LOGINAria's POVI let my gaze sweep across the room before settling on Cynthia and Nathan. "Darvin Group is mine." My voice was calm and certain."I can say with complete certainty, in front of every reporter here and both of our distinguished guests, that I don't yet know who Darvin Group's future partners will be."I paused, then smiled. "But I know exactly who they won't be. It won't be the Wayne family." My gaze shifted briefly toward Nathan. "Nor will it be Hemsworth."The silence that followed was almost painful. I saw Nathan's brows draw together immediately. He clearly didn't appreciate being grouped together with Cynthia Wayne.Cynthia's lips curved into a cold smile. There it is. The woman had finally realized I wasn't going to bow. Not for power, not for money, not for anyone.Cynthia glanced toward Nathan, a faint irritation still visible on her face."It appears Mr. Nathan's trip was wasted." Amusement dripped from her voice.
Aria's POVNathan stood there.His broad shoulders nearly filled the entrance, his presence immediately drawing every eye in the room as the scent of a powerful Alpha rolled in with him, subtle but impossible to ignore.One dark brow furrowed as he took in the scene before him. For a second, his gaze lingered on me, and something dark flashed across his eyes.Nathan didn't say another word. He didn't need to.Nathan Hemsworth was the kind of Alpha whose presence demanded space. The reporters stepped aside one after another, creating a corridor through the crowd as he walked forward.Silence followed him, heavy and oppressive, like the pressure before a storm.My wolf and I watched him approach. What are you doing here, Nathan?Without a word, he reached me. A microphone was being shoved toward my face, and before it could get any closer, Nathan casually raised one arm and redirected it elsewhere.The movement was effortl
Aria's POVRose immediately pointed. "That's her!"She grabbed Cynthia's arm dramatically. "Mom, that's the lady who attacked me!"She pointed at the fading bruises on her face. Cynthia's gaze shifted coldly toward Chloe before settling back on me."Ms. Darvin, keep your minion under control."The warning in her voice was unmistakable."The offer I've presented isn't an apology. It's an opportunity you should be grateful for."Chloe's muscles tightened instantly. She was at the edge of losing control. Thankfully, Amelia grabbed her arm and held her back."So? Think it over," Cynthia added.Rose crossed her arms and watched Chloe struggle, satisfaction practically radiating from her scent.I smiled. Then pointed toward the door. "You're all welcome to leave."The room froze. Cynthia blinked, and for the first time since entering, she looked genuinely confused. "What?"I smiled pleasantly. "You heard m
Aria's POVChloe lowered her phone after making a call to Rowland, confusion rolling off her scent."According to Rowland, Sophia met them outside and said you instructed her to take them away to get breakfast."I paused, my fingertip stilling against the desk. Why did Sophia do that? What was she up to?At that exact moment, Anita stepped back into the office. She had been downstairs trying to manage the chaos in the lobby, and her heartbeat was still elevated."Ms. Darvin, Ms. Wayne has arrived.""Show her in."Anita hesitated. "There are two others with her. Do you want them all in?"I glanced toward the half-open door. "All of them."Before Anita could move, a familiar voice drifted through the hallway."Mom, why did you have to come to this dump yourself? Calling this a company is generous. I've seen better-organized storage closets." Rose's irritating laugh followed.My expression didn't change.
Aria's POV"No." I shook my head. "The Osborne Pack is leaving soon." I reached into the drawer beside my bed and pulled out a key, the metal cool against my fingers."Spend time with them instead."I held it out. Rowland accepted it with a puzzled expression."I'll send you an address," I said.His brow furrowed. "What's there?"I looked down at the key. "My grandmother's belongings."A shadow crossed my face."Most of what she left me is stored there."For a moment, memories surfaced. Memories of how strong she was. She was the one who had taught me how to survive. I pushed the emotions back down."Take them to see it."Rowland looked at the key resting in his palm. Slowly, understanding appeared in his eyes. This wasn't just an errand. It was me trusting him with something that was special to me."All right," he said in a steady voice.I nodded, then added quietly, "Keep your phone close."
Aria's POVRowland crossed the room and opened the door. Standing outside was a woman in a sharp business suit, looking to be in her forties. Everything about her screamed professionalism.The moment the door opened, she lowered her head respectfully."Good morning, Ms. Darvin. We don't have your contact information, and we heard you were recovering here at Asterfell Medical Center. We apologize for arriving without notice."The woman launched into a series of formal apologies. Then she looked up and froze. Her eyes landed on Rowland.I almost laughed. Unfortunately for her, Rowland's appearance had that effect on people. He was tall, handsome, and confident. An alpha blessed by the Moon Goddess herself."Looking for Aria?" Rowland asked casually, stepping aside."Aria?" The woman blinked. Then realization dawned. I watched her expression change instantly. Her eyes lit up, and a noticeable flush crept into her cheeks."Yes!" sh
Aria's POVEver since I was released from prison, he’s had these moments where he acted strange and unexpectedly, making me wonder if I ever knew him at all. But every time a spark of hope appeared…it died just like now.“What do we have to say?” I asked coldly. I didn’t bother hiding my frost. I di
Aria’s POVI was still trying to get over the fact that Rowland had called Nathan his uncle when Rowland’s voice cut through the heat like a blade of ice.He spoke slowly, each word edged with frost, his gaze locked on Sophia. The sun beat down on him, catching in his hair, casting shadows across hi
Aria's POVMy inheritance wasn’t just wealth.It was identity, guidance and power.My wolf lifted her head proudly.Grandma Kate hadn’t just left me a fortune, she had left me a destiny.I forced myself to steady my breathing, though my wolf paced anxiously under my skin.Calm down, Aria. Don’t look
Aria's POVLana sensed everything. She reached up with her soft little hand and patted my chest.It was barely any force, but it soothed me.I lifted Lana’s tiny hand and pressed it to my lips.Her palm was warm, and soft. My little pup’s scent soothing the raw ache in my chest. My breath fluttered







