Aria pov
His voice was gentle. "You're supposed to remember who you are. The woman who built an empire to provide for her son. Who faced down enemies with grace and strategy instead of cruelty. Who taught me that revenge isn't the same as justice. That woman , He caught my hand. That woman is better than Vivian. Better than stooping to her level."
"You're one to talk about stooping to levels," I said bitterly. "You destroyed your own brother."
The words made Damien flinch.
"You're right," he said quietly. "I did. And it's one of my deepest regrets. Marcus and I" He stopped. "We could have been family. Could have supported each other through our father's abuse. Instead, I chose to survive. And now Marcus is so twisted by hatred that he's trying to destroy everything I love. That's what revenge creates, Aria. More revenge. An endless cycle."
I wanted to argue. Wanted to defend my actions. But deep down, I knew he was right. "She deserves to suffer," I whispered.
