Chapter 176

Just when he was about to reject it straight up, Ariella Rios wrapped her arm around his. “Half a year’s perfect! We still get six more months to ourselves, a full-on dating phase, right, Lucian?” She tilted her head up at him, wearing that innocent smile like she truly adored the idea of some extra alone time. He couldn’t bring himself to disappoint her. Not even a little bit. With a sigh buried deep in his chest, Lucian Sterling shot Fiona Ross a cold glance and said, “This is it. My final line. Charles Ross has crossed way too many already. I only held back because of Ariella and you. But after six months, if anything goes wrong again, I won’t hesitate—I’ll wipe the Ross family off the map.” He turned to Ariella, voice quieter now. “Lo, I need you to promise me something. If Charles Ross steps even an inch out of line again, don’t stand in my way.” If she didn’t agree, he’d stop waiting—right here, right now. “Okay, I promise.” Ariella didn’t even blink. She just gave him the answer