Chapter 97

Aria's POV I paused when I saw only Claire in the room. Huh? Where's Aiden's nosy aunt? I wondered if she'd gone to the bathroom after eating too much or something. Claire rose from the sofa, eyes fixed on Aiden. "Aiden, I wanted to—" She didn't even get to finish before Aiden coldly cut her off. "We have nothing to discuss, Miss Bennett. I don't want my wife getting the wrong impression." His eyes flicked toward the door. The dismissal couldn't have been clearer. I kept my mouth shut, knowing my place in this bizarre scenario. Without Eleanor here, my role as plastic wife didn't require me to speak up. Surprisingly, Claire didn't seem bothered by Aiden's hostility. Instead, she smiled. "You misunderstand, Aiden." I watched that smile spread across her face, secretly impressed by her resilience. Damn, she had nerves of steel! If it were me, I'd already be halfway out the door by now. Claire paused dramatically before turning to me. "I actually came to see Mrs. Carter today." Me? What t