Chapter 25 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 , Some things , no matter how hard you try , can't be erased .