The moment Ava and Liam stepped out of the car, it was like a spotlight had been trained on them. Cameras flashed, the clicking shutters a relentless chorus as every head in the vicinity turned towards the striking couple. Ava, momentarily blinded by the sudden onslaught of attention, instinctively closed her eyes and tightened her grip on Liam's arm.Sensing her unease, Liam squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Breathe, Ava," he whispered, his voice a calm anchor in the storm of flashing lights. "You can do this. Just focus on me."His words were a lifeline. Ava took a deep breath, opened her eyes, and met Liam's gaze. A wave of confidence washed over her, fueled by the unwavering support in his eyes. With a shared smile, they straightened their shoulders, linked arms, and walked into the gala, heads held high.Sarah, ever the efficient assistant, remained behind to handle the press, fielding questions with practiced ease and ensuring Liam and Ava's entrance was documented for maximum impact.Inside, the gala was a whirlwind of sights and sounds. Chandeliers glittered overhead, casting a warm glow on the elegantly dressed guests. Music drifted through the air, a mix of lively jazz and classical pieces, creating a sophisticated ambiance.Liam, ever the charmer, navigated the crowd with ease, introducing Ava to a string of influential figures. He steered her towards Mr. Henderson, the venture capitalist, and with a subtle nudge, encouraged Ava to share her innovative concepts. Ava, initially hesitant, found herself warming to the challenge, her passion for game design igniting as she spoke.While Ava was engrossed in her conversation with Mr. Henderson, a tall, elegant woman in a shimmering gold gown approached Liam. Her smile was warm, her eyes sparkling with familiarity. She embraced Liam in a brief hug, and they launched into a conversation, their voices too low for Ava to discern over the surrounding chatter.When Ava finally excused herself from Mr. Henderson, she found herself alone. Liam and the woman in gold were nowhere to be seen. She scanned the room, a flicker of anxiety rising within her.Suddenly, a tall, lanky man in his early twenties materialized beside her. He had a slicked-back hairstyle, an overly confident grin, and eyes that seemed to scan Ava with an unsettling intensity."Well hello there," he purred, his voice dripping with false charm. "You must be new here. I haven't seen a beauty like you at one of these things before."Ava forced a polite smile, her internal alarm bells ringing. "Thank you," she said, trying to edge away.Undeterred, the man continued his barrage of cheesy pick-up lines, his presence becoming increasingly intrusive. Ava felt trapped, her discomfort growing with each passing moment. She knew making a scene could be detrimental, not just for her own reputation, but for Aesher Solutions as well.Just as she was about to firmly excuse herself, the man's hand snaked out, landing on her arm with a possessive grip. Ava flinched, her eyes widening in alarm. She felt cornered, a wave of panic rising in her throat.Then, a loud thud echoed through the hall. Ava's eyes flew open to see Liam, his face a mask of fury, pulling the man away from her with a force that sent him stumbling backwards. Before the man could regain his balance, Liam landed a swift kick to his shin.The man yelped in pain, his face contorted in shock. He straightened up, his bravado evaporating as he stammered, "Mr. Blackwood! I… I didn't realize…"Liam's voice was ice-cold. "Get your hands off her." He turned to Sarah, who had appeared at his side, her eyes wide with concern. "Sarah, make sure Watson Enterprises goes bankrupt by tomorrow evening."The color drained from the man's face. "Wait, no! Please, Mr. Blackwood, I apologize! It was a misunderstanding…" He turned to Ava, his voice pleading. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean any disrespect…"Liam looked at Ava, his expression softening. "Ava? What do you want to do with him?"Ava, still reeling from the sudden altercation, felt a surge of gratitude for Liam's fierce protectiveness. "I… I forgive him," she stammered, surprised by her own leniency.Liam smirked, a hint of amusement returning to his eyes. "Alright then. Get lost, Watson."The man, David Watson, scurried away, his relief palpable. Liam turned back to Ava, his gaze searching hers. "Are you alright?"Ava nodded, her heart still pounding. "Yes, thank you, Liam. That was… unexpected."Liam chuckled. "Sometimes a little force is necessary to deal with pests." He offered her his arm, a playful glint in his eyes. "Now, where were we?"As they rejoined the flow of the gala, Ava couldn't help but feel a newfound sense of security. Liam had not only defended her honor but had shown a side of himself she hadn't seen before – a fierce protector, a man who wouldn't hesitate to stand up for what was right. And in that moment, she realized that her feelings for Liam were far more complex than she had initially thought.