Aria eyed her reflection in the mirror and fixed her camera bag's strap. She looked confident. Maybe, even elegant in her soft navy blouse and tailored black trousers. But she didn’t feel composed.
This was more than a dinner - it felt like walking into a lion’s den wearing perfume.
Her phone rang, the screen lighting up with Mia’s name. Relief fluttered in her chest.
“Mia,” she breathed, answering quickly. “You seriously don’t get how much I want you here right now.”
Mia let out this dramatic sigh. “Honestly, I should’ve pushed this trip back. You’re going into the Stone house alone? That’s like walking into Versailles with a tripod.”
Aria smiled faintly, sitting on the edge of her bed. “I’ll be fine. I’ve done events before.”
“Yeah, but not with that family. The Stones are… intens
