The Devil's Contractual Bride

Chapter 53: Time’s Ticking

Aria’s POV

A loud noise erupted from outside the building to the extent that I could hear loud voices overlapping each other from the guest room where I was with Andre.

I stepped out to the balcony and discovered that the was already surrounded by reporters, cameramen and curious onlookers had gathered in front of the building like vultures.

News vans lined the street, satellite dishes pointed toward the sky and every few minutes a fresh wave of flashes erupted whenever someone stepped near a window. The murder arrest had turned our penthouse into a besieged fortress.

When the onlookers sighted me they began yelling my name and positioning their cameras at me forcing me to run back into the sitting room.

Andre was resting now on the large couch, with Sharon the nurse quietly checking his vitals in the background. I had barely slept.

A sharp knock suddenly echoed through the penthouse,Marcus appearing from the security panel. "Ma’am, Clara is downstairs. She says you know she’s coming. There’s a crowd of reporters surrounding her. Should I let her up?"

I exchanged a quick glance with Andre. He gave me a subtle nod.

"Let her come up," I ordered. "But keep security tight and make sure no one else gets in."

Minutes later the elevator dinged and Clara stepped out, wearing an expression of deep concern.

"Aria" she exclaimed, rushing forward with open arms. "Oh my God, I came as soon as I heard. The press is insane out there. How are you holding up? And poor sir... I can’t believe this is happening to him."

I forced myself to step into her hug, my body stiff. . "It’s been... awful," I managed to say before pulling back. "Thank you for coming. I appreciate all you have done for me and Lucian."

Clara squeezed my shoulders, her eyes glaring with fake sympathy. "Of course. I’m here for you. For both of you. Lucian is my boss and you’ve been nothing short of amazing to me since the day I met you.

Anyway,I brought some contacts of top criminal defense lawyers who owe me favors. And I also drafted a company statement denying everything. We can release it today to stabilize the online saga and maybe shift the public vote in our interest."

She set her bag down and pulled out a folder, spreading documents on the coffee table. "I also pulled the latest on the SEC inquiry. They’re moving fast and they might come for next since Lucian is already in jail, but if we get ahead of the narrative—"

Andre’s voice cut in sharply from the couch. "Clara.It’s Good to see you. Since I’m temporarily acting as Lucian’s counsel, mind if I ask a few questions?"

Clara blinked, clearly surprised to see Andre sitting up and involved. "Andre... you’re awake?. That’s wonderful and of course you can ask anything."

Andre leaned forward slightly, wincing but keeping his eyes locked on her.

"These lawyers you mentioned. Are you sure they’re independent or do they have any connection to Ethan Caldwell’s circle? And does this statement of yours mention Aria’ kidnapping? Because since you’re deciding to put everything out there,the public also needs to know Ethan is behind the smear campaign."

Clara’s smile faltered for a split second. "Well... the statement focuses on Lucian’s innocence and the company’s strength. We don’t want to escalate things by naming Ethan without solid proof and as for the lawyers, they’re clean. I vetted them myself."

Andre nodded slowly, but his next question came like a blade. "Interesting. Because from what Aria told me, there’s a recording that suggests someone very close to Lucian has been feeding Ethan information about the stock purchases.Do you have any idea who that could be?"

Clara’s fingers tightened on the folder. "A recording? That’s... new. I hadn’t heard about that. But if it exists, we should turn it over to the authorities immediately. Be sure that I can help facilitate that."

I watched her carefully, forcing a grateful smile. "That’s kind of you, Clara. Actually, we’re still verifying it. In the meantime, maybe you could help us with something else. Lucian mentioned a ’Plan B’ document about redirecting some offshore accounts to protect the company in case of arrest. If you’re aware of such accounts we’ll need your help to move the money in these accounts seeing that we can reach him with the police watching."

Clara’s eyes flickered. "Offshore accounts? I... I can look into our records. I’ll get back to you by tonight."

We continued the conversation for another twenty minutes. I fed her more false leads about a supposed new witness who could clear Lucian . She took notes of every word,her concerned face perfectly structured as she swallowed a bunch of false information.

When she finally stood to leave, she hugged me again. "I’m so sorry you’re going through this, Aria. Call me anytime. I’ll do whatever it takes to help Lucian."

"Thank you," I said, walking her to the elevator. "We really appreciate it."

The doors closed behind her. I waited until the elevator descended, then let out a long sight.

Andre’s voice came from the couch. "She’s dirty. Did you see how she tensed when I mentioned the recording and the way she pushed for details on the offshore accounts?It’s obvious she’s going to run straight to Ethan with everything you just fed her."

I nodded, collapsing onto the chair sofa. "I know. Mike’s team is already watching her. We just planted enough false information to lead Ethan into a mistake."

Finally,the person I had been waiting for,Mike, called so I picked up immediately.

"Hello Mike, tell me you have something."

"I actually do Ma’am. I just left the station now. My guy said that the evidence against Boss is pretty bad. They found his DNA all over Victor’s body bedroom where the murder supposedly took place. The prosecutor is pushing for a quick indictment and the bail hearing is tomorrow morning."

I felt the air leave my lungs. "DNA? That’s impossible.Lucian had nothing to do with Victor’s murder"

"It’s planted but it’s convincing."

I rubbed my temples. "You know what,help me get the name of the lawyer prosecuting the case. I might have an idea."

"I’ve already contacted Francis,a lawyer friend of mine.. He’ll take up Lucian’s bail hearing on my behalf tomorrow. He’s one of the best and the prosecutors will know not to mess with him." Andre said immediately I hung up the call with Mike.

I looked at him, surprised. "You already did that?"

Andre nodded, a small, tired smile on his face. "I told you I wasn’t going to sit here with my hands folded. Francis will be here for briefing first thing tomorrow morning."

"Thank you Andre"