Chapter 341

Aria's POV I felt Owen Duncan's eyes on me as soon as we walked in. He was sitting alone on his side of the table, leaning back with a relaxed confidence that screamed arrogance. The unbalanced seating arrangement instantly set me on edge. A server placed a soup tureen directly in front of him. Of course. Owen reached for the ladle while extending his other hand toward me, palm up with fingers slightly spread. "Miss Jones, allow me to serve you," he offered with a perfect smile that never reached his eyes. I froze, soup bowl awkwardly suspended in my hands. Accept his offer and risk Aiden's reaction? Refuse and create an uncomfortable scene? Before I could decide, Aiden smoothly took control of the situation, his hand already closing over the ladle's handle. "Don't trouble yourself, Duncan." His voice was casual but carried unmistakable weight. "Aria's particular about her soup temperature. I'll handle it." Owen's eyebrow twitched slightly as he served himself first before sliding the