Chapter 32

Aaron's heart pounded against his ribs as he stepped into Mr. Clinton's office. The room, a testament to wealth and power, was a stark contrast to the comfortable, casual atmosphere of his own apartment. The walls, adorned with framed photographs and prestigious diplomas, emanated an air of authority, of power, that left Aaron feeling slightly out of place.

He'd been summoned by Mr. Clinton, a man he'd known for months now, a man whose daughter, Hilary, had become entangled in his life, his heart, his dreams. He was here now, in this imposing office, facing the man who had raised the girl he loved, the girl he'd been trying to protect from the harsh realities of his world.

Mr. Clinton was seated behind a massive mahogany desk, his gaze fixed on Aaron, his expression unreadable. His eyes, usually twinkling with amusement, now held a cold intensity, a glimmer of suspicion that sent shivers down Aaron’s spine.

Aaron tried to maintain his composure, a mask of normalcy, but his heart