Chapter 16 

Leo’s eyes followed mine, landing on the lipstick. His expression shifted instantly. 

His body tensed, and for a moment, the air between us grew heavy with unspoken words. 

As he settled into the driver’s seat, he broke the silence. 

“Aria and I were on a work trip recently, she dropped her bag, and I guess that’s when it fell 

out.” 

I kept my gaze fixed on the passing streets, the tension between us thickening as we neared Emma’s apartment. 

“Aria didn’t want to sit in the back. She thought it would be rude. But I promise, from now 

on-” 

“Take the next left,” I interrupted. “Emma’s place is close. Let’s stop here. I’ll walk her up.” 

Leo abruptly stopped the car, his frustration palpable. 

“Elizabeth, did you hear what I said?” 

He started to say more, but I was already halfway out of the car, determined to escape the 

conversation. 

“I heard you,” I replied, my voice deliberately casual as I threw him a forced smile. 

“It’s fine. I’m not bothered.” 

I didn’t wait for his response. Instead, I focused on Emma, taking my time getting her inside, trying to steady my own swirling thoughts. 

When I finally returned to the car, the lipstick was gone, replaced by the faint, sterile scent 

of disinfectant. 

What Leo didn’t know was that my sense of smell had always been sharp. 

Beneath the sharp bite of alcohol, Aria’s perfume still lingered–faint but unmistakable. 

the World the Cold Alpha Regretted 

11.9% 

Chapter 16 

Some things, no matter how hard you try, can’t b