Arwen hadn't informed anyone that she would be coming.
She wanted to surprise Aiden.
There was something strangely satisfying in the idea —of showing up unannounced, catching him off-guard, and then seeing a rare smile of delight on his face.
A small smile played on her lips at the thought as she pushed open the door.
But the moment she stepped inside, that smile froze.
Her brows furrowed at the sight of Ryan standing there, but her gaze quickly shifted —fixing on his hand, which was tightly gripping Aiden's collar.
She wasn't sure what was happening there, but seeing Ryan's hand on Aiden was enough to push her off the edge.
Without a second thought, she charged forward and yanked Ryan away, her movement swift and furious.
And then —without hesitation —she raised her hand and slapped him hard across the face.
The sharp sound echoed through the room, deafening everything.
Ryan hadn't expected it. He stumbled back a step, stunned.
"Arwen, I—"
