Victor’s POVThe way Samuel looked at me, so smug and self-satisfied, only made my blood boil. I wasn’t entirely sure if it was jealousy or just sheer annoyance. Maybe it’s a bit of both. I hated the idea that Aria had done something special for Samuel and not for me. It felt like another reminder
Aria’s POV“Jess, can you believe these figures?” I whispered to my best friend as I showed her the digital copy of the sales our perfumes had made so far. “At this rate, we might not have enough stocks to last for the entire month of the exhibition!”“Well, that’s a great problem, isn’t it?” Jessic
Aria’s POVThe morning sun poured through the tall windows of the exhibition hall as Jessica and I arrived a few hours earlier than the scheduled opening of the second day. We were both in high spirits, animatedly discussing the previous day’s events. “It was such a relief when Shane and Veronica f
Aria’s POV“This is not happening,” I breathed, feeling as if I was suddenly trapped in some nightmare. My hands trembled as I tried to grasp the full extent of the damage.Emma’s breathing grew rapid and shallow, her face getting drained of color. I moved to her side, gently placing a hand on her s
Aria’s POVI paced back and forth, racking my brain for something more that we could possibly do. The exhibition was supposed to be our big break, a chance to show what we were capable of. Now, it felt like everything was slipping through our fingers.Emma was already on the phone again, her voice
Aria’s POVFiona took a deep breath, her gaze drifting to the damaged photos as if they could somehow lessen the weight of what she was about to reveal. “I only found out about this after getting to know Farah better,” she began, her voice low, almost reluctant. I noticed the way her fingers tighten
Aria’s POV“Now this is raw and real,” I whispered, stepping back to check our work. “There’s no bigger message about resilience and empowerment.”As we gathered around the small section where we’d moved the vandalized pieces, there was a sense of quiet triumph in the air. The damaged photos, now di
Aria’s POV“This is incredible,” Jessica whispered, brimming with excitement as she scrolled through her phone. “People are really talking about the exhibition. It’s blowing up all over social media.”“I know,” I replied, my own screen filled with posts, reviews, and vlogs. “The buzz is insane. It’s
Aria’s POVLucciano’s smile widened as he noticed the subtle shift in my expression. “Yes, you’ve found yourself an ally in me—for now. But remember, Aria, alliances are built on trust and value. I have no time for people who squander opportunities.”Victor, seated beside me, leaned forward slightly
Aria’s POVAbandoned? Shane’s no longer under anyone’s protection?Victor’s expression mirrored my disbelief, though he masked it quickly. “You’re saying Shane has been left to fend for herself?”Lucciano leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in front of him as he studied us. “That’s precis
Victor’s POV“Right this way,” the staff member said, his tone brisk but polite as he gestured toward the elevator. I placed a hand on the small of Aria’s back, guiding her forward. Her steps were hesitant, and I could sense the tension radiating off her. My own pulse thrummed with anticipation—and
Aria’s POVThe room for the luncheon was grander than I’d imagined, an opulent space bathed in soft golden light that glinted off crystal chandeliers. Classical music played in the background, adding to the atmosphere of quiet sophistication. It felt like stepping into a different world once again—o
Aria’s POVI woke up to the late-morning sunlight streaming through the cracks in the curtains, the warmth on my face coaxing me out of a deep, dreamless sleep. For a moment, I lay still, blinking against the light.Something felt different.The weight of exhaustion was gone, replaced by a lightness
I turned, gasping for breath, and there they were—those piercing eyes again, watching me, burning through me. The shadowed figure stepped closer, towering and faceless, its voice a guttural whisper that sliced through the air: “You’ll never escape.”My chest tightened, the air around me growing heav
Aria’s POVI stretched out on my side of the bed, positioning myself as close to the edge as I could without falling off. My back was turned to the other side, the empty space where Victor would soon be. I squeezed my eyes shut, forcing my body to relax even though my mind was a whirlwind of nerves.
Victor’s POVI’m so glad we’re calling it a night already. It’s been such an eventful day here at The Mirage Casino. And I’m even more glad that Samuel’s not staying with us in the suite. Samuel’s jaw visibly tightened, but he held his tongue, his composure barely intact. “I’ll call you tomorrow,”
Victor’s POVI stepped forward, my hands raised in a gesture of calm. “Troy, listen. We’re not here to hurt you, and we’re not here to force you into anything you don’t want. We just want to make a deal.”Troy’s eyes narrowed, his breath coming in shallow gasps as he glanced between us. “What kind o