"You're late," Aria's voice broke the silence as Dante strode into the meeting room, exuding an air of authority that seemed to fill every corner of the space.
Dante looked at her, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Good things are worth waiting for, don't you think?"
Aria's eyes narrowed, her posture cool and unyielding as she stood by the window, arms crossed. The morning light caught her expression, casting a sharp shadow that only added to her unspoken challenge. She was more than aware of the murmurs circulating among the higher ranks. Victor, no doubt, had been stirring up trouble behind the scenes, eager to exploit the smallest crack in her newfound alliance with Dante.
"I think we're here for business, not games," Aria replied, her tone neutral, though her gaze was unflinching. She couldn't afford to let herself be seen as distracted or swayed—especially not by Dante.
