ARIA

"Aria!"

Mark called my name again, his voice filled with impatience.

I was sweating deep down, my silk dress suddenly feeling like a cage. I should have listened to Maya. I shouldn't be here, alone, with the same man who tried to murder me.

I turned around slowly, trying to look normal while I was fidgeting on the inside. I forced a calm mask over my panic.

"Yes, Mark?" I answered, my voice steady.

"Come check the liquid assets," Mark said, gesturing to the coffee table. "You gave your word. You said if you saw five million in there, you would sign the check right now. Well, come look."...