Valmont Series - Inheritance Code

Chapter 7.5 - Linked in Public

But something rare. And real.

"You planned that line?" she asked, voice low.

"I improvised."

"And the whole... dramatic stand from the mezzanine?"

"Instinct."

Aria's lips curved — not a smile, not quite. But something softened.

A shift in breath. A quiet surrender of pride, without the performance of thanks.

Because she wouldn't thank him. Not here. Not like this.

But she looked at him — really looked — and asked instead:

"So I owe you now."

The words landed without resistance.

Then, lower — steadier:

"What do you want in return?"

It wasn't a challenge.

It was the closest thing to gratitude she'd ever give.

Luc didn't answer at first.

His gaze held hers — level, unreadable. Dominion eyes.

The kind that measured value in silence.

Then, with that infuriating, half-amused calm:

"I'll think about it."

A pause.

"Or maybe I'll keep it. For now."

Luc's gaze lingered a moment too long. Not assessing. Just... noting something.

Something he hadn't seen in anyone else.

"You held your ground," he said quietly. "Even when the ground disappeared."

Aria turned toward him, just slightly — enough to be seen.

"So," she said, voice light but deliberate, "is that a compliment?"

Luc's mouth curved — not quite a smile, but close.

"If it is," he said, "you earned it."

Then softer, almost as if to himself—

"This time."

Aria didn't reply right away.

Not to the compliment.

Not to the implication buried inside it.

She just let her eyes fall back to the ground beneath her boots, now scuffed with the ghost of panic she didn't want to remember.

Luc didn't move.

But his hand was still there—offered, open, annoyingly patient.

She glanced at it. Then at him.

His expression hadn't shifted. Still maddeningly calm.

"You do realize," she said, "I'm fully capable of standing."

"I'm aware," he said smoothly.

Then, with the faintest tilt of his head—

"I'm also aware you haven't."

She narrowed her eyes, just slightly.

He didn't flinch. Of course he didn't.

Then, casually, almost as if it were a passing thought: