CHAPTER 422

ARIA’S POV

When I arrive at Adam’s house, I’m greeted by the soft glow of candles and the warm, intimate ambiance of a perfectly set dinner table. I pause, staring at the scene, my mind racing. A candlelit dinner? Adam called me for a date? I had been under the impression this was a crisis meeting—a chance for us to get on the same page after everything that has happened.

The articles, the accusations, the chaos swirling around us—this is not the time for romance. I had reassured Adam and my family earlier, telling them not to worry about our image or the baseless claims linking us to the crash. With no real proof, I wanted everyone to relax, to let the noise pass without feeding into it. But this—Adam’s too-relaxed demeanor, despite the storm we’re still in—feels like too much.

I’m caught between frustration and disbelief as I walk further into the room. Adam’s there, looking calm and collected, ready for what seems to be a romantic evening. I’m not sure how he thinks this is the rig