Chapter 14

Aria's POV As our car pulled up to the exclusive restaurant in downtown, I smoothed down my black Givenchy dress. I'd chosen it deliberately—sleek, elegant, and utterly funeral-like. Perfect for burying a relationship. "Are you sure you're ready for this?" my father asked, his hand covering mine. I nodded. "More than ready." The maitre d' led us to a private dining room. The moment we walked in, I noticed the entire White family was already seated - William and Elizabeth White, along with Emily, Liam's sister who rarely made public appearances. But the person who should have been front and center was conspicuously absent. "Where is your son?" my father asked coldly, not bothering with pleasantries as we remained standing. William's face tightened. "He's on his way. Please, have a seat." "So we're important enough to summon but not important enough for him to arrive on time?" My father's voice was razor-sharp. Elizabeth White shifted uncomfortably. "Traffic is terrible tonight. I'm sure