OLIVIA’S POV
Derek and I walked back from Dominic’s office in silence.
I didn’t know what more I could say to him after what just happened. I could sense the tension still lingering from the showdown, but Derek—ever composed, simply gave me a reassuring smile as we entered the house.
The moment we stepped in, the silence was shattered by two excited voices.
“Uncle Derek!” Aria and Noah practically launched themselves at him, arms wide, laughter ringing through the hallway. Derek knelt down and opened his arms, catching them with ease and spinning them once before pulling them in for a tight hug.
“You guys are growing so fast!” he chuckled, ruffling Noah’s hair while Aria tugged his sleeve to show him her sparkly bracelet.
As I watched them, I felt a warmth rise in my ch
