Chapter 311

Author's POV The combination of the warm shower earlier and the intensely intimate phone call left Aria deliciously drowsy, utterly sated. She curled up on their bed, listening to the persistent rain against the windows, its steady drumming a lulling rhythm, and drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep. Aria's deep slumber lasted until past five in the afternoon, and the rain continued its soft, melancholic patter outside when she finally stirred awake. On her phone, several missed calls blinked—one from Benjamin Jones, and two from an unknown number. Aria was about to dial back when a text message from Owen Duncan popped up on her screen: Your car has been sent to the dealership for repairs. It will take three working days to fix. Aria quickly replied: Okay, thank you. Almost immediately, another message from Owen followed: My secretary tried calling you about this. No need to return the call. Aria typed another succinct response: Okay, thank you. Owen. The next morning brought the offici