Aria returned to the main hall, her expression calm and unreadable.
The music was still playing. Guests were still laughing. Glasses clinked. Nothing had changed.
Except her.
She scanned the room until her eyes landed on Ryan. He was standing near the staircase, speaking to two business people. His posture was straight, confident, detached.
Untouchable.
She walked toward him without hesitation.
"We have to go," she said quietly once she reached him.
Ryan glanced down at her.
"I'm tired."
The men paused, sensing the shift in atmosphere. Ryan gave them a short nod, and they quickly excu