Her spine went stiff, and her inner monologue kicked in: ‘Seriously? Why is it always him?!”

Still, she plastered on a polite smile and looked up. “Uncle Aaron.”

There he was, rocking his standard uniform-black button-up, dark pants, zero personality. It was like he’d hit pause on his wardrobe evolution years ago. Yet somehow, every time she saw him, it felt… weirdly intense, like a deja vu she couldn’t shake. “You here for something?” he pressed.

She shook her head. “Just here for a friend.”

“Need help?” Straight to the point.

Her brain flickered to Keira. Sure, Keira could use a get-out-of-jail-free card, and Aaron could probably deliver, no sweat. But Keira had her own plan, and Sasha was part of it. No point dragging Aaron into this mess. “Nah, I’m good,” Lena said, her tone final.

Aaron gave her one of his cryptic little hums. “Day off today?”