Aiden's expression held no glimr of warmth. He seed to have paused to hear Gianna speak so much which gave her the confidence to receive a response. But she should have known, that confidence was enough sothing impossible.
And receiving an explanation from her Uncle was one of those impossible things.
"What gave you confidence that I would care to explain to you?" Aiden's cold tone cut through the air, sending a shiver down Gianna's spine.
She froze montarily, speechless. She had spoken so much, hoping to make him understand that Arwen was no re friend to her, that she wasn't soone he could belittle or bully. But now, it seed like her words had fallen on deaf ears.
Was she not being expressive enough? Or was it he, who lacked EQ greatly?
Aiden spoke in a tone that was self-sufficient to ward off any further discussion over the topic. Hence, he stood no longer there. Turning on his heels, he was ready to walk back when Gianna realized she was brushed aside.
Not knowing how else to get her answers, she decided to do the last bit she could within her capabilities. "Uncle," she called out, her voice louder than before. "I might not know what plans you have but I want you to rember always: Arwen is my soul sister, my best friend. If you ever bully her, I won't care how much I have revered you in the past. I will co at you and make you regret it for the rest of your life."
Aiden's steps paused suddenly, but he didn't turn to look at the girl again. With his back towards her, he asked, "Was that a threat?" His voice was threateningly calm, instantly making the air of the oppressive.
Gianna struggled under the effect. Clenching her fingers, she tried to muster up the courage. But no matter how she tried, her Uncle's aura was too intimidating. "I–If you want to see it as a threat. I don't mind, Uncle," she stamred. "I just want you to know that Arwen is not alone. She has —"
"I don't want my wife to be anyone's concern," Aiden interrupted sharply. His words might have co abruptly, but they didn't carry any haste, as if those words weren't sothing he thought of at the spot, rather they were sothing he had believed —since always.
Gianna was stunned. She tried to find the right words to speak to counter him, but Aiden cut her off again, his tone quieter but no less commanding.
"And about your threat," he continued, "I would like you to reconsider it before voicing it ever again. I may have tolerated it this ti because you are soone she seems to care about, but don't take my patience for acceptance. Threats aren't sothing I take silently."
Gianna knew it better than anyone. If she hadn't cared for Arwen more than she cared for herself, she wouldn't have dared. But …what does he an by that?
He was ready to tolerate her because of Arwen. Since when did her Uncle start giving anyone such importance in his life? Over the years, she never heard him caring so much about anyone. Has she really been overthinking all this while?
Could their eting really be just a coincidence with no ploys involved?
While she was caught in her thoughts, she didn't notice that Aiden had already strutted away. When she glanced up, he was gone.
Gianna's brows furrowed in a frown. She might not have received her answers yet, but there was one thing that she was now confident about. Arwen held no simple place. If her Uncle can tolerate soone threat to her, then he could surely destroy the world for her as well.
And for that, that was enough to ease up.
Calming herself down, she took in a deep breath and walked back in the sa direction as Aiden. Soon, she entered the room, finding everyone ready to leave.
"Anna, where were you?" Arwen asked, finally seeing her friend back.
Gianna glanced the way of her uncle. But he seed all nonchalant to her presence as if he hadn't just returned warning her back in the corridor.
How could he feign such a level of ignorance, she couldn't understand. It was as if he could kill soone without letting a single frown appear on his expression.
"Anna, what's wrong?" Arwen asked, grabbing Gianna's hands. Her expression truly showed her concern. "Is everything alright?
Gianna couldn't reply imdiately, but soon realizing what Arwen was asking, she nodded. "Oh, sothing caught up. But I am fine." She said but Arwen doubted her words. To ward off her suspicion, Gianna thought to switch the subject. Looking around, she found the table clear already. Hence, she asked, "Are we leaving already?"
She didn't want to hide away things from Arwen at the mont, but at the sa ti, she didn't know what to say. Therefore, Gianna decided to think well before discussing things with her.
Arwen stared at Gianna for a mont before nodding. "We are done with the dinner, so yes, we will leave in so ti. If there is nothing else."
Gianna didn't miss the hint in Arwen's words, but she chose to pretend oblivious to it. Smiling, she said, "Then we should leave. I ca straight to you after dropping my bags at my place, so I am hell-tired."
Arwen's suspicion only grew. But not pointing it out, she simply nodded. "Then let's return. We can always talk another day. It's not like you are leaving anywhere any ti soon." As she said that, she pressed her lips in a aningful smile. One that delivered the ssage well to Gianna.
Gianna knew the escape from Arwen wasn't a way. Hence, she nodded with a smile.
"I have arranged the cars and drivers to drive everyone back," Aiden said, giving a cue to Emyr, who nodded in response before turning to look at the trio to say.
"Please co with ."
Alia, Eira and Carl nodded. Bidding Arwen a goodbye and thanking Aiden they soon left with Emyr. After they were gone, Gianna also wrapped her arms around Arwen before following the suite.
Once they all were gone and only Arwen and Aiden remained, Arwen turned to look at Aiden. Her gaze slowly narrowed at him. "Mr. Winslow, what exactly did you say or do to my friend?"
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