Divorced, But Queen - Chapter 106: Chapter 106

His employees often said Aria had been working tirelessly for the Cole Group these past two years, but now it was clear her energy had gone elsewhere—training in martial arts. How else could she have such skill?
Hannah straightened up and said coldly, "You went after Liam first. I was just teaching you a lesson. Even if you hadn't blocked it, you wouldn't have been hurt."
"Is that so?" Cloe stepped forward, her eyes frosty. "Ms. Gibson, attacking my guest in my Navoron Restaurant—is this the kind of manners the Gibson family teaches?"
Hannah scoffed, clearly unimpressed. "Funny how you didn't say a word when Aria made her move, Ms. Woods. You let your friend attack me. Is this how Navoron Restaurant treats its guests?"
Cloe's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Mr. Cole insulted Ms. Saxon's friend, and she had every reason to retaliate. But you, Ms. Gibson—what's your excuse for resorting to violence?"
"I'll let this slap slide because of what you've been through, but don't think I'll be so forgiving next time," Liam said, stopping Hannah from snapping back as he turned to Aria.
Aria looked up at the man who was both familiar and strange, a flicker of mockery flashing in her eyes.
From a young age, she'd always been able to sense how others felt about her—whether they liked or disliked her.
Two years ago, Liam wasn't like this. Back then, his eyes were filled with passion for medicine, for life, and maybe even for her. His sincerity had been undeniable, and his feelings for her were genuine.
The Solemnity Guild had given her six months. If she wanted to stay with the Saxon family, they wouldn't stop her. But if she chose not to, she would have to return.
She had long grown tired of a life filled with bloodshed, but the Saxon family had given her no reason to stay.
The arranged marriage between the Saxon and Cole families was an opportunity. She didn't dislike Liam, and when he, eager to leave the country, proposed they register their marriage, she agreed. It was the perfect chance to leave the Solemnity Guild behind.
When Daniel insisted on a prenuptial agreement, it suited her perfectly. She didn't even know the full extent of her own assets, and keeping them separate from the Cole family was for the best.
She had used Liam to escape the Solemnity Guild, taking on the role of his wife. In return, she had done her best to help his family and care for his relatives.
Whatever debt she owed had long been repaid. She had accepted the divorce, but now the Coles wanted to take what was hers, pushing her patience to its limits.
The way Liam looked at her now was filled with nothing but disdain, a far cry from the way he used to look at her.
She knew he wasn't worth her time.
Aria ignored him.
Cloe couldn't ignore it. Her expression darkened, and her beautiful eyes turned icy as she said, "Navoron Restaurant doesn't serve troublemakers. From now on, you're banned. And that includes..."
She raised her gaze slightly, locking eyes with Kim. "And that includes Mr. Shaw here. Anyone who associates with them can't be much better."
Their eyes met—one calm and indifferent, the other shadowed and unreadable.
Startled, Amanda hiccupped and raised her hand nervously. "Ms. Woods, I'm just an assistant. Surely, I'm not included, right?"
Cloe shifted her gaze and smiled faintly. "You're not included."
Liam's face darkened. "We've already paid. What gives you the right to refuse us service?"
Cloe merely said, "Navoron Restaurant will refund you tenfold."
Before Liam could argue further, Kim cut in with a mocking tone, "If I'd known this place was run by the oh-so-hypocritical Ms. Woods, I wouldn't have bothered stepping in. Goodbye."
With that, he strode out with long, confident steps. Amanda quickly apologized to Cloe before hurrying after him.
Kim's words left Hannah elated. "If Kim doesn't like it here, then there's no point sticking around. Let's go."
The group left, and the onlookers gradually dispersed as well.
"Aria, Vanessa, I'm sorry you had to go through this today. Drinks are on me next time!" Cloe said with a smile.
"It's my fault, Cloe. I shouldn't have dragged you into this," Aria said.
Elena spread rumors that Aria had been sold to an older man by her foster parents. The wealthy socialites, relieved they hadn't stuck with Aria's beauty cream, eagerly switched to the new beauty cream Elena promoted.
That morning, Wendy Shaw, Kim's mother, was washing up. When she caught sight of herself in the mirror, she let out a sharp scream.