Pure instinct seized control of her body. She grabbed a heavy crystal ashtray from the side table and brought it down with shocking force against her father’s temple.
Blood erupted spectacularly, spattering across the immaculate white walls like abstract expressionism.[]
Mr. Sterling’s eyes rolled back as he crumpled unconscious to the marble floor, the golf club clattering harmlessly beside him.]
The tableau froze as everyone processed what had just transpired.[]
Aria’s pulse hammered in her ears as adrenaline surged through her system. Having completed this unprecedented act of rebellion, she experienced peculiar calmness wash over her. The ashtray slipped from suddenly nerveless fingers, shattering on impact.[]
Cathartic tears streamed freely down her face as she methodically wiped blood from her hands with chilling deliberation.]
“You’ve constantly threatened to disown me as your daughter. Today, I’m saving you the trouble. Consider our relationship permanently terminated. I renounce every penny of Sterling inheritance effective immediately.“[]
“Naturally, Sterling Enterprises‘ financial problems and partnership issues no longer concern me whatsoever. Don’t expect any assistance.“]]
“Marcus and I are leaving for somewhere you’ll never locate us. Should you foolishly attempt to follow, I’ll release comprehensive documentation regarding Sterling Group’s creative accounting practices, systematic tax evasion, and the suppressed details of Morgan International’s employee ‘suicide‘ coverup. Then we’ll discover whose reputation truly disintegrates.“[]
She delivered this ultimatum with remarkable steadiness, though dizziness threatened her peripheral vision as she leaned subtly against Marcus for support.
Stunned silence blanketed the entire villa.
Bewildered glances ricocheted between those still conscious, their expressions unified in newfound wariness.
Ryan stared incredulously at this transformed version of Aria–the perpetually accommodating doormat had metamorphosed into someone radiating uncompromising strength.[]
He stepped forward, attempting one final persuasion.[]
“Look, since finalizing our divorce, I’ve had serious regrets. I recognize how monumentally I screwed up. Give me another chance, and I’ll transfer thirty percent of my holdings directly to you. All future expansion projects will automatically include Sterling Group subsidiaries.“]
“What exactly can this unemployed failure possibly offer you? You’ve been accustomed to unlimited luxury your entire life. Are you genuinely prepared for genuine struggle and deprivation?”
“This opportunity expires immediately. Just say yes, and I’ll contact my attorney to reverse everything.”
Ryan maintained his characteristic arrogance, chin elevated slightly, visibly confident she would ultimately capitulate as she always had previously.
Aria’s disbelieving laughter contained zero warmth. She fixed him with an arctic stare that perfectly matched her glacial tone:[]
“Want to understand why our marriage was fundamentally doomed from inception?“[]
“Your pathological narcissism requires universal capitulation to your perspective. Any deviation triggers disproportionate rage, enabling you to punish innocent parties while convinced of your absolute righteousness–even when you’re demonstrably responsible.“[]
“Wealth and influence represent meaningless externalities. Death eventually eliminates every material acquisition. Furthermore, can you genuinely guarantee perpetual professional dominance? Constantly monitoring every syllable, navigating endless political machinations–such existence constitutes exhausting imprisonment. I prefer authentic simplicity. With Marcus, I’d happily wait tables at some roadside diner if necessary.“[]
Hearing himself relegated to irrelevance, Ryan’s complexion darkened dangerously. He violently discarded his designer sunglasses, reverting to intimidation tactics:
“Then I’ll simply take you back by force.“]
Mrs. Sterling immediately backed his play: “Call security immediately and remove this ungrateful bitch from my sight!“[]
Marcus casually initiated a brief call, surveying the assembled antagonists with remarkable composure while maintaining protective contact with Aria.[]
My Ex Planned His Wedding On My Death Day21
725.8%
Chapter 13
“From the moment you illegally entered private property, our security system automatically alerted local authorities. They’re currently surrounding the perimeter. Perhaps you should consider a hasty departure?“]
The threat finally penetrated Mrs. Sterling’s righteous indignation. Ignoring everyone else, she frantically attempted to revive her unconscious husband before dragging him unceremoniously toward their vehicle.
Marcus redirected his attention toward Ryan, indicating discreetly positioned security cameras throughout the garden:]
“Several prominent gossip columnists maintain regular surveillance of this neighborhood. Remaining here guarantees tomorrow’s unflattering headlines. Consider yourself appropriately warned.“]
Ryan angrily gathered his scattered documents, reluctantly accepting defeat–temporarily.[]
Before departing, he delivered one final venomous glare toward Aria, grinding out between clenched teeth:
“This isn’t remotely finished between us.”
-0
