Chapter 115

Aiden's POV I rushed home as soon as I heard Thomas had shown up at my house. The entire drive, my mind filled with worst-case scenarios—my uncle was never one for subtlety, especially when it came to matters he considered "family business." When I arrived, I found exactly what I'd feared—Thomas sitting across from Aria, clearly in the middle of one of his infamous intimidation routines. I stood at the entrance, taking in the scene before me. What surprised me, though, was Aria's expression. Instead of looking frightened or upset, there was a gleam of excitement in her eyes. The tension that had been building in my chest during the drive home finally eased. With measured steps, I walked over and gently pulled her behind me, positioning myself between her and my uncle's piercing glare. "What brings you here?" I asked Thomas, keeping my voice deliberately neutral. Behind me, I felt Aria rise onto her tiptoes, her hand resting lightly on my arm as she whispered into my ear, "Thank God you