Chapter 40

Aria’s POV

Morning light spilled into the bedroom in muted streaks, brushing over Gabriella’s sleeping form. She was curled toward me, one arm still looped loosely over my waist, as if she thought I might vanish if she let go.

For a moment, I stayed still, breathing in the faint scent of her hair — shampoo and something that reminded me of safety — and wished I could freeze the world right here. No Julian’s deals. No Ethan’s smirks. No Lauren.

But the murmur of voices downstairs cut through that fragile peace.

I eased out from under the blanket and slid off the bed. Gabriella stirred but didn’t wake, just shifted into the warm spot I’d left behind. The voices grew clearer as I padded barefoot down the hall, the cold marble floor biting into my skin.

Julian’s tone was low, almost a growl. Ethan’s, sharper, amused.

By the time I reached the top of the stairs, I could make out fragments: “Not negotiable.” “You agreed.” “I don’t trust you.”

I descended slowly, each step creaking slightly