The rooftop of the Grand Orchid Hotel was quiet no guests no noise just wind brushing against the glass railings and the distant hum of city life below.
Aria stood at the edge, staring down at the lights that once made her feel so small.
Now? They just looked like fireflies waiting to burn.
The door behind her clicked ope she didn't turn you're late,she said.
I didn't think you'd actually show, Liam replied, his footsteps steady as he approached.
I said I would, she murmured, still watching the skyline I don't make promises I can't keep.
There was silence for a beat. Then—
You look tired she gave a bitter smile I am tired,tired of being betrayed lied to blamed for things I didn't do.
Liam stood beside her now, close enough to hear the edge in her breath.
I looked into what you gave your father, he said quietly those accounts are real that signature was forged you've been played worse than I thought.
Aria finally turned to him. Her eyes weren't soft — they were sharp and clear, like glass on the verge of shattering.
You knew this before you had all the tools to expose them years ago whhy didn't you?
His jaw tightened because I thought protecting you meant keeping you out of it. I was wrong.
She blinked that's the first honest thing you've said to me, she whispered.
He took a deep breath I have made mistakes, Aria. But I never stopped—don't her voice cracked don't say you cared you cared enough to ignore me?you cared enough to watch me fall apart?I cared enough to keep your enemies from killing you.
She froze What?there was a second plan, Liam said One your father agreed to after the stock transfer scandal, they planned to pin an insider trading crime on you… and arrange an accident before the case reached court."
Her stomach turned you're lying.
I wish I were he took out a flash drive and placed it in her palm.
Proof use it but be careful these people aren't just businessmen, Aria they're snakes with knives.
She stared at it, heart thudding.
She wanted to scream to cry to collapse into the truth she never saw coming.
But she didn't
She straightened her shoulders and slipped the drive into her purse,thank you,she said quietly.
Liam looked at her, the wind tousling her hair you don't have to do this alone.
She gave him a long, unreadable look.
I know,she said but I want to.
And then she walked away, her heels tapping softly against the concrete, leaving Liam with nothing but the city wind and a heartbeat full of regret.
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❓ Reader Questions (End of Chapter)
1. Should Aria accept Liam's help… or continue alone?
2. Do you believe her father would go that far — planning her death?
3. What do you think is on the flash drive?