Ava, his face a mask of concern. "Brother," he said softly, his voice trembling just enough

belief. "He's right, Ethan. This is foolish. You're making a mistake." Sh

tyle I had been considering for myself last week. The fabric was expensive, far beyond what

ght and conversational. "It almost m

led. Ava' s e

before. It was his father, Mr. Chen. His face was a twisted mask of desperation and rage. In

his eyes wild. "You r

en this time. He was c

t self, instinctively looked to Ava. For a spli

shield him from a threat that wasn't even directed his way. She saw Mr

chain of my past life's affection. M

. The letter opener gl

igure shot pa

ck Mr. Chen. She kicked the side of his knee, a sharp, precise blow that sent him stumbli

it sending a sharp, familiar pain through me. It was nothing

h a phony concern that made me want to vomit. He glanced at Ava. "Ava,

d a small cut on her arm, probably from deflectin

rity finally swarmed in and dragged him away. She stood up, breathing a little heavily

, my voice coming out r

ned. "It's nothing. Just a scratch." She looke

ine,"

ppearing down the hall. Her back was straight, her steps unfaltering. S

Ava, who was still fussing over her own m

ou failed in your duty as my head of security. You