Chapter 8

Susan’s POV

I couldn’t shake the image of Aria’s reaction from my mind—the surprise, then that infuriating defiant glare. How dare she act as if my push hadn’t meant anything? I felt my heart race again, anger pounding in my temples. I couldn't believe I had underestimated her. I had never liked her defiance, the way she pushed back every time I tried to assert myself.

That self-satisfied smile as she brushed herself off after my feeble attempt at an attack felt like a personal affront. How could I allow her to mock me like that?

I felt a surge of rage welling up inside me, and I leaned in closer to the mirror, my reflection mirroring the storm brewing within. “I’m going to ruin you, Aria,” I whispered fiercely to myself. “You will wish you never crossed me.”

Aria’s POV

“Watch your step sweetie. I don't want you tripping over these stairs.”

Heaven knew I wanted to badly swat Caleb’s hand from my waist but the last thing I needed was another one of his suspicious stares. He and Su