The receptionist froze, her face draining of color the moment Aiden’s voice cut through the room.

She already knew her job was hanging by a thread.

Hurriedly, she left her desk and approached him, bowing deeply, head lowered in apology.

“I’m so sorry, sir,” she whispered. “I didn’t realize…”

Before Aiden could respond, Alina stepped forward and gently shook her head. She looked at him, and even without saying anything, it felt like she was telling him not to be ...