Chapter 216: Chapter 217: Richard’s Warning
DAMIEN’S POV
Richard’s study was exactly as Damien remembered it....dark wood paneling, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, a massive desk that spoke of generations of power. His grandfather moved to the bar and poured two generous glasses of scotch, handing one to Damien before settling into his leather chair.
"She’s lovely," Richard said without preamble. "Intelligent, composed, clearly devoted to you. I can see why you chose her."
"Thank you, Grandfather."
"But we need to talk about Alexander Wei." Richard’s expression became serious. "Don’t look at him being all gentle and meek right now, trying to win back his daughter’s trust and affection. That’s a performance, Damien. A carefully constructed approach designed to achieve his goal."
"You think he’s manipulating her?"
"I think he’s being strategic. There’s a difference." Richard took a sip of his scotch. "Alexander is a dangerous man. I’ve known him in the business world for years....longer than you’ve been alive. I see past all the facade he puts up in front of people. The polished, successful businessman who’s evolved beyond his youthful mistakes? That’s real, but it’s not complete. Underneath it is still the same man who was so possessive of Mei that she fled in the middle of the night."
"He admitted his past failures to Aria. Acknowledged that he was controlling."
"Of course he did. Because that’s the smart play." Richard leaned forward. "I’m not saying he’s lying about wanting to change or about loving his daughter. I believe both of those things are genuine. But Damien, you need to understand something about men like Alexander Wei. Their love is inherently possessive. They can’t separate caring about someone from needing to control every aspect of that person’s life. It’s not malicious....it’s just who they are."
Damien absorbed this, his jaw tightening.
"Now that he’s back in Aria’s life, he’s going to want to make things difficult for you." Richard’s voice was matter-of-fact. "Aria is his only child. His only heir. The daughter he refused to replace for twenty-five years despite two marriages. That kind of obsessive devotion doesn’t just disappear because he’s found her. If anything, it intensifies."
"What are you suggesting I do?"
"Be vigilant. Set boundaries early. Make it clear that Aria is with you and that’s not changing." Richard paused. "But also be prepared for Alexander to test you. To push boundaries. To try to insert himself into every aspect of Aria’s life....including her relationship with you."
"I can handle Alexander Wei."
"Can you?" Richard’s gaze was sharp. "You’re powerful, Damien. But Alexander operates on a global scale. He has resources and connections that even we don’t have. And he’s had twenty-five years to become absolutely obsessed with finding his daughter. Now that he has, he’s not going to let anyone.....including you.....threaten his relationship with her."
Damien set down his glass carefully. "Are you saying he’ll try to separate us?"
"I’m saying he’ll try to control her life the way he tried to control her mother’s. And if he perceives you as a threat to his control, or if he decides you’re not good enough for her, or if he simply wants her to himself.....yes, he’ll absolutely try to separate you." Richard’s voice softened slightly. "I’m not trying to frighten you. I’m trying to prepare you. Alexander Wei is not your enemy, but he’s definitely your competition. For Aria’s time, attention, loyalty, and future."
"Aria makes her own choices."
"I know she does. That’s why I approve of her." Richard smiled slightly. "But you need to understand that Alexander is used to getting what he wants. And what he wants is his daughter back in his life. Fully. Completely. With all the years he missed somehow made up for."
"That’s impossible."
"Yes, it is. But that won’t stop him from trying." Richard stood and walked to the window. "There’s something else you should know. I’ve been hearing rumors about Harold. He’s been quiet since his company collapsed, but quiet doesn’t mean inactive. My sources suggest he’s planning something."
Damien’s entire body tensed. "What kind of something?"
"I don’t know specifics yet. But Harold is facing prison time, has lost everything, and blames Aria for it. Men in that position become desperate. Dangerous." Richard turned to face his grandson. "I know you have security on her, but I want you to double it. Triple it if necessary. Harold Ashford has nothing left to lose, which makes him unpredictable."
"Marcus has been monitoring Harold’s movements. We know he met with someone recently....paid them fifty thousand dollars for something. We’re still trying to identify who."
"Then identify them quickly. Because if Harold is desperate enough to spend that kind of money, he’s planning something significant." Richard moved back to his desk. "Your protective instincts are good, Damien. I raised you to protect what’s yours. But sometimes protection means preparing for threats you can’t yet see."
"I won’t let anything happen to her."
"I know you won’t. But you’re about to be fighting battles on multiple fronts....Alexander trying to insert himself into Aria’s life, Harold planning whatever revenge he’s plotting, and the normal complications of being together." Richard’s expression was serious. "My instincts are never wrong, Damien. And right now, they’re telling me a storm is coming. Multiple storms, actually, all converging at once."
Damien stood, his mind already racing through security protocols, contingency plans, ways to protect Aria from threats both known and unknown.
"Thank you for the warning, Grandfather."
"That’s what family does." Richard moved toward the door, then paused. "One more thing. About Aria’s mother.....Mei. She was able to hide from someone of Alexander’s status and power for more than two decades. Do you understand how remarkable that is?"
Damien nodded slowly.
"That requires real intelligence, real capability, real strategic thinking. Don’t underestimate the Chen women, Damien. They’re survivors. They’re fighters. And they’re far more dangerous than they appear." Richard smiled. "Which is exactly why Aria is perfect for you. You need someone who can match your intensity. Who can stand up to you when necessary. Who can be your equal rather than your subordinate."
"I know."
"Good. Then hold onto her. Protect her. But also trust her to protect herself. She survived infiltrating your estate. She survived stealing from you. She survived nearly losing her mother. She’ll survive whatever’s coming too....as long as you’re smart enough to fight beside her rather than trying to fight for her."
The words resonated deeper than Richard probably intended. Damien had spent months learning that lesson....learning to trust Aria’s capabilities, to support rather than control, to be her partner rather than her protector.
They returned to the library to find Aria curled up in a chair with a book, looking completely at ease surrounded by thousands of volumes.
"Ready to go?" Damien asked softly.
She looked up and smiled. "Whenever you are."
They said their goodbyes to Richard, who kissed Aria’s cheek and told her she was welcome anytime. The drive back to the city was quiet, both of them processing the evening.
"What did your grandfather want to talk to you about?" Aria asked finally.
"Alexander. He wanted to warn me that your father isn’t as reformed as he appears. That his possessiveness might become a problem."
Aria was silent for a moment. "Do you think he’s right?"
"I think my grandfather’s instincts are rarely wrong." Damien took her hand. "But I also think you’re capable of setting boundaries with Alexander if necessary. You’re not your mother, Aria. You’re stronger, more independent, more willing to fight back if someone tries to control you."
"I hope so." She squeezed his hand. "Because I have a feeling things are about to get a lot more complicated."
Damien pulled her closer, kissing the top of her head.
She had no idea how right she was.
