Chapter 13: Monroe's Descent
Scene 1: Monroe's Breaking Point
Setting: Monroe's lavish office, now marked by disarray—papers scattered, her assistant Jenna standing nervously by the door.
Monroe's grip on her coffee mug tightens as she watches the live-streamed praise for Ava and Ethan's latest campaign.
Monroe, coldly:
"Enough. I want something that will bury them for good. Get the PR team in here now."
Jenna, hesitating:
"The board isn't happy with your recent tactics. They're asking for transparency… they might start an investigation."
Monroe glares at her, seething.
Monroe:
"They wouldn't dare. Do what I said, or I'll find someone who will."
As Jenna leaves, Monroe clenches her fists, her facade of control slipping.
Scene 2: Growing Concerns
Setting: The charity office, the morning after the virtual event. Ava sits at her desk, reviewing the donor responses when Ethan walks in with two coffees.
Ethan, placing one in front of her:
"Figured you'd need this after last night."
Ava, offering a small smile:
"Thanks. It's been a whirlwind, but the feedback is overwhelmingly positive."
Ethan leans against her desk, his brow furrowed.
Ethan:
"About that text—are you sure you're okay? Monroe's getting reckless."
Ava:
"She's desperate. That means we're close to ending this."
Ethan, softly:
"Just… promise you'll tell me if anything else happens."
The concern in his voice makes Ava pause.
Ava, nodding:
"I will. Thanks, Ethan."
Scene 3: A Risky Move
Setting: Ava and Ethan's brainstorming session in a quiet café. Chloe joins them, holding a folder.
Chloe:
"Monroe's PR team is scrambling, but I found something interesting."
She hands them a document showing Monroe's misuse of donor funds, redirecting money to personal accounts.
Ethan, scanning the file:
"This is huge. If we go public with this…"
Ava, cutting him off:
"No. We can't stoop to her level. We need to handle this carefully."
Ethan:
"She didn't hesitate to smear us, Ava. Why are we giving her the benefit of the doubt?"
Ava, firmly:
"Because we're better than that. We'll report this to the right authorities and let them take it from there."
Ethan sighs but nods, admiring her integrity despite his frustration.
Scene 4: An Unexpected Gesture
Setting: Ethan's car as he drives Ava home after a late night at the office.
Ava, leaning back in her seat:
"Thanks for the ride. I think my brain's officially fried."
Ethan, chuckling:
"You've been running on fumes for days. You need a break."
Ava, teasing:
"Is that your way of saying I'm cranky?"
Ethan, smirking:
"You said it, not me."
They pull up in front of her apartment. Ava hesitates before getting out, her expression softening.
Ava:
"Ethan… I know I don't say this often, but I couldn't have done any of this without you. Thank you."
Ethan, meeting her gaze:
"Don't give me too much credit. You're the heart of this. I'm just along for the ride."
The moment stretches, the unspoken tension between them growing. Ava smiles faintly before stepping out of the car, leaving Ethan staring after her, conflicted.
Scene 5: Monroe's Downfall
Setting: A board meeting at Monroe's foundation. The board members confront her with evidence of financial misconduct, brought to their attention anonymously (thanks to Ava and Ethan's team).
Board Member:
"This is serious, Natalie. We can't sweep this under the rug."
Monroe, defiant:
"This is a smear campaign by my rivals! You're going to believe them over me?"
Board Member:
"We've hired an external auditor. Until the investigation is complete, you're suspended from all leadership duties."
Monroe storms out, her perfect image shattered.
Scene 6: A Moment of Calm
Setting: The charity office. Chloe bursts in, grinning.
Chloe:
"Monroe's out. The board suspended her this morning."
Ava, exhaling deeply:
"Finally."
Ethan:
"We did it."
As the team celebrates, Ava and Ethan exchange a look—victory tinged with relief and exhaustion. Later, as the office empties out, they find themselves alone.
Ava, leaning against her desk:
"This feels… surreal. We've been fighting so hard for so long."
Ethan, stepping closer:
"And now it's over. What's next for Ava Harper?"
Ava, shrugging lightly:
"Not sure. Maybe… a long nap."
They laugh, the ease between them a welcome change.
Ethan:
"Whatever you do, don't forget to take me with you."
Ava, smiling softly:
"I think I can manage that."
Their eyes meet, the unspoken connection finally too strong to ignore. Slowly, Ethan leans in, giving Ava the chance to pull away. She doesn't.
The kiss is soft at first, then deepens, a culmination of everything they've fought through together. When they finally break apart, Ava's cheeks are flushed.
Ava, teasing:
"About time."
Ethan, grinning:
"You're welcome."