DAMIEN'S POV
Damien walked Aria back to the main house in silence, his frustration mounting with every step.
She'd been right there. Right there at the breaking point. He'd given her every opportunity to ask, to confess, to trust him.
And she still couldn't do it.
How much more could he give? How many more openings could he create? How long was he supposed to wait while her mother died and she stubbornly refused to accept help?
He left Aria at the staff entrance with a gentle kiss and instructions to rest, then headed directly to his office.
It was 4:45 PM. Victoria would be arriving for their "meeting" in fifteen minutes.
Perfect. Because he needed to destroy something, and Victoria had just volunteered herself.
At exactly 5 PM, there was a knock on his door.
"Come in."
Victoria entered with her usual confident smile, dressed immaculately in a designer dress that probably cost more than most people's cars.
