I was told it was a clearance document for inter-company holdings. I didn't know your mother was involved.

Aria's gaze hardened do you expect me to believe that?

I expect you to know mehe said i have lied before, Aria but never about this if I had known it would lead to her death, I would've burned the whole boardroom down."

Her hands curled into fists.

I want to trust you, she said but every time I do, something cracks.

Then let me help fix it.

Before she could answer, her phone buzzed.

Security Alert – Lin Group Boardroom: Access breach.

She stood immediately.

They're moving.

---

Thirty minutes later, Aria entered the Lin Group's boardroom in a storm. The board was mid-meeting — Zhao Yanmei, Chairman Lin, and several executives seated at the polished table.

I wasn't invited,Aria said, stepping in but I brought something for show-and-tell."

She turned on the screen behind her and inserted the flash drive.

The boardroom fell silent as Chairman Lin's voice played through the speakers:

If she keeps asking questions, let the media eat her alive…then we bury her like we did her mother."

Zhao stood, voice sharp this is fake—!

Sit down,Aria snapped we're not done.

She turned to the room i, Aria Lin, claim my rightful shareholder seat under my mother's legacy. I demand an independent investigation into the Phoenix funds and the deaths surrounding it.

Several members nodded slowly.

Chairman Lin slammed his fist on the table. "

You think you can walk in here and take everything?

I'm not taking it, she said coldly. I'm taking it back.

---

Just as Aria turned to leave, a shot rang out.

Glass shattered.

A bullet missed her by inches, striking the wall behind her.

Get down! Liam shouted, diving toward her.

Chaos erupted.

Two masked gunmen burst through the side entrance, firing silenced pistols. One board member collapsed, blood on his chest.

Aria ducked behind the table. Her ears rang. Her heart thundered.

Another shot then silence.

Liam stood — gun in hand — one attacker down at his feet.

The second fled through the fire escape.

You carry a gun now? Aria asked breathlessly.

I've always carried one,he said you just never saw it.

---

After the police arrived and the boardroom was locked down, Aria sat alone in the corner, shaking.

The trap had worked.

But it came with blood.

She stared at her hands.

The heiress they abandoned was gone.

What rose in her place… was something much more dangerous.

And much harder to kill.

---

❓ Reader Questions:

1. Do you think Liam really didn't know about the file?

2. Was the board attack ordered by Zhao… or someone else?

3. Is Aria becoming the villain now — or just fighting fire with fire?

4. Should she take over Lin Group completely next?