Chapter 169:Dangerous Games

(Scarlett's POV) Roman’s fingers drummed lightly on the edge of the dining table. The rhythmic sound filled the tension-laden air, echoing faintly against the villa’s quiet walls. Aiden sat to my left, darting uneasy glances between Roman and me, his palms flat against the table as if grounding himself. His desperation was evident, written all over his furrowed brow and clenched jaw. I avoided looking at him and focused on the intricate embroidery of the tablecloth instead. Roman’s earlier words echoed in my head like a command: mercy was a weakness. My own experiences had taught me as much. Hazel Walsh had tried to kidnap me. Her recklessness could’ve led to unimaginable consequences. I couldn’t, wouldn’t, intercede for her—no matter how much Aiden pleaded silently. “Sitting there in silence won’t change what she’s done,” Roman said coolly, his ice-blue gaze falling heavily on Aiden. “She’s my sister,” Aiden began weakly, lifting his head to meet Roman’s piercing stare. “She does