Aria wanted to change the car to match Curtis but he wanted to take her car.

All maids and the housekeeper were laughing seeing Curtis checking out her car like a kid. It had been a long time since Curtis had driven the car and he hardly sat in modern sports cars other than old Ferrari models.

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Nobody would even think that Curtis would be raiding in a sports car to his birthday celebration.

Alan had asked to check on how the media got to know about their celebration before he left the villa and received the reports when he was on his way to the venue.

After checking the hot search about him and the reports, he instructed Nathan a few tasks as he made sure about the security over the hotel.

He quickly arranged bodyguards in disguise inside the hall for Aria to be on the safer side because he was sure many would criticize her even though he was showing everyone as he was wrong.

A woman might be right or not, she always gets despised whereas a man's image wouldn't carry a single blot.

That's our society even in the twenty-first century striving for equality but it was only judged based on the work, education level but not the way of thinking.

A black Bugatti Veyron moved on the driveway before coming to halt.

Alan wanted to call and ask where Aria was but he had to control himself and alighted.

The most anticipated individuals of that night were Alan and Aria. They were almost on the verge to think Aria might not be attending.

So as soon as Alan's car halted, everyone's eyes and camera were pointed at the car without missing a single movement of his actions.

Alan's demeanor to everyone was cold and domineering which was the same and the reporters never dared to create a nuisance in front of him so they were quietly waiting for him to reach them.

They didn't miss to notice Alan's outfit. Everyone expected him to be in formal wear for the engagement or normally he always wore a suit but he was different.

He was modish and snazzy in his white slim-fit blazer with black lapel. Its pockets had detailed and minute designs in black. Instead of a shirt, he was in a plain T-shirt and jeans that made him look younger which the media never had guessed.

Alan who always chose a dark color blazer or jacket was in white hence 'President Morgan is matching with Monroe Grayson.' started to travel on the lips of reporters.

That blazer was designed by Aria for casual collection which the media didn't know.

Alan threw his car key fob at a guard and stepped ahead without bothering about the questions being thrown at him continuously when he was passing by.

But suddenly everything froze. There was a deathly silence.

The bodyguards bowed at Alan quickly and ran towards the entrance clearing up the path.

Alan unknowing felt his definite heartbeat and leisurely turned behind to see McLaren P1 imperiously making its way to the entrance of the hotel.

He subconsciously stood rooted to see Aria.

Aria who drove in didn't go straight up to the entrance which confused everyone. She took the wrong side of the fountain to circle it so that the shotgun seat could face the entrance of the hotel.

Curtis and Aria were laughing talking about the live video of the hotel after watching it on the tab.

"Grandfather, don't get off. Let me do the honor."

Curtis smiled and nodded seeing her alight.

With or without makeup, extravagant and simple, formal or informal, casual or party, day or night, Aria was pleasing and mesmerizing in any ambiance.

Many had held their breath from the time the car pulled up. Their eyes widened as soon as Aria alighted and turned to them.

Pure beauty.

Just by a glimpse of her petite face left them stunned with the raise of their heartbeats seeing her smile.

Aria who noticed Alan smiled intuitively forgetting she has to avoid Alan at the party.

Curtis noticed her pace and gaze to see Alan. He just prayed that the person who was trying to kill Aria would get caught soon. His heart ached to see them away.

Alan saw her in white off the shoulder A-Line short dress which had asymmetrical hem highlighting her youthfulness.

Her lips were colored with a beautiful red, her hair was tied up in a messy bun with loose curls giving an appealing look. Her slender legs were gleaming on her high heels.

She was swanky, exquisite.

He took steps towards her and realized he couldn't just casually meet her. He shook his head lightly seeing her mesmeric smile to remind her.

Aria's moment of change in her eyes or the smile wasn't noticed by others. She opened the door and helped Curtis out.

Uncoincidentally he was in white too with the cream-colored jacket.

They looked like a granddaughter and grandfather twinning their outfits as they smiled and moved towards the entrance of the hotel.

The reporters weren't reckless anymore to ask the nonsense questions to her because Aria would make a joke about them affecting their company ratings.

They were very curious to know about Curtis and Aria being so close to each other.

"President Cooper... Elder Morgan... President Cooper..."

They started to call them continuously. Aria only stopped when Curtis took a step towards them. "Yes?"

"Elder Morgan, First of all, wish you a very happy birthday."

Curtis nodded with a smile at the reporter.

"President Cooper and President Morgan are on negatives yet you two are very close to each other. Would you like to say anything about it?"

Curtis smiled at Aria before speaking, "We know each other from the past twenty years. Why can't we be close?"

The reporters courteously smiled and kept eyeing Aria to interview her who didn't care to spare a glance at them.

But suddenly all heard, "President Cooper seems to like my grandfather a lot."

Aria and Curtis smiled behind their aloof faces. Alan who stood on another side of Curtis looked at Aria. Even though it had only been a few hours, he couldn't have enough of her.

The reporters' camera flashed like crazy watching at two presidents looking at each other.

They were expecting some high rating drama between ex-couple, presidents of conglomerates.

They suddenly realized Alan's outfit was the perfect match for Aria's dress but not Monroe Grayson.

The three looked like a perfect family while Curtis was feeling like a third wheel.

He coughed lightly to get attention, "Arrie, reporters want to take your interview, finish it soon and come in."

Aria didn't want to but she didn't object in front of the media. She turned to a guard who quickly went behind Curtis if in case he needed support.

The most anticipated individuals of the night were standing together for the interview but the reporters were at loss.

Aria was lively and Alan was overbearing.

Both looked like a match made in heaven.

They felt like Monroe Grayson doesn't fit with them.

Alan spoke, "President Cooper, aren't you going to greet me anymore?"

While reporters looked at each other, Aria actually gave a friendly hug to compliment him, "Suave."

Her tone wasn't heard by anyone but Alan was displeased. He wanted a proper hug which he was yearning for from the time he saw her but he knew they couldn't do that.

That small interaction left the reporters dumbfounded.

"President Cooper, aren't you angry at President Morgan? Are you here to join his engagement ceremony?"

Aria wasn't cold, "I'm here for grandfather's birthday. If there is an engagement, I will congratulate the couple wholeheartedly for their happiness."

When the reporters were zoning out, Alan led Aria inside and demanded like a tsundere, "I need a hug... a kiss... ... ... No, I need you."

Aria controlled laughing it out and entered the elevator. As soon as the elevator doors closed, she was pulled to Alan's embrace.

Only Alan knew how content and relaxing he feels with Aria next to him and in his embrace.

"Don't take anything to heart whatever you hear. If you can't handle it, leave soon."

Aria raised her little head to face him, "Sweetheart, don't take anything to heart whatever you hear about me. If you can't handle it, leave soon."

Alan smiled and kissed on her forehead fondly.

Aria continued, "I want to leave my lipstick mark on your t-shirt to piss off Monroe Grayson."

"Go ahead."

Aria chuckled but didn't do it on a T-shirt but on his cheek. Both stood back straight to let the bodyguard take a breather but,

"I want to elope with you."

Alan smiled hearing her, "I'm sorry President Cooper, I don't want to marry a married woman and I'm already married."

Aria giggled and quickly pecked on lips.

The bodyguard was crying inside eating too much dog food.

As soon as Aria and Alan stepped in the hall, they got everyone's attention. While the Gray family and relatives gritted their teeth, others started to gossip to know what would happen.

'Are they getting together again?' became the main question soon for all the guests.

Rian and Amelia secretly low fived each other looking at the couple.