Aria's point of view
"I know, sweetheart. I know," Olivia said through the phone, her voice crackling slightly. "But listen to me. You're doing the right thing. You're protecting Noah, That's what matters."
I pressed the phone harder against my ear. My other hand gripped the edge of the kitchen counter, knuckles white. "What if he finds us anyway?"
"Then you'll deal with it. Like you've dealt with everything else." Her voice was steady, firm. "You're the strongest person I know, Aria. You survived Damien, you built an empire from nothing. I know you can survive this too."
"I don't feel strong." My voice cracked. The words feeling hollow on my tongue.
"You never do, but you are," she said gently. She let out a breath, long and tired. "How long will you be gone?"
"I don't know, maybe until Damien handles Marcus." I laughed, the sound bitter and sharp in the quiet kitchen. "However long that takes."
"Okay. Well, I'm here. Whatever you need, if you want me to fly out there"
