Aurelia's POV
The silence stretched between us after my question about stopping the bet. I watched the Blackthorne brothers' faces carefully, looking for any sign of what they were really thinking. But instead of the immediate agreement I was hoping for, they exchanged uncertain glances.
That hesitation told me everything I needed to know.
"You don't want to stop it," I said, my voice flat with realization.
"It's not that simple—" Adrian started.
"It's a yes or no question," I interrupted, my anger starting to build again. "Do you want to continue with this bet or not?"
Marcus shifted uncomfortably, his artistic features twisted with conflict. "Aurelia, you have to understand the position we're in—"
"No, I don't," I snapped. "I don't have to understand anything. Just answer the
