Chapter Ninety-Four: The Warning and the Win

Outside Lucien & Co., one of the most exclusive storefronts in Atria Solis, the afternoon air hummed with sleek conversations and clinking shopping bags.

Kian stepped onto the marble walkway, Carter balanced easily on his hip, one tiny hand still clutching his dragon sticker sheet.

That's when Aviana saw them.

She stopped short.

Because she had seen Chloe earlier.

Inside the boutique, where Chloe had effortlessly put her in her place without breaking a sweat.

Aviana hadn't expected to cross paths again so soon. And certainly not like this.

But Kian was right there, standing in the sunlight, carrying a child with absolute ease.

And that? That needed an explanation.

So she moved.

Sleek heels clicking against polished tile, chin lifted just slightly.

"Kian."

He turned.

Brows furrowed briefly.

But no flicker of recognition.

"...Yes?"

She smiled. Bright. Intentional.

"You don't remember me?"

Kian barely glanced at her. "Who are you?"

Aviana brightened slightly—because he was looking at her now. Maybe searching for the memory.

"I was with my father," she said smoothly. "Herman Lorrence—Dominion Prime. Private suite. You had an appointment. Lunch."

Kian blinked. Thought for half a second.

Then—calm. Blank. "No. Still nothing."

Aviana stiffened.

Desperate for control, she straightened slightly. "Aviana. Aviana Lorrence."

She watched him—waited for recognition.

It didn't come.

And before Aviana could recover—low, measured, final:

"If you don't stop walking into my path, Aviana—"

He shifted Carter slightly, weight easy, voice steady.

—I'll make sure your family's name disappears from every corner of Macresia."

Aviana's breath hitched.

Not because she doubted him. Because she knew he could do it.

Chloe's voice followed softly—honey wrapped in steel:

"The problem with playing bold, Aviana?"

She tilted her head. "It only works when someone is actually interested."

Then—without waiting, without explanation—

She reached for Kian's hand, threading her fingers through his, clasping them together like she'd held him this way forever.

Kian looked down at her then. And that was it.

The softest gaze. The quietest knowing.

And Chloe, smiling up at him, waved their interlocked hands at Aviana.

Like a farewell. Like a dismissal. Like a declaration.

"Let's go, boys."

Kian followed.

Carter waved.

And Aviana stood there, completely forgotten.