Page 74 of Rescuing Aria

“They’re my friends.” She sits straighter, chin lifting. “And my business partners. I won’t hide in your penthouse while they’re in danger because of me.”

“Because of you?” Marcus’s eyes narrow. “What makes you think this has anything to do with you?”

The question hangs between us, loaded with implications.

My phone vibrates with another message from CJ:Penthouse security protocols received. Analysis indicates significant vulnerabilities. Recommends immediate transport to HQ.

I study Marcus’s face in the dim car interior, noting the slight tightening around his eyes, the calculated mask of paternal concern that doesn’t quite reach those cold depths.

“You know why Wolfe is targeting Aria.” The words come out harder than intended.

“You’re treading on personal ground, Mr. Knutt.” Marcus’s face goes rigid, eyes narrowing dangerously at me.

“This turned personal when he kidnapped your daughter.” I hold his gaze without flinching. “When he built an entire criminal organization to get revenge on you.”

“What are you talking about?” Aria looks between us, confusion clear on her face.

“You didn’t know.” It’s not a question. I mentally curse myself for blurting it out. “I’m so sorry. I thought you knew.” The realization that she doesn’t know strikes hard. Marcus’s eyes flash a warning, but it’s too late to retreat.

“Damien Wolfe is your father’s half-brother.” The words land in the car like stones dropped into still water. “That’s why he targeted you. Why he kidnapped you. It wasn’t random.”

“What?” Aria’s gasp cuts through the tension. Her hand pulls away from mine as she stares between us. “Dad? Is this… Wolfe is your brother?” The shock in her voice makes me turn. The color has drained from her face, eyes wide with disbelief and betrayal.

Marcus’s eyes close briefly, a rare moment of visible weakness. When he opens them, something shifts behind that calculated mask—resignation, perhaps. Or simply the recognition that this secret can no longer be contained.

“Half-brother.” He nearly spits the word. “We share a father. Nothing else.”

“How could you keep this from me?” Aria’s question comes out raw, wounded.

“I assumed Ember would have told you.” I reach for her hand again, but she pulls away. “She was there when Wolfe admitted it. If she was truly your friend, she would have.”

“Well, she didn’t, and it wasn’t her place or responsibility. You should’ve said something.” Aria’s jaw clenches as she turns to her father. “Everyone knew except me? Your own daughter?”

Marcus’s expression hardens. “It wasn’t relevant to your recovery.”

“Wasn’t relevant?” Her laugh holds no humor. “The man who kidnapped me did it to hurt you specifically, and that wasn’t relevant?”

“You got the empire, the power, and the name.” I echo Wolfe’s words from the files we compiled after the last encounter. “And he got scraps and shadows.”

Marcus’s jaw tightens. “You seem well-informed.”

“He told us during the last rescue operation.” My fingers squeeze Aria’s hand reassuringly. “Called her ‘the perfect tool to dismantle everything my dear brother holds dear.’”

The car slows at a red light, city shadows playing across Marcus’s face. For a moment, he looks decades older, wearied by old sins and long-buried history.

“Guardian HQ.” He finally concedes, voice tight with controlled anger.

I nod once, sending confirmation to CJ. The light changes, and the driver adjusts course based on coordinates now appearing on his navigation system.

Aria’s fingers remain intertwined with mine, her grip betraying the fear she’s working so hard to contain.

“It’ll be okay.” The reassurance feels hollow even as I say it.

“Will it?” Her voice barely rises above a whisper. “He’s back, Jon. After everything… He’s back.”

I have no answer that isn’t a lie, so I simply tighten my grip on her hand.

Marcus watches this exchange, reassessing the nature of my relationship with his daughter. Whatever he sees displeases him, but he remains silent, his attention turning to the phone now vibrating in his hand.