Aria's POV
I couldn't sleep that night.
Every time I closed my eyes, my mind replayed the conversation on my phone.
Curiosity can be dangerous, Aria.
Be careful what you wish for.
Adrian Laurent's words kept popping in my head long after our messages stopped.
I had tried to text him again after that.
He never replied.
Which somehow made the entire situation worse.
Because now I was left alone with my thoughts… and my curiosity.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the tall windows of my bedroom.
I rolled over and grabbed my phone immediately.
No new messages.
A strange feeling of disappointment settled in my chest.
Why did I even care?
I barely knew him.
I pushed the thought away and dragged myself out of bed.
Downstairs, the house was already awake.
Our staff moved quietly through the halls, and the scent of fresh coffee drifted from the kitchen.
I walked into the dining room to find my father seated at the long table, reading the morning newspaper.
He looked exactly like he always did.
Perfect suit.
Perfect posture.
As if the tension from last night had never happened.
"Good morning," I said carefully.
He lowered the newspaper slightly.
"Good morning."
I poured myself a cup of coffee and sat across from him.
For a few minutes, the only sound in the room was the quiet clink of silverware.
Then my father spoke.
"You're attending the Laurent Foundation dinner tonight."
My head snapped up.
"The what?"
He folded the newspaper calmly.
"The Laurent Foundation is hosting a charity event this evening. Several political donors will be there."
My stomach tightened.
Laurent Foundation.
That name couldn't be a coincidence.
"Is that connected to..."
"Yes," my father interrupted coldly. "It's Adrian's company."
My heart skipped.
"And we're going?"
"Of course."
His tone suggested the answer was obvious.
"This is business, Aria. Personal feelings don't interfere with business."
I stared at him in disbelief.
"Last night you told me to stay away from him."
"I told you not to involve yourself with him," my father corrected.
"This is different."
Different for him, maybe.
But not for me.
"You'll behave appropriately," he added.
"I always do."
His sharp eyes studied me for a moment, as if trying to read my thoughts.
Then he returned to his newspaper.
The conversation was over.
But my mind was racing.
Another event.
Another chance to see Adrian.
And something told me this time would be very different.
By the time evening arrived, I had changed outfits three times.
I stood in front of my mirror, staring at my reflection.
The deep red dress hugged my figure perfectly, the fabric smooth and elegant.
For a moment, I wondered what Adrian would think if he saw me in it.
The thought made my cheeks warm.
I quickly pushed it away.
This was ridiculous.
He was my father's stepbrother.
And he had already warned me to stay away.
Still…
I grabbed my clutch and headed downstairs.
My father was waiting by the door.
He looked at my dress briefly, then nodded.
"You look appropriate."
Coming from him, that was practically a compliment.
The car ride to the event was quieter than the one the night before, the tension was still there.
________________________________________
The Laurent Foundation building was breathtaking.
Glass walls reflected the glittering city lights, and luxury cars lined the entrance.
Inside, the event was even grander than the gala at the St. Regis.
Crystal chandeliers.
Soft classical music.
Rows of wealthy guests and powerful figures mingling over champagne.
But there was one thing noticeably different about tonight.
The atmosphere.
There was an undercurrent of excitement in the room.
Like everyone was waiting for someone.
And I had a feeling I knew who.
"You'll stay by my side tonight," my father said quietly.
I nodded.
But my eyes were already scanning the room.
Searching.
Looking for one particular person.
And then
People began turning toward the staircase at the far end of the room.
My breath caught.
Adrian Laurent stood at the top.
He looked even more powerful here.
This was his territory.
His kingdom.
The black suit he wore was perfectly tailored, and the calm confidence in his posture made it clear he belonged at the center of everything happening in the room.
As he descended the stairs, conversations around us quieted.
All eyes were on him.
Including mine.
Halfway down the staircase, his gaze swept across the room.
Then it stopped.
On me.
The moment our eyes met, something strange passed between us.
Recognition.
Amusement.
Maybe even expectation.
He continued walking toward the crowd, greeting guests with polite nods.
But every few seconds, his eyes flicked back to me.
My heart pounded.
Beside me, my father muttered under his breath.
"Unbelievable."
Adrian eventually reached our side of the room.
Several businessmen surrounded him immediately, shaking his hand and praising the event.
But then his eyes lifted again.
And once more, they found me.
This time, he didn't look away.
Instead, the faintest hint of a smile touched his lips.
My pulse jumped.
Across the room, Adrian raised his glass slightly, to me.
Before I could react, my phone vibrated softly in my clutch.
Confused, I slipped it out and glanced at the screen.
A message.
From Adrian.
Adrian:
Red suits you.
My breath caught.
I looked up again.
He was still watching me.
Another message appeared.
Adrian:
But you shouldn't be here.
My heart pounded as the third message followed immediately.
Adrian:
Meet me on the balcony in ten minutes.
My fingers tightened around the phone.
Across the room, Adrian Laurent's dark eyes held mine.
Waiting.
And somehow…
I knew I was going to go.