Lara POV
As we entered my uncle's office, I was immediately struck by how grand and sophisticated it looked. The air inside was cooler, quieter, as if the walls themselves demanded respect. The space was wide and polished, with a massive desk at the far end, framed by a breathtaking view of the city skyline. Aiden sat behind the desk, his piercing gaze fixed on a document in his hand. He didn’t even glance up at first, and I hesitated by the door, unsure if I should disturb him. His assistant gestured for me to step forward, but I felt rooted to the spot. This was a side of Aiden I’d never seen before—calm, commanding, and so different from the playful uncle I knew. The assistant cleared his throat softly, drawing Aiden’s attention. His head shot up, and as soon as his eyes landed on me, the serious expression melted away. A small smile spread across his lips. Damn that smile. My heart melted instantly, a
