Aria paused at the end of the hallway, her steps faltering when she caught sight of someone slipping out of Damian’s study. The door shut with a soft click, but not before she saw Lyla stepping into the corridor, her head slightly bowed, her fingers smoothing down her dress as though steadying herself.
Aria’s brows furrowed.
What was Lyla doing in Damian’s study? At this hour? And without knocking?
She stayed hidden, her back pressed against the wall just out of sight. Lyla didn’t notice her. She walked away with calm, deliberate steps, but there was something... off about her expression. She wasn’t distressed or tearful. If anything, she looked satisfied, almost smug.
Aria’s stomach twisted uneasily.
A minute passed. Then another. She didn’t know whether to confront her or brush it o
