Aria’s POVSamuel’s voice was low and urgent as he leaned in. “Come on, Aria. We need to go.”The trader only shrugged, his smile fading. “I’m sorry I can’t help you further,” he said, a trace of amusement coming back into his eyes, as if he enjoyed watching our frustration.I felt Samuel’s hand on
Aria’s POVMy heart seemed to be pounding in my ears. I felt like we’d just reached a dead end, and I hated it. Everything we’ve sacrificed to come here would be for nothing!Just then, the overhead lights came on, flooding the space with a harsh, sterile glow. I blinked, adjusting to the brightnes
Aria’s POVVincent pulled out an electronic tablet, tapping through files in silence. After a few moments, he reached into his jacket and produced a sleek data stick, using it to save the data.Samuel, Drake, and I watched in silence, waiting patiently. Finally, after several minutes, Vincent hande
The idea left a sinking feeling in my stomach. “So, either it’s Shane being Shane, or it’s Lucciano trying to break into a new market… or both.”We looked toward the trader. “Isn’t there any information about this, like who’s really giving such orders to Troy?”Vincent shrugged. “No such records.”
Victor’s POVEach word coming through the device felt like a punch. Troy turned out to be a pawn in something much darker. And Shane—how far was she willing to go? Revenge, greed, some twisted combination of both? It seemed like there was nothing she wouldn’t do to get what she wanted.Unbelievable.
Victor’s POVI checked my watch. It was getting quite late. They were supposed to have come out. A prickling anxiety grew in my chest, tightening with each passing moment, as I glanced at the small receiver for the listening device I’d placed on Aria. Nothing. Just static. I adjusted the dial, che
Victor’s POVI straightened, keeping my eyes fixed on a group of well-dressed men and women clustered around the bar. Their laughter was loud, carefree, the kind of confidence that only came with serious wealth—or the illusion of it. Among them was a familiar face, someone I recognized from business
Aria’s POVSamuel, Drake, and I made our way through the narrow hallway leading out from the trading area, footsteps echoing softly against the tiled floor. We were almost at the exit when a staff member in a sharp black suit stepped into our path. “Excuse me, sir,” he said, addressing Samuel. “It’
Victor’s POVThe laughter started the moment we arrived at the theme park and never seemed to stop. Jasmine darted ahead, pulling us toward the entrance with uncontainable energy, her small hand gripping mine tightly. The park was a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds—twinkling lights, cheerful music
Aria’s POVThe ride home was quiet, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. Victor’s hand rested on the gearshift, his fingers brushing mine occasionally. Each accidental touch sent a warm ripple through me, leaving me feeling both nervous and giddy. My heart was still dancing from the events of the night befo
The next morning, The sunlight streaming through the curtains was the first thing I noticed as I stirred awake. As I blinked against the light, memories of the previous night surged back like a wave, crashing over me with startling clarity. My breath hitched, and I sat up quickly, clutching the blan
Aria’s POV"Victor," I murmured breathlessly, barely recognizing my own voice. "Aria," he whispered back, his tone filled with a hunger that matched my own. His lips found mine again, urgent and unrelenting.We stumbled together through the hallway, his hands sliding beneath my blouse, fingertips s
Aria’s POVI jumped from the table, my heart still pounding in my chest, and headed toward the studio door. “Stay here,” I said softly, though my voice wavered with some nervousness and the remaining heat. The air between us still sizzled, making it almost impossible to think clearly.Carefully, I o
When we finally pulled apart, both of us were breathless. Her cheeks were flushed, her lips slightly swollen, and her eyes—God, those eyes—shone with an emotion I didn’t dare put a name to just yet.I rested my forehead against hers, trying to catch my breath as I spoke. “Aria… you’re everything to
Victor’s POVThe entire evening had been a cascade of emotions—love, happiness, nostalgia—and now, standing here, my heart felt like it might burst. I looked at Aria, her expression a mix of hope and nerves as she waited for my reaction. The painting, the bottles, the thought behind it all—it was ov
Aria’s POV“Still thinking of work at this hour?” he teased, his tone light and playful. “Should I be worried you’re pulling me into a midnight brainstorming session?”I glanced back at him, rolling my eyes with a laugh. “Trust me, it’s not that. Just wait. You’ll see.”We reached the entrance of my
Aria’s POVThe party was everything I didn’t know I needed. Laughter rang out like music, echoing through the beautifully decorated terrace. Friends and family filled the space, their joy infectious as they mingled, shared stories, and celebrated together. Even Jessica, who normally claimed she hate