Damon's POV
"Damon, we have to do something," Aria's voice was low but fierce as she squared her shoulders across from me.
We stood in the small, dimly lit private screening room off the Westin Tower penthouse, the dark wood panels absorbing every echo of her words.
I pressed my palms to the cool wall, trying to steady my racing heart. "I know you're angry, Aria," I said, "but any public statement right now risks triggering Celeste and Lucian again.
We just regained control of the boardroom. Investors are jittery. If we talk too soon, they'll see us as unstable."
She turned on me, eyes blazing with frustration. "I was kidnapped," she shot back. "My life—and our children's lives—were threatened. I refuse to cower in silence so your enemies can twist every headline."
I pulled in a ragged breath, guilt and fear knotting in my chest. She was right. In my drive to protect the company, I had put my family's peace on hold.
