DAMIEN'S POV
Three days had passed since the night in the hot spring, and Damien had spent every moment of that time thinking about Aria. About the way she'd clung to him. About the tears in her eyes. About how close she'd been to confessing everything.
But she hadn't. And time was still running out.
His contact at the hospital had sent another update that morning:
Patient Mei Chen's condition continues to deteriorate. Doctor now estimates 3 weeks without intervention. Recommend immediate action.
Three weeks. Less than a month before Aria would be desperate enough to make a move.
Which meant he needed to accelerate his plan. Needed to bind her to him so completely that when the truth finally came out, she'd be too invested to run.
Tonight's business event was the perfect opportunity.
Marcus Reynolds knocked on his study door at 4 PM. "Mr. Blackwood, everything is prepared for tonight. The caterers are setting up now, and your guests will begin arriving at 7."
