Aiden's POV
I rushed home as soon as I heard Thomas had shown up at my house. The entire drive, my mind filled with worst-case scenarios—my uncle was never one for subtlety, especially when it came to matters he considered "family business."
When I arrived, I found exactly what I'd feared—Thomas sitting across from Aria, clearly in the middle of one of his infamous intimidation routines. I stood at the entrance, taking in the scene before me.
What surprised me, though, was Aria's expression. Instead of looking frightened or upset, there was a gleam of excitement in her eyes. The tension that had been building in my chest during the drive home finally eased.
With measured steps, I walked over and gently pulled her behind me, positioning myself between her and my uncle's piercing glare.
