Aiden Knight's POV
The familiar weight of my apartment door closing behind me does nothing to ease the tension coiling in my chest. Clara Vance's words echo in my mind, but it's not her accusations that bother me. It's what she said about Chloe.
Missing an important board meeting. Never missed one in three years. Seemed distracted all morning.
I pull out my phone and dial Chloe's number. It goes straight to voicemail.
"Chloe, it's me. Call me back when you get this."
I try again. Same result.
The knot in my stomach tightens. Chloe always answers her phone. Always.
I pace the small living room, my footsteps muffled by the worn carpet. The silence feels oppressive. Normally by this time, I'd hear the soft sounds of Chloe moving around the kitchen, preparing dinner or cleaning up from her day.
Tonight there's nothing.
