Chapter 112 *

Chapter 112 Chapter 112
Angelina's POV
I walked to the kitchen. Sat down.
Nathan was smiling. "The company is doing better," he said. "Much better. We got three new clients this week. Big contracts."
Grace grabbed his hand. Squeezed it. "Your father's business is finally taking off!"
I looked at Nathan. "That's good."
"Good? It's amazing!" Grace's eyes were bright. "We might actually be able to pay off some debts soon."
Nathan's smile faded slightly. "It's still early. We need to be careful."
"I know, I know." Grace waved her hand. "But this is progress! Real progress!"
I stood up. Walked to the cabinet. Got a glass. Filled it with water from the tap.
Behind me, they kept talking.
"You should quit that pack job," Grace said. "You're running yourself ragged going back and forth."
"I can't quit yet. We still need the income."
"But you're exhausted! And they treat you terribly."
"It's fine. I can handle it."
Grace's voice got quieter. "There's a dinner tomorrow night. Our company was included in the invitation. Because of the new contracts."
Nathan's frown deepened. "I don't know if I should go."
"Why not?"
"Grace, look at us. We're a tiny startup. Everyone else there will be running million-dollar companies. We'll look ridiculous."
"So what? This is a chance to network. To meet important people."
"I'll embarrass myself."
"You won't." Grace grabbed his hand again. "You're smart. You know your business. Just go and observe. Learn something."
Nathan didn't look convinced.
I finished my water. Set the glass in the sink.
What a coincidence. There was no way they were going to the same dinner I was, right?
"I'm going upstairs," I said.
"Okay, sweetie. Dinner will be ready in an hour."
I grabbed my backpack. Headed up to my room.
Closed the door behind me. Dropped the bag on the floor.
My phone rang. Logan's name appeared on the screen.
I answered. "What?"
"Aria! Hey!" Logan's voice was rushed. "So about tomorrow night."
"What about it?"
"I'm picking you up. Five PM. My house."
"I know where your house is."
"Right, yeah. Obviously." He paused. "My dad was really specific about this. He wants to make sure you're there."
"I'll be there."
"Good. Great. See you tomorrow at five." He hung up.
Saturday morning, I woke up at six AM. I got dressed. Went downstairs. The house was quiet. Everyone else was still asleep.
I went outside. Started running.
The neighborhood was peaceful at this hour. No cars. No people. Just the sound of my footsteps on the pavement.
I ran for an hour. Then came back home.
Grace was in the kitchen making breakfast.
"You're up early," she said. "Been out running again?"
"Yeah."
"Want some eggs?"
"Sure."
I sat at the table. Grace cooked. The smell of bacon filled the kitchen.
Nathan came down a few minutes later. He was wearing his work clothes.
"You're going to the pack?" Grace asked.
"Just for a few hours. I'll be back by noon to get ready for tonight."
He grabbed a piece of toast. Kissed Grace on the cheek. Left.
Grace set a plate in front of me. Scrambled eggs and bacon.
"What are your plans today?" she asked.
"Going out with friends tonight."
"Oh? Where?"
"Just a dinner thing."
"That sounds nice." Grace smiled. "You should wear that black dress. The one we bought last year."
"I was planning to."
She sat down across from me. "I'm glad you're making friends, Aria. You seem happier lately."
After breakfast, I went back upstairs. Took a shower. Then spent most of the day in my room.
Just lying on my bed. Staring at the ceiling. Enjoying the quiet.
No training. No fighting. No planning. It was nice.
Around four PM, I got up. Pulled the black dress out of my closet.
It was simple. Knee-length. Long sleeves. Nothing fancy.
I put it on. Looked at myself in the mirror.
It fit fine. Not too tight. Not too loose. Good enough.
I went downstairs at four-thirty.
Nathan was in the living room. He was wearing a suit. With a tie and everything.
He was struggling with his shoes. Trying to tie the laces on a pair of dress shoes that looked brand new.
"You look fine."
"I look like I'm playing dress-up." He finally got the laces tied. Stood up. "Where are you going?"
"Out with friends."
Nathan nodded. Didn't question it further. "Be safe. Call if you need anything."
"I will."
I grabbed my phone. Headed outside. Logan's Porsche pulled up exactly at five PM.
He got out. Walked around to open the passenger door for me.
"You're being weird," I said.
"My dad told me to be a gentleman." Logan grinned. "Get in."
I got in the car. Logan closed the door. Walked back around. Got in the driver's seat.
"We're picking up Mia on the way," he said.
"Fine."
He started driving. We got to Mia's house fifteen minutes later.
Mia came out wearing a gorgeous dress. Dark blue. She got in the back seat. "Hey guys!"
"Wow," Logan said. "You look amazing."
"Thanks! My parents insisted I wear this." Mia looked down at herself. "It's a bit much, isn't it?"
"No, it's perfect."
Logan drove toward his house. The closer we got, the bigger the houses became.
Finally we pulled up to a massive mansion. Perfectly manicured lawn. "Here we go," Logan muttered. "Time to face the music."
We got out of the car. A valet took Logan's keys. The three of us started walking toward the entrance.
"Oh my god, is that the Omega's daughter?" The voice was sharp.
I turned around. A girl was standing there. Maybe fifteen years old. Her makeup was perfect. Her hair was styled in elegant waves. She was staring at me. Her expression was pure contempt.
Behind her stood three other young people. All dressed just as expensively. All looking at me the same way.
The girl took a step forward. Her heels clicked on the stone pathway.
"I didn't know they were letting just anyone in tonight," she said. Her voice dripped with false sweetness. "How... democratic of Mr. Pierce."
Logan's jaw clenched. "Tansy, don't start."
"Start what?" The girl—Tansy—smiled. "I'm just surprised to see Aria Sterling here. At a business dinner. For successful people."
She looked me up and down. Her smile got wider.
"Nice dress. Did you get that at a thrift store?"