Aria’s POVI could feel the energy in the grand hall, making my own excitement grow even more. Glittering chandeliers illuminated the elegantly decorated space, where guests in designer outfits mingled and admired the stunning displays of Serenity. Velvet Vibe’s signature flair was evident in every
Aria’s POV“What’s going on?!” I demanded, my voice sharp and trembling as I stared at Samuel, barely processing the absurdity of the situation.He blinked at me, his brows furrowing in equal parts confusion and alarm. “What are you doing here?” he shot back, his tone defensive.I ignored his questi
Victor’s POVThe memory of breakfast with Aria and Jasmine stayed in my mind as I walked down the hallway toward the meeting room. Jasmine had been in one of her playful moods, giggling as Aria tried to keep her from smearing syrup everywhere. It was a perfect start to the day—light, warm, and groun
Victor’s POVAria was clearly rattled, her fingers hovering over the keyboard as though willing the files to reappear. I wanted to tell her to take a breath, that we’d figure this out later, but before I could speak, Miranda’s hand shot into the air.“Well,” Miranda said, her voice smooth and compos
Aria’s POVThe scent of freshly brewed coffee drifted through the air as Jessica and I sat in the lounge on the second floor of Velvet Vibe’s headquarters. It was one of my new favorite spaces that we had just recently set up — a cozy corner with plush chairs and large windows that overlooked the ga
“It seems so,” he replied, sounding exasperated. “The batch included substitutes that are close but not identical to what we use. We’ve reached out to the supplier, but I wanted you to know immediately.”My stomach twisted. “I’ll be there right away.”I hung up and turned to Jessica, the unease in m
Victor’s POVThe meeting was supposed to be routine—a financial review with Martin, our CFO. I glanced at the quarterly summary on my tablet as Martin entered the room, looking slightly more frazzled than usual. His tie was a little loose, and there was a crease in his usually pristine shirt. Someth
Victor’s POVThe quaint restaurant was one of those cozy, tucked-away spots my mother loved. The kind of place where the waitstaff remembered your name, and the ambiance begged you to linger. I didn’t have time to linger, of course, but when Alicia Thorn insisted on lunch, it was easier to agree tha
Aria’s POVThe laughter in the room was easy, flowing like music that hadn’t been played in far too long. It was the kind of afternoon I had only dreamed of during those long, uncertain nights. One filled with light, warmth, and peace.But what caught my eye most wasn’t the cake or the wine or even
Aria’s POVThe sun filtered gently through the sheer curtains, casting golden stripes across the kitchen floor. Outside, the wind rustled the trees in soft waves, the kind of quiet that used to feel like a luxury—but now, it felt like a miracle.I stood barefoot by the open window, sipping tea, watc
Aria’s POV"There they are! By the dock!"The shout tore through the air like a whipcrack. My heart jumped."Get down, Jasmine!" I hissed, pulling her low into the hull of the boat.More frenzied shouts followed, echoing from behind the locked boathouse door. Then came the unmistakable sound of spli
Aria’s POVThe tunnel walls closed in the farther we ran, the air thick with dust and something ancient, something forgotten. The flickering light from my phone barely illuminated the path ahead as Jasmine and I rushed forward, our footsteps echoing off the stone.We had no idea where we were going—
Victor’s POVThe moment Greco grabbed my mother’s arm, I saw red.Alicia struggled against Greco’s grasp, her body twisting as she tried to wrench herself free. But his grip was unyielding—ironclad. His smirk darkened, turning into something twisted, dangerous."You always were stubborn," Greco murm
Aria’s POVI grabbed Jasmine’s hand and pulled her close, my pulse hammering as I ran toward the secret door. My fingers fumbled with the hidden latch, my breath short and uneven. Come on, come on—Click.I shoved the door open just enough for us to slip inside before sealing it shut behind us. The
Victor’s POVThe moment the man at the far table shifted, my entire body went rigid. One second, he was still, the next, his hand dipped into his jacket.A gun? A knife?I was ready to move. One wrong twitch from him, and I’d take him down before he could even stand. My pulse pounded in my ears as I
Aria’s POV"Are Jasmine and I the real targets?" I whispered to myself, the thought chilling me to my core.No. That was silly. I was being paranoid.I shook my head, trying to dismiss the fear that had settled like ice in my veins. The bodyguards said they needed to secure the cabin, and logically,
Aria’s POVI stared at my phone, my fingers gripping it so tightly that my knuckles ached. Still nothing. No calls. No messages. The meeting had to be happening now, but I had no idea what was going on.I tried dialing Victor again. Straight to voicemail. Samuel? No response either.A pit of dread s