Chapter 70

Aria's POV I felt my ears burn instantly when Aiden said "my wife." The flush spread across my face like wildfire. This was exactly what I'd hoped to avoid—getting him involved in this petty drama. But before I could even open my mouth to downplay things, Summer's indignation got the better of her. "Mr. Carter, they treated Aria horribly in there!" Summer launched into a detailed account of everything—from the coordinator shoving me to Diana's condescending remarks. Her words tumbled out so fast I couldn't stop her. Aiden listened silently, his expression growing more controlled with each detail Summer shared. When she finally finished, he turned to me with those penetrating eyes that always seemed to see right through me. "I understand now," he said evenly. "How long until the performance starts?" Summer, clearly delighted that Aiden was taking my side, quickly answered: "About thirty minutes." "Give me a moment," he said to me, stepping aside with his phone. I watched him walk away,