Chapter 52

Aria's POV The doorbell's chime interrupted my thoughts about apology gifts. With a sigh, I went to answer it, pulling the door open to find an elegantly dressed woman standing on our doorstep. "Hello? Can I help you?" I asked, momentarily confused. The woman before me exuded wealth and sophistication in her custom Chanel suit, the black fabric adorned with delicate white camellias that accentuated her poised elegance. "Ms. Jones, hello. I'm Eleanor Smith," she introduced herself with a voice as polished as her appearance, extending a manicured hand. I shook her hand hesitantly, still not understanding who she was or why she was here. "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Smith." "Mrs. Carter, actually. I kept my married name." "Oh! Mrs. Carter, of course," I corrected myself quickly. Her eyes narrowed as she studied me, and for a moment, I felt like an object under inspection—one that had already disappointed. After a moment of awkward silence, she clarified with obvious impatience, "I'm Aiden's au