Noah's pov
People don't just disappear. People like Aria don't just disappear without a trace, which means one thing–something happened.
A soft knock came at the door. I didn’t look up.
“If you have something useful to say, say it.”
Her heels clicked softly against the marble as she walked in, slow, deliberate. I could feel her eyes on me, studying.
“You’ve been shutting everyone out,” she said lightly. “Even me.”
That almost made me laugh.
Almost.
“I don’t recall inviting you in,” I replied.
She ignored that, circling the desk like she belonged there. Like she belonged anywhere near me.
“You’re chasing ghosts,” she continued. “She’s gone, Noah. At some point, you have to accept that.”
My hand stilled over the file.
Slowly, I lifted my gaze.
“And you seem very certain of that.
