Nathan’s POV
Aria opened the door with her usual calm, those steady eyes looking at as if she already expected disappointnt. Her expression made my chest tighten painfully. I glanced behind her and saw Lana asleep, then I returned my gaze to her.
“Hemsworth Group is in a scandal,” I explained quietly. “Francis won’t hand over his draft unless he sees you.”
Her gaze lingered on my face, the faint glow of the light ahead catching the curve of her cheek. My wolf perked up, ears forward, tail rigid—goddess, I hated how much she affected .
She stepped out and closed the door behind her.
“Co out and talk,” she whispered.
I followed instantly, my heartbeat heavy. But the mont she faced beneath the dim corridor lights, her indifference slamd into like a punch.
Before I could speak, she said, “You should consider the divorce papers.”
The word struck like claws to the spine. My wolf snarled violently.
“Impossible.”
I didn’t even let her finish.
She looked at like I was a stranger. Like nothing about mattered anymore.
“If you’re willing to co forward,” I said, “it’s not on the condition of a divorce. Forget about it.”
Her calm expression mocked more effectively than any insult.
I added in a cold tone, “Even if this scandal blows up, Hemsworth Group has been operating for many years and has the capability to withstand risks
Aria stepped back, sighing lightly. “Then you’ll grant one request. I haven’t thought of it yet.”
I narrowed my eyes. My wolf was on full alert.
“Except for divorce,” I warned.
Her gaze didn’t flinch. “You’d agree to anything except divorce?”
“Yes.”
My voice ca out low too rough, too wolfish.
She finally nodded. “I’ll let you know when I think of sothing.”
She turned to leave but my body moved before I could think.
“Aria—” I stepped into her path, the shadow of my fra covering her. The scent of her wolf brushed my senses, steady and calm.
“Sophia and I... don’t get the wrong idea.”
Aria blinked, then let out a soft, cutting laugh.
“Secretary and boss? Nathan, it’s only a matter of ti before we get divorced.”
She shut her door quietly.
That quiet was louder than any slam.
The corridor seed colder imdiately. My wolf growled, restless, wounded, enraged, but the worst part was the fear.
She didn’t care, not anymore.
I clenched my fists until my claws threatened to break skin.
What about Rowland? Richard?
Why does she let them close?
She accuses of impropriety for discussing work, yet she can et strange male Alphas without explanation?
Even after the company crisis eased, my mind refused to settle. Instead, bitterness festered.
That night, I texted Collins:
Investigate Aria and Rowland. Their first eting, every interaction. I want everything.
After sending it, I walked back to my room.
In the dark, I reached the bedside lamp, the flower-shaped one she used every night. The only thing of hers I hadn’t removed after she left. When the light blinked on, it was impossibly clean.
Why...?Why had I never thrown it out?
Why was it spotless, as if she’d touched it yesterday?
I lay down on the cold bed. Even with all the space, it felt suffocating. My wolf pawed at the empty side where she once slept. I reached out to it without thinking.
It was cold.
Of course it was cold.
Soti between staring at the ceiling and replaying the sound of her voice, I fell asleep.
I was woken close to 10 a.m. by Collins’s call.
“Alpha Nathan! Luna Aria agreed. Francis is landing this afternoon. He’s bringing the draft.”
Clarity snapped through .
“Prepare the car. We’re picking him up.”
I changed quickly and headed for the company.
Aria’s POV
The mont I heard the engine roar, I stepped up to the floor-to-ceiling window. My wolf stirred restlessly beneath my skin as the familiar Maybach shot down the road like a shadow fleeing the sun.
Francis was coming back to Asterfell. He decided to make an early trip after I reached out to him last night.
My chest tightened. My thoughts drifted like loose leaves in the wind. Last night, I’d made a very specific request to Nathan, sothing to give a sense of security.
Around noon, Collins called, telling to co to Hemsworth Group so we could pick Francis up from the airport together.
I handed Lana to the nanny at Hemsworth Villa, my wolf nuzzling at my pup affectionately before I left. Then I dressed carefully, more carefully than I wanted to admit and headed out with what little peace of mind I could muster.
When I arrived, a sleek black car was already waiting at the entrance. The second I stepped out of the taxi, the rear window of the nearest car slid down.
Nathan’s profile ca into view; sharp jaw, cold eyes, that aura of authority only an Alpha-born male could carry without effort. Even from this distance, his scent curled around , tugging at my wolf.
“Get in the car,” he said.
I hesitated, glancing at the busy street. People rushing past, unaware of the undercurrents swirling around us. Then I bent down and slid into the car.
It was just and Nathan in the back seat.
The car was large enough that I could’ve fit another three wolves between us, and I intentionally kept my distance. I felt his gaze on , It was discreet and controlled, but the faint ripple of displeasure in his scent gave him away.
We rode in silence. My wolf clawed at , uneasy.
When we reached the airport, Nathan stepped out first and opened my door. For a brief second, our eyes t.
Then I tore mine away a bit too fast and too obvious. My wolf huffed at .
A stead, warm and familiar voice suddenly cut through the air, stilling my heartbeat.
“Aria. Long ti no see.”
I stiffened. Then turned, and there he was.
Francis.
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