Aria’s POV“That was an excellent call, Harper,” Dr. Miller said, his voice carrying over the buzz of the lab. He stood at the workstation, reviewing the batch log with an approving nod. “Using the substitute stabilizer from the reserve stock—it saved the entire production line. Well done.”Harper’s
Aria’s POV“Oh, hey, Samuel,” I said, trying to keep my voice light and casual. But there was no denying the awkwardness that hung between us. The last time we’d seen each other, we’d been alone in that hotel room—him in nothing but his boxers. A misunderstanding, yes, and one orchestrated by Mirand
Victor’s POVThe scent of garlic and rosemary filled the kitchen as I placed the last dish on the table. The chef I’d hired for the evening was quietly packing up in the background, leaving the space tidy and serene. I’d insisted on helping with the prep—not because I had any grand culinary skills,
Victor’s POVAria’s reaction to my announcement about Miranda was… not what I’d expected.She had stared at me for a moment, her expression hard to decipher, before finally saying, “That’s good, Victor,” in a tone so neutral it felt like a wall between us. She’d gone back to her cake, and the conver
Victor’s POVAs I drove home, Shane’s screams replayed in my mind, each word sharp and venomous. I didn’t doubt that she meant them as a warning. Even in cuffs, she exuded defiance, her belief in her invincibility unshaken.But she was wrong. This time, she wasn’t going to wriggle her way out of it.
Aria’s POVThe smell of fresh coffee hung in the air as I leaned back in my chair, taking a much-needed break from the endless emails and product planning. My desk was cluttered with notes about the perfume series, but my focus kept slipping to last night.Victor’s words. His warmth. That kiss on hi
Aria’s POVI just remembered that Victor and I had agreed long ago to have the next meeting here for our collaboration’s second product. Jessica then clapped her hands. “Alright, everyone, let’s get this show on the road. Let me just call our own team, Aria.” She left my office as Victor’s entire t
Aria’s POVMy hands trembled as I rifled through the drawer, my eyes scanning every folder, every document. At first glance, it all looked untouched—but I knew better.The blue folder. It wasn’t here.Panic shot through me like a jolt of electricity. “No, no, no,” I muttered, pulling everything out
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