Aria’s POVIt was the last night of the photography exhibition, and the celebratory party buzzed with life. Laughter rippled through the crowd, punctuated by the occasional pop of a champagne cork, as people shared stories about their favorite moments from the past month. I should have felt proud a
Aria’s POVI stepped out onto the patio, breathing in the crisp night air as it swept through the open space. The party behind me faded into the background, and for a moment, I simply stood there just enjoying the quiet. The cool breeze felt refreshing against my skin, a welcome contrast to the chao
Aria’s POV“Jasmine!” Victor said with a warm smile, stepping forward as our daughter wriggled in my arms, eager to jump into his. I let her go, and she rushed into his embrace, wrapping her arms around his neck.“I didn’t know you were coming!” Jasmine said excitedly, squeezing him tight.Victor lo
Aria’s POV“Uh,I think I’ll just stay with Jasmine,” I finally managed, trying to push the sudden rush of emotion aside.With a quick smile, I leaned down and playfully tickled Jasmine, eliciting a cascade of giggles from her. “Don’t you want to dance with Mommy?” I teased, and she squealed, bouncin
“Just admiring the art,” I replied, forcing a smile, though I felt anything but at that moment. “Which you’ve seen… what? A hundred times?” He was teasing me, but he also looked concerned. I could tell that he knew I wasn’t being completely honest. “Uh, yes,” I answered quickly. “Since they’re tak
Victor’s POVAs I rushed toward the source of the noise, adrenaline coursed through my center. I couldn’t shake the sense of foreboding in my gut, especially after Aria had confided in me about her unease. She shouldn’t feel vulnerable, not in a place like this—especially not with me here.There wa
Victor’s POV“I’ll check outside quickly and get back to you as soon as possible,” I told Aria, locking my gaze onto hers. The fear in her eyes twisted my gut.“Okay,” she replied, trying to sound and look okay. There was fear in her eyes, but she was trying to control it. “I’ll continue searching f
Aria’s POVPanic flooded through me as I wiped away my tears, the need to find Jasmine eclipsing every other thought. I couldn't let fear take control. “We have to keep looking,” I said in a firm voice. I took a deep breath and stood up, shaking off the dread that clung to me like a heavy shroud.J
Victor’s POVI stood outside my mother’s door, holding Jasmine’s hand as I knocked twice. She shifted beside me, her fingers fidgeting with her sweater.The door opened, and Alicia stood there, surprise flickering in her sharp blue eyes as she took in the sight of us.“Victor,” she said, then her ga
Aria’s POVI swirled the glass vial in my hand, watching as the pale amber liquid coated the sides before settling again. The scent profile still wasn’t quite right, but I was close—so close I could almost taste it.The Velvet Vibe lab was quiet except for the soft hum of the air filtration system a
Aria’s POVI watched Victor, his face an impenetrable mask, his hand still holding mine. My heart ached for him, but to my own surprise, I felt something else too—pity for Alicia. For years, I had harbored resentment toward her, believing she had always looked down on me, dismissed me as unworthy o
Victor’s POVConfusion, anger, and apprehension swirled inside me, an unyielding force I couldn’t contain. I had no idea what I was walking into, but I knew one thing—I needed answers.As we pulled up in front of my mother’s house, I saw the glow of light through the living room window. She was stil
Aria’s POVThe revelation settled over us like a looming storm cloud, dense and unrelenting. Antonio Greco wasn’t just some powerful mafia boss—he had been the one controlling Shane. That alone was unsettling enough. My mind spun as I connected the dots. Shane had spent years trying to tear down Th
Victor’s POVThe moment we stepped into The Mirage, the air seemed to constrict around us. It felt as if we were being watched every step of the way.Overhead chandeliers sputtered in their golden glow, illuminating the velvet walls in fractured patterns, as if the very light was hesitant to linger
Victor’s POVWhen I arrived home, I found Aria in the garden, staring off into space, her arms wrapped around herself as a cool evening breeze swept through. The soft rustling of leaves was the only sound, the usual laughter of Jasmine absent. I knew she was in the playroom with the nanny, giving Ar
Victor’s POVI wasn’t going to let Aria face this alone.The moment I left our last conversation, I knew I had to take action. If there was a leak in my company, I needed to root it out myself. I refused to let this drive a wedge between us. She had to see that I was on her side, that there was no r
Aria’s POVI paced the length of the lab, arms crossed tightly over my chest, while Jessica sat on the stool near the counter, watching me with concern. The vials of stolen work still sat between us, a silent testament to the treachery lurking in our midst, waiting to be exposed.“We need a plan,” J