Chapter 120

Vivienne Archer stepped out of the shower, water droplets trickling down her hair. She towel-dried it roughly, her mind replaying that nightmare over and over.

"What a fool I was," she muttered through gritted teeth.

Owen Archer, that scumbag, had destroyed her entire family just for a woman like Serena Blake—someone with no loyalty. The image of her father dying in despair and her mother too ill to afford treatment flashed in her mind. Her nails dug into her palms.

"Not this time. I won’t make the same mistake again."

She took a deep breath and pushed open the bathroom door, just as Aria Bennett sat up from the couch.

"Why’d you sleep out here?" Vivienne asked, forcing a light tone.

Aria rubbed her eyes. "Didn’t want to kick you."

"Feeling better?" Aria asked, concern lacing her voice.

Vivienne gave a relieved smile. "I’ve figured it out. A scumbag and a gold-digger—they deserve each other. I should be glad I saw his true colors early."

She suddenly pulled Aria into a hug. "Thanks for staying with me last night."

"Don’t mention it. That’s what best friends are for."

They exchanged a knowing smile, warmth passing between them. Vivienne silently swore to herself—this time, she’d protect the people who truly cared for her.

The rehearsal room pulsed with deafening music.

"Stop!" Aria clapped her hands. "The third section isn’t synced. Again."

Sweat dripped down the trainees’ faces, but no one complained. With the live performance tomorrow, everyone was on edge.

At lunch break, Aria announced, "Rest up this afternoon. Save your energy."

The trainees cheered and dispersed. Damian Cross approached her. "Want to grab lunch?"

"Sure," Aria agreed easily.

The private restaurant was tucked away in an alley, its antique decor exuding quiet elegance.

"The braised pork here is legendary," Damian said, placing a piece in her bowl.

The meat melted on her tongue. Aria’s eyes lit up. "It’s amazing!"

Damian smirked. "Knew you’d like it."

Just then, his phone rang. After the call, his expression darkened. "Brooks messed up."

Aria set down her chopsticks, unsurprised. "Let’s check it out?"

"Let’s go."

They left quickly, switching to a taxi as Damian’s assistant drove off.

The rundown neighborhood flickered under dim streetlights.

Damian pulled out two masks from his bag. "Better wear these. Public figures can’t be too careful."

Aria took the red one, teasing, "You came prepared."

"Of course. For you, I always do." His voice held a smile as he adjusted his own mask.

Avoiding surveillance, they slipped silently into the complex.

"Brooks is up ahead," Damian whispered.

Aria suddenly grabbed his arm. "Wait. Something’s off."

A chill ran down her spine. Damian immediately understood, and they slowed their steps.

"Still owe you for saving my life," he murmured.

Aria chuckled. "You keeping score, Mr. Cross?"

"For you? Always." His tone turned serious.

Her heart skipped a beat. She quickly changed the subject. "You said you remembered more?"

"Yeah." His gaze deepened. "When the time’s right, I’ll tell you everything."

"Always so cryptic." She rolled her eyes but didn’t press further.

At the scene, Brooks paced anxiously. Spotting them, he rushed over. "He got away, but left this."

He handed over a yellowed talisman with eerie symbols.

The moment Aria touched it, a sharp pain shot through her fingers. Her face paled. "It’s a trap!"

Thick fog erupted around them. Damian yanked her behind him. "Stay close!"

From the mist, a sinister voice laughed. "Finally, Master Aria…"