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Chapter <b>225 </b>
<b>Chapter </b><b>225 </b>
Aris leaned in, inhaled lightly, her smile razor sharp. “You smell like a ve. You want to y, but honestly? I’m not interested.”
For a second, a storm flickered across Russell’s face.
The elevator doors opened at the first floor,
A passerby caught a glimpse of their “Intimate” posture and muttered, “Seriously? Can’t you w
wait till you get a room?”
He shot Russell a quick, nervous look–one nce at Hussell’s eyes, dark and deadly, and be jabbed the ‘close door‘ button, vanishing without another word.
Aria stepped <b>back</b>, punched the eighteenth–floor button again.
This time, Russell didn’t make another move
She stepped out. As she did, Russell’s <b>voice </b>drifted after her, “Aria, you care about a lot of people”
Aria paused, turned back with a faint smile. “<b>So </b>do you. Like Ondo. Or that girl who’s always by your side?
Everyone knew Russell had <b>plenty </b>of enemies–and a woman hidden away somewhere, protected to the extreme.
Leaving those words hanging, Aria walked away.
As the doors closed, Russell’s eyes grew even darker.
She’s moreplicated than thought
Aria entered her apartment.
The door across the hall opened, and Derek’s cheerful voice greeted her. “Aria, you’re back
She turned to find him grinning. “I stopped by and you weren’t home, so Owen made me dinner.
“Did you eat enough?” Aria asked.
Derek rubbed his stomach, putting on a melodramatic face. “<b>Stuffed</b>. But I haven’t even made it inside and <b>you’re </b>already kicking me out. That hurts, you know.”
His tone was deliberately theatrical, hall<b>–</b>pouting as he peeked <b>at </b>her face.
vy mood lightened a little. “What do you <b>want</b>, Derek?”
Aria’s heavy m
He shrugged. “I need <b>a </b>reason to see you?”
Lately, Nathan had been reaching out more than in the past seventeen yearsbined, all to try and get information about Aria
Derek found the whole thing <b>absurd</b>–Nathan had never been close with his own sister, and now wanted to y the conce to be left out.
After a bit more banter, Derek decided he’de to Aria’s just to spite Nathan, and <b>maybe </b>gloat about it
Owen, hearing voices, stepped out from behind Derek
His brows drew together when he saw Aria–she wasn’t in a good mood
He nced at her swollen knuckles, copter shing in his eyes.
Bling? Sarves Him right.
Suddenly remembering something, Derek said, “it’s a bit chilly, you should go inside first. I need to head up to the neenth for
Aria frowned, “Why the neenth?”
“I was going to buy a ce thele, but somenne beat me to it. I want to see if they sell
“There are still apartments in Mayen Garden,” she pointed i
“You don’t have to firate on the neenth floor
“Yeah, but it’s closer to you.”
She gave him <b>a </b>look. “You don’t need to buy a ce just to see me. You’re wee to visit anytime.”
He put on his best wounded <b>face</b>. “Dut you were just trying to kick me out!”
“I won’t, not next time.”
Derek’s eyes sparkled, instantly <b>taking </b>advantage “It’s gettingte. Canicrash here tonight?”
“Sure.”
It seemed she was worried <b>about </b>Derek going to the neenth floor.
Owen, regaining hisposure, said, “T <b>make </b>breakfast for three tomorrow.”
Derek froze. Breakfast together? Since when had things gotten so cozy between Owen and his sister?
Aria nodded. “Okay”
Owen would cook, she’d pay for the groceries. Aria unlocked <b>her </b>door. As Derek made to follow her in, Owen spoke up, “Why don’t you stay at my ce tonight? Aria doesn’t have pajamas or slippers in your size, but I’ve got extras”
<b>Derek </b>saw the sense in <b>that</b>. “Alright, I’ll stay with Owen tonight–next time I’ll leave some stuff at your ce.”
Aria replied, “Suit yourself”
Derek called back, “Owen, I’lle overter.”
Owen said, “Alright”
The two of them went inside and closed the door.
After a moment’s thought, Owen picked up his phone and sent a message
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Chapter <b>226 </b>