Aria's POV
"Sorry, Ms. Grayson. Mr. Hawthorne's in meetings all day. He's not available."
Justin stood in front of the Hawthorne Group building, blocking my way. His tone was polite, but his stance was firm.
His eyes were as cold as the glass doors behind him.
I stared past him, as if I could see right through all those floors—to Damon, sitting there with that frozen expression on his face.
"When will he be available?"
"Mr. Hawthorne's schedule is fully booked for the next week."
The subtext was clear: Never.
I nodded. "Please tell him I'll be waiting at home tonight."
The midday sun blazed overhead.
I turned to leave—just as a pink Bentley pulled up to the curb.
The door opened, and Claudia stepped out, stunning in a crisp white Chanel dress, a delicate lunch bag in hand.
"Ari
