s in front of her. Emily had spent the past few days digging up information

corruption that went all the way to the top of Julian's company. Ava's mind was racing with que

mily to discuss her findings, he

ou in my office," he s

ing on? She quickly gathered her things

father pacing back and forth be

?" Ava asked, feeling

ace her. "It's Julian," he said. "He's mad

. This was it. This was the

o?" Ava asked, feeling a

t it, Ava. We're going to do everything in our po

of determination wash over

eling that they were in over their heads. Julian Styles was a p

She knew that Julian's offer was not a genuine attempt to help Ander

fice building, Ava's phone b

" Emily's text read. "Meet me

t Emily had discovered. She made her way to the

was already seated at a t

ed, sliding into the c

per. "I found a document that links Julian's co

dened. "What d

company is likely involved in some shady dealings, and

was the kind of evidence th

the feeling that they were being watched. She glanced

he feelin

wonder if Julian was alre

lp but feel a sense of excitement and trepidation. They had stumb

," Emily said, her eyes sparkling with determinati

ities. "I'll try to get more information from my d

ride and admiration for her friend. Emily was a force to be r

nd meet Emily for lunch. They chose a trendy new restaurant

le, Emily immediately began to

guy from the office yet?" Emily ask

conscious. "No, I haven't. I've been

to make time for love, Ava. You

at ease. "I know, I know. I just ne

a sense of normalcy wash over her. For the fi

heir lunch, Ava's phone buzzed w

k at 5 pm," the text

she wondered who could be sendi

g as she showed the t

is?" Emily asked, her

"I have no idea. But

ious. "Ava, I don't think you

what to do. But her curios

braver than she felt. "I'll meet you back

luctantly. "Okay

nse of trepidation as she

ying to spot anyone suspicious. But the park was e

ed a beat as she r

said, trying

, a small smile p

aid. "Thanks

owed. "What do y

his eyes glintin

offer," he said. "One

as she wondered what Jul

rying to sound calm despite t

"I'll make you a deal, Ava. You work with me, an

d. "What do you mea

r. We'll work together to take down our competitors and

ian to try and manipulate her, but she had

u?" Ava asked, trying

I think you'll find that our goals are more aligned than y

e. There was something about Julian'

," Ava said finally, t

ake all the time you need, Ava. But remember

walked away, leaving Ava fee

nt? And what would happen