ARIA'S POV
Aria pushed open the study door and stepped inside, her heart pounding so hard she could hear it in her ears.
The room was exactly as she remembered....rich mahogany walls lined with bookshelves, the massive oak desk positioned by the windows overlooking the estate grounds, the leather sofa by the fireplace where so many intimate moments had unfolded between them.
And Damien, sitting behind his desk, phone pressed to his ear, his eyes finding hers the instant she entered.
He was in the middle of a call, his voice sharp and businesslike. "I don't care about their timeline, Richard. If they can't meet our requirements, we find different partners... Yes, I'm aware. I'm also aware that we hold the leverage here, so...." He paused, his eyes never leaving Aria's face. "Look, I need to go. Send me the updated proposal by end of day."
He ended the call and set down his phone, his full attention turning to her.
