Standing in the corridor outside Aria's private dining room, Archer still had a cigarette between his lips, his head tilted downward as smoke drifted upward, gradually obscuring his eyes.
Archer squinted through the haze and sent Aria a text message: "Come out. I'm waiting outside your room."
But again, there was no response.
Archer remained in the corridor for a full fifteen minutes. Having finished his cigarette, his eyes narrowed dangerously as he contemplated how to draw Aria out. Just as he retrieved his phone to send another message, he heard the distinct "click" of a door opening across the hall.
Looking up, he saw the door swing open.
Archer was about to speak when his lips pressed into a tight line, his gaze fixed on the emerging figures.
It wasn't just Aria—behind her came James in his wheelchair and Rachel.
Aria hadn't finally decided to see him; rather, the family had simply finished their meal and was preparing to leave.
James and Rachel had thoroughly enjoyed thei
