Chapter 15: Monroe's Retaliation
Scene 1: The Calm Before the Storm
Setting: The charity office, early morning. Ava, Ethan, and Chloe gather to finalize the next phase of the community center project. Spirits are high after the success of the site visit.
Chloe, sipping her coffee:
"With all the positive press, the board approved extra funding for phase two. We're officially ahead of schedule."
Ava, smiling:
"This feels… unreal. Like things are finally going our way."
Ethan, leaning back with a smirk:
"Careful, Harper. You're tempting fate."
Their laughter is interrupted by Ava's phone buzzing. She picks it up and frowns as she reads an email from an anonymous sender.
Email Content:
"You think you've won, but you're about to lose everything. Watch your back."
Ava's smile fades, and Ethan immediately notices.
Ethan:
"What is it?"
Ava, showing him the email:
"Another threat. Monroe's not done with us."
Scene 2: Monroe's Strategic Strike
Setting: A high-profile news segment. The host discusses an "exclusive" report claiming the charity mismanaged funds during the initial stages of the community center project.
News Anchor:
"A whistleblower alleges financial discrepancies in the early phases of the charity's work. While no evidence has been confirmed, these allegations could tarnish the organization's growing reputation."
Ava and Ethan watch the segment from her office, their expressions darkening.
Ethan, pacing:
"She's playing dirty. Again."
Ava, determined:
"And we're not going to let her win. Chloe, get the financial records for that period. We'll release a full transparency report."
Chloe, already on it:
"Got it. But this is going to be a PR nightmare, even if we prove her wrong."
Ava:
"Then we handle it head-on. Schedule a press conference for tomorrow."
Scene 3: The Press Conference
Setting: A packed room filled with reporters and cameras. Ava stands at the podium, calm but resolute, with Ethan and Chloe behind her.
Ava:
"These allegations are not only false but an insult to the hard work of everyone involved in this project. Here are the facts."
She presents detailed financial records and testimonials from project beneficiaries. Ethan steps forward to address the personal attacks.
Ethan:
"This isn't just about numbers. It's about the lives we're changing. And no amount of baseless accusations can take that away."
The reporters bombard them with questions, but Ava and Ethan handle them with composure.
Scene 4: Ethan's Frustration
Setting: Ava's apartment that evening. Ethan paces while Ava sits, exhaustion etched on her face.
Ethan:
"She's never going to stop, Ava. Even if we clear our name, Monroe will find another way to come after us."
Ava:
"So what do you suggest? That we give up?"
Ethan, his voice softening:
"Of course not. But maybe it's time we stop playing defense and go on the offensive."
Ava:
"How? We can't stoop to her level."
Ethan, sitting beside her:
"There's a difference between fighting dirty and fighting smart. Let's dig into her past. She's not invincible."
Ava hesitates, torn between her principles and the reality of their situation.
Scene 5: Chloe's Discovery
Setting: The charity office, late at night. Chloe bursts into the room where Ava and Ethan are reviewing strategy.
Chloe:
"You're not going to believe this."
She hands them a folder containing documents linking Monroe to a fraudulent business deal years ago.
Ethan, scanning the papers:
"This could ruin her."
Ava, frowning:
"Are we sure about this? If we go public, it'll destroy her completely."
Chloe:
"She didn't think twice about trying to destroy us."
Ethan, meeting Ava's eyes:
"This isn't just about us anymore. It's about protecting the people we're trying to help."
Scene 6: A Difficult Decision
Setting: Ava's apartment, where she and Ethan sit in silence, the folder between them.
Ava, softly:
"If we do this, we need to be certain. No leaks, no half-truths—just the facts."
Ethan:
"And if she's innocent, we let it go. Agreed?"
Ava nods, her resolve hardening.
Ava:
"Let's do it. But we do it right."