Chapter 16: The Whispering Walls

Aria's mind reeled as she processed the shocking revelation. Her father's affair with Victoria, Julian's mother, had produced a half-brother, Samuel, aka Nova.

"Ethan, can I talk to you for a minute?" Aria asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Of course, Aria," Ethan replied, following her outside to the coffee shop's patio.

"What do you think about all this?" Aria asked, her eyes scanning the bustling street.

Ethan leaned against the railing. "I think Julian's involved. She's been acting strange."

Aria frowned. "I know. She's been distant. But I never suspected this."

Ethan's expression turned serious. "We need to be cautious. Victoria's not someone to underestimate."

As they returned inside, Liam's eyes narrowed, his jealousy still simmering.

"Hey, Liam, what's wrong?" Anya asked, noticing his tense expression.

Liam forced a smile. "Just worried about Aria. This revelation changes everything."

Anya's eyes locked onto Liam's. "You're worried about Aria, or your feelings for her?"

Liam's smile faltered. "What are you talking about, Anya?"

Anya leaned in. "Don't play dumb, Liam. We all see it. You're in love with Aria."

Liam's face flushed. "That's not relevant right now."

Meanwhile, in the warehouse, Victoria's eyes blazed with fury at Julian's hesitation.

"You're just like your father," Victoria spat. "Ungrateful and weak."

Julian stood firm, her long blonde hair cascading down her back. "I won't do it, Mother. I won't marry Liam."

Nova watched the exchange, his expression unreadable.

"Julian, you don't understand the bigger picture," Victoria said.

"I understand enough," Julian replied. "And I won't be controlled. You're using me for your own gain."

Victoria's smile twisted. "You're so naive, Julian. You think you can escape me? I've planned this for years."

Back at The Daily Grind, Kai whispered to Anya, "I think I found something. Nova's messages mention a 'Project Eclipse.'"

Anya's eyes widened. "What does it mean?"

Kai shrugged. "I'm still decoding, but it sounds big. Maybe related to Alex's death?"

As the group discussed their next move, Maya arrived.

"Can I talk to you?" Maya asked Ethan.

Ethan nodded, following her outside.

"You're getting too close to Aria," Maya said.

Ethan sighed. "Maya, there's nothing between Aria and me."

Maya's expression softened. "Be careful, Ethan. Aria's not the only one with secrets."

As Ethan returned inside, Liam's gaze lingered on Aria.

Aria's phone buzzed. Julian's name flashed.

"Aria, I need to see you," Julian whispered. "Meet me at the old oak tree at midnight."

Aria's heart skipped a beat.

"Julian, what's going on?" Aria asked.

"I'll explain everything tonight," Julian replied. "Come alone."

Aria hesitated.

"Okay, I'll be there."

As she hung up, Ethan approached her.

"Aria, what's wrong?" Ethan asked.

Aria hesitated. "Julian wants to meet me at midnight. She says it's urgent."

Ethan's expression turned serious. "I'll come with you."

Aria shook her head. "No, Ethan. She said to come alone."

Ethan's eyes narrowed. "I don't like it."

Aria placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "I'll be fine, Ethan. I need to hear what Julian has to say."

Liam watched the exchange, his thoughts turbulent.

What secrets lay hidden? Who could Aria trust?

Only time would reveal the truth.