Aiden Knight's POV
I wake to the sound of my phone buzzing incessantly on the nightstand. The display shows seventeen missed calls and forty-three unread messages. All from Victor Thorne.
Something is very wrong.
Clara stirs beside me, her hair spilled across the pillow like silk. Last night feels like a dream now, with the harsh morning light streaming through the windows. I slip out of bed quietly, not wanting to wake her.
My phone rings again. Victor's name flashes on the screen.
"This better be important," I answer.
"Aiden, thank god you picked up." Victor's voice is strained with panic. "We have a serious problem."
"What kind of problem?"
"Clara Vance's mother has declared war on us. She's convinced every major family in Everbrook City to boycott the Heavenly Justice Group."
I pause, processing this information. "Explain."
