CHAPTER 71

ARIA’S POV

I want to call Adam and blast him over the phone for tarnishing my reputation, but then I decide to stay silent on the subject. He might be doing this to provoke me into calling him first and agreeing to all his demands, but I'm not going to let that happen. I refuse to give him the satisfaction of thinking he's in control.

Suddenly, my phone rings. It's Eva. As I pick up, her familiar giggle filters through the line, a sound that sends a shiver of irritation down my spine. I brace myself, knowing exactly what’s coming next. Her tone is dripping with amusement, a prelude to whatever condescending remark or veiled threat she’s about to make.

“Are you returning back Grandpa’s antique piece or not?”

Her voice is laced with a mocking tone that instantly makes my blood boil. The smugness in her question is palpable, as if she believes she holds all the power. If she thinks she can intimidate me into submission with her threats, she's sorely mistaken.

Anger and defiance surge thr