Aria’s POV
Patrick snapped quietly at Margaret, trying to contain the interrogation . “I have savings.”
Then he smiled at her, but it didn’t reach his eyes. It almost felt as though he was warning her to stay quiet.
She didn’t. Her scent spiked with hurt and betrayal. Her eyes stayed locked on him like she’d just realized the den she lived in wasn’t safe.
“What you told before was—”
“That was then,” Patrick cut in smoothly, his voice warm and rehearsed. “Things changed. I sold so shares and so household items.”
My wolf’s ears twitched.
Shares? Household items? The man didn’t even believe himself, his heartbeat stumbled over the words.
Sophia jumped in fast, clever girl. “Mom, Dad didn’t lie. He did sell so things, that was how he got the money.”
She tugged Margaret’s arm gently, trying to herd the emotional storm away from the crowd.
Margaret bit her lip hard. I couldn’t tell what was going through her mind but I suspect Patrick told her there was no money.
And now? He was about to spend eight hundred thousand on .
“I’m tired,” Margaret said finally, pressing her temples. Relief exploded off Patrick like soone had opened a window.
“Sophia, take your mom ho.”
Sophia nodded, though her eyes slid back to Rowland before she moved, like a predator watching prey.
She paused before leaving, turning with a bright smile. “Alpha Rowland, if you need anything, call .”
Her tone dipped sweet, her posture softened. She was offering herself like an option on a nu.
My brow lifted slowly and my gaze snapped to Rowland. He froze.
“Aria...” he started, his voice low.
But Sophia was already gone.
Then Patrick turned to , switching masks again.
“Your mom’s upset about so items of hers I sold before. I haven’t paid her back. Right now she’s unwell, don’t bla her. The Darvin family has struggled. That money today...even if I’m not as rich as before, I’ll do my best for you.”
His eyes even shimred, but I was able to see the performance for what it was.
He was moved, but not by . He was moved by his own sacrifice narrative. I understood the ssage perfectly. He wanted to see the sacrifices he was making for . He must think I would owe him loyalty now.
My lips curved just a fraction with indifference.
“Everything’s chosen. I’ll go now.”
He blinked. That wasn’t the reaction he wanted.
I expressed no gratitude, no guilt and there was also no emotional hook sliding into place.
Just... distance.
“Let’s go ho. I will get Ann to make you food,” he said quickly. “You didn’t eat.”
“I’m going to Sierra Estates,” I said, waving it off. “Lana’s there. I’ll co back tonight.”
At the na, his expression shifted.
“Aria,” he said eagerly, stepping closer, “since you’re back with the Darvin family... why not bring Lana ho tonight too?”
The mont he said Lana should co back to the Darvin house, sothing inside went cold.
“Lana’s still young,” I said, turning my eyes on Patrick. I didn’t raise my voice, didn’t bare my teeth. “She’s not used to changing environnts.”
His next words died before they ford. Good.
“Let’s go. I’ll take you,” Rowland said, reaching for my wrist.
His touch was light but I twisted away anyway in a smooth and effortless manner. My body moved on instinct.
I didn’t want anyone holding right now, not when my mind was racing.
I walked ahead, my heels sharp against the floor, my back straight. I heard Rowland hesitate behind , the shift in his breathing telling more than words would.
Patrick stayed behind, drowning in his own thoughts and an empty bank account.
Outside, the air hit my face cool and clean. I slid into the car and glanced out just in ti to see Patrick climb into a cab heading the opposite direction of the Darvin villa.
I narrowed my eyes. He was probably going to see Clarence.
My ears picked up soft fabric brushing beside . Rowland, tugged my sleeve lightly.
“Aria, why are you ignoring ?”
Only when Patrick’s car disappeared did I look at him. His face tried to look composed, but his cheeks puffed slightly, like an annoyed wolf trying not to whine.
“What’s wrong?” he asked quietly.
“If you don’t start driving,” I said, looking away, “I’ll get a cab.”
The engine started imdiately. Silence filled the car, thick as fog. I could feel his glances sliding toward , warm and uncertain.
Halfway down the road, I spoke. “What were you and Sophia talking about?”
He nearly slamd the brakes. “Aria,” he said, voice brightening instantly, “are you jealous?”
I frowned at the road ahead. “Just drive.”
But he was grinning now, excited energy practically vibrating off him. “You haven’t answered. Are you jealous of and Sophia?”
I pressed my fingers to my temples. “I’m more concerned about you siding with her.”
Because I’d seen this story before. Trust given, trust misplaced, the damage remains permanent.
The air shifted.
Rowland’s tone changed, it beca less teasing and more Alpha.
“Aria, do you think I’m that kind of person? I’m not like Uncle Nathan.”
The red light stopped us. He turned, gently but firmly guiding my face toward his. His wolf eyes were steady and serious.
“Nathan couldn’t see his own heart. I can. We share blood, not choices.”
His scent was honest, there was no hesitation and no hidden intent. Still... old wounds don’t vanish just because soone promises not to touch them.
“What did you talk about?” I asked again.
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