Mandy was not the type to plead with anyone—Dan had taught her better than that. So, when Ace saw her pleading with Ava over a plush toy, he knew it must have been something truly important to Mandy. Without hesitation, and without her needing to ask him twice, he stepped up to the occasion.
However, watching Ava smirk and act clever, her sharp eyes practically mocking him, Ace quickly realized she had no intention of handing over the plush. Ava seemed content to keep teasing Mandy, clearly enjoying the chance to provoke him. Mandy, perceptive as ever, had caught on to Ava's game but chose to ignore it, focusing solely on getting the plush. The way she clung to the hope of getting it showed just how much it meant to her.
