Author's POV
Victor felt a bitter laugh rise in his throat. Here was this girl lecturing him about loyalty and doing the right thing. And the worst part? She wasn't wrong.
"I'm not going to hurt Aria," Victor said quietly. "I already made that choice."
Emily searched his face for a long moment, then nodded. "Good. Then we're on the same side. I'll handle Lucas—you don't need to know how. Just... trust me."
And before Victor could respond, she turned on her heel and walked toward the door, her steps quick and determined.
Victor watched her go, a strange mix of disbelief and grudging admiration settling over him.
*What the hell just happened?*He stood alone in the foyer for a long moment after she left, the silence pressing in around him.
*That pup has more spine than
