Autumn rain fell steadily, drenching the entire city.
Aria Snow stood beneath the Prosperity Group building, gazing up at this towering structure that pierced the clouds. Five years—she had finally returned to this place.
"Miss Snow, Mr. Rivers is waiting for you on the top floor." The secretary respectfully led the way.
As the elevator ascended floor by floor, Aria Snow's heartbeat quickened. She knew that today's meeting would determine her brother's life or death.
"Ding——"
The moment the elevator doors opened, time seemed to stand still.
Kane Rivers stood with his back to her before the floor-to-ceiling windows, his tall, upright figure perfect as a sculpture. Hearing footsteps, he slowly turned around.
Five years had passed, and he had become more mature, with an air of authority between his brows, but those deep eyes were still as captivating as she remembered.
"Aria Snow." He spoke, his voice low and magnetic, "You're finally willing to come back."
Aria Snow forced herself to remain calm: "Mr. Rivers, I'm here to discuss business."
"Business?" Kane Rivers chuckled softly, slowly walking toward her, "What business do you think we could possibly have between us?"
As he approached, the familiar masculine scent washed over her. Aria Snow instinctively stepped back: "About my brother..."
"Felix Snow owes me fifty million. How do you plan to repay it?" Kane Rivers interrupted her, his tone terrifyingly calm.
"I..." Aria Snow bit her lip, "I can pay in installments, or through other means..."
"Other means?" Kane Rivers suddenly stepped forward, cornering her against the wall, "Like returning to my side?"
Aria Snow's pupils contracted as she said tremblingly: "Kane Rivers, don't go too far."
"Too far?" The man's hand gently caressed her cheek, "Who was it that left without a word five years ago? Who disappeared without a trace with my child?"
"I didn't..."
"Didn't?" Kane Rivers' voice suddenly turned ice-cold, "Aria Snow, do you take me for a fool?"
Aria Snow closed her eyes and took a deep breath: "That's all in the past. Now I just want to save my brother."
"Want to save him?" Kane Rivers released his hand and returned to his desk, "Fine. Become my woman again, and the debt will be erased."
"You..."
"That's the only condition." Kane Rivers' words were decisive, "Think it over before you answer me."
Aria Snow looked at this man she had once loved deeply, her heart aching like a knife. The misunderstanding from five years ago had turned two people in love into enemies today. But for her brother's sake, she had no choice.
"I agree."