Aria Moretti didn’t know whether to dread or anticipate the evening ahead. Her parents had decided it was time to host a formal dinner, inviting both business associates and, unexpectedly, members of the Cole family. The very thought made her stomach twist into knots. Damian Cole’s father, a sharp and intimidating man, was known in elite circles for his ruthless deals and icy demeanor. And Damian himself? Well, Aria shivered at the thought of sitting across from him again, especially after the last few weeks of charged encounters at Crescent High.
“Aria, darling, hurry! Your dress won’t iron itself,” her mother called from the second floor, her tone hovering between insistence and impatience.
“Yes, mother,” Aria replied, tugging at the hem of her carefully chosen dress. It was understate
