, sipping coffee and staring at the blank canvas in front of her. The success of "Resonance" had thrust her into the limelight, but with th

ria Langston, the fleeting vulnerability in his eyes, and the way he'd walked away yet again.

the latest reports from his legal team. The phone call he'd received at the gala had been a sharp reminder of the shadows lurking

eting is set for tomorrow at noon," she said, placing a stack of documen

expression unreadab

per," Olivia continued. "Her piece has gone

ed Damian's face. "She d

usually this involved with your part

s glass. "She is. But that doesn't mean I can..

at? "Olivia p

ver mind. Just make sure th

ected visitor. Zoe burst into her stu

ing onto Ava's couch. "What's going on w

"I don't even know. One minute he's openi

e behavior. They're all emotionally consti

ing about him something I can't explain. But he's ho

ing, and he's definitely into you. But you have to prote

ed. She wanted to believe there was more to Damia

a's phone buzzed with

t the park near y

hould ignore it; let him come to her on her terms. B

: O

. Ava arrived just before nine, her breath visible in the crisp night air. She spo

l," he said as

eplied, crossing her arms.

is expression serious. "

kipped a beat

h. "About why I keep pul

lse quickening as

eone who turned out to be corrupt. By the time I realized it, I was in too deep. To save the company, I had to..

ictoria? Where does

ings got messy, she used it as leverage. Now she's part of the board, and she knows mor

emotions a whirlwind. "Why

ause... I care about you, Ava. More than I've cared about anyone in a long time.

et to decide what's best for me, Damian. I'm not

he nodded. "Alright. But if you're going to be part of

king his hand. "I'm

. Together, they stood in the quiet park, two souls find

hem from the shadows. A camera clicked, capturing the moment. Th

a message, was sent

ve leverage. Pr

ts twinkled, unaware of the st