Aria’s POVA few days later, I was back at Velvet Vibe, immersing myself in what I was passionate about — creating new scents. The studio was a sanctuary of creativity, filled with the rich aromas of various fragrances. I was especially excited about a new project: a perfume for men.As I mixed and
He smiled, and I noticed the way his eyes never left mine, a look of genuine interest and care shining through. “You always have a way of making things feel… personal. That’s what I love about your work.”His words made me pause. The sincerity in his voice struck me, and I felt my heart skip a beat.
Victor’s POVI stared out the window as the car rolled through the familiar streets toward my mother’s house. She’d been calling nonstop since the gala, playing her usual role of the neglected mother. “You never have time for me anymore, Victor,” she’d said on the last call, her voice sounding emoti
“Am I?” I snapped.She shrugged as if none of it mattered. “I have better things to do than sabotage your little projects or go after your no-good ex-wife.”I wasn’t buying her act. She always played innocent, even when she was knee-deep in trouble. I remembered clearly how she used to throw Aria in
Samuel’s POVI stared into my coffee cup, watching the steam curl up lazily, as I waited for my private investigator Jason to arrive. We’d agreed on this meeting in a low-key coffee shop, far from prying eyes.When Jason finally showed up, I could tell from the grim set of his jaw that the news wasn
Samuel’s POV“You can't be serious,” I said, narrowing my eyes. “All of this—just to take Victor down?”This woman wasn’t just driven by ambition—she was consumed by it. Her words echoed in my head. Take over Victor’s company. That’s what all this had been about. Not just business, but a personal ve
Aria’s POVAfter a long day at work, I gathered my things, eager to finally head home. It had been a productive day, but I was exhausted. Just as I reached for the door, Victor appeared, his face grim.“Aria, wait,” he called, making me pause. There was a tension in his voice that sent my heart raci
Victor’s POVFrom where I sat, I could barely keep my anger in check. The small room seemed to close in on me as I listened to Thomas’s revelations. My knuckles began to turn white as I balled my hands into fists tightly. It’s really Pierre and Shane. As this truth began to sink in, my anger intens
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