Damien's POV
The verification process was basically silent. We both sat at opposite ends of the study, focused on our respective tasks, the only sounds the quiet rustling of papers and the occasional click of the machine. I was boiling inside, rage simmering just beneath the surface, but I didn't say anything to her. When we finally finished, I gathered my documents and tried to exit the study, but Aria's voice stopped me.
"Hey, are you alright? You haven't said a word to me."
I turned slowly, my hand still on the doorknob. "Yeah? And do you have a problem with that?"
"What? No, I mean, I'm just wondering why you're being so quiet." She stood up from her chair, concern flickering across her face.
"I mean, it's bad enough that you have Julian in this house, but try to tune your voice d
