7:15 P.M. Cross Mansion

The moment the front doors closed behind them, Aria let out a long, exhausted sigh.

She slipped off her heels and dropped them carelessly by the entrance.

"What a day..."

Damian loosened his tie as he followed her inside.

"I've already doubled your security."

"I also asked Mason to review the surveillance footage from Cross Group."

Aria nodded absentmindedly.

Her thoughts remained fixed on the ivory box.

The veil.

The blackened rose.

The handwritten notes.

Someone wanted her afraid.

Someone wanted her looking over her shoulder.

Damian walked into the living room and poured two glasses of water.

He handed one to her.

"You've barely said...