The Alpha's Forced Mate

The Unmasking

The next evening, the grand dining room of the Vance estate was dead silent. Richard Vance sat across from Ethan and Aria, his smile thin and dangerous. Madam Eleanor sat at the head of the table, observing everything.

"So, Aria," Richard started, swirling his wine glass. "Ethan tells us you met in London during his business trip last year. Funny, because I checked his itinerary, and he was completely booked with meetings. When exactly did you find the time to fall so deeply in love?"

Aria felt Ethan’s hand tighten over hers under the table. She looked Richard straight in the eyes. "True love doesn't require hours, Mr. Vance. It requires a single moment. Ethan was exhausted after a long negotiation, and he walked into the small art gallery where I was working. We talked for twenty minutes about a simple painting, and we both knew. Business itineraries don't record the moments when a heart changes."

Richard’s eyes narrowed, his trap completely failing. Madam Eleanor let out a soft laugh. "Well said, child. Richard, stop interrogating your nephew's wife. It's unbecoming."

Ethan looked at Aria, a wave of pride passing through his usually cold expressions. They had survived the biggest threat.