~Aria's POV~

I felt a jolt of surprise and a hint of panic. Mr. Sterling was here? Waiting for me? And he knew I was with Ethan — and he was displeased.

The thought sent a shiver through me; I hadn't expected the reclusive tycoon to be so... reactive. I checked the time on my phone, I had been with Ethan for longer than I thought.

I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself. I needed to get downstairs, and I needed to be clear-headed.

Mr. Sterling was going to be ...