The air was suffocating, thick with anticipation. Ava felt the weight of her own decision settle over her, pressing against her ribs. She had chosen to listen.
Now, there was no going back.
Liam studied her, satisfaction flickering across his face. He had expected resistance, but he knew her too well. Knew that doubt had already taken root.
Noah exhaled sharply beside her. "Ava, you don't owe him anything." His voice was controlled, but there was an unmistakable urgency beneath it. "Don't let him manipulate you."
Liam's gaze flicked toward Noah, a slow, taunting smile forming. "That's rich, coming from you."
Jasper stepped forward, his patience wearing thin. "Enough. Stop circling and just say what you came here to say."
Liam tilted his head, as if considering it. Then, with deliberate slowness, he reached into his jacket and pulled out a small, folded envelope.
Ava's breath hitched.
Noah tensed. "Liam."
Liam ignored him, extending the envelope toward Ava. "Before you decide who to believe, read this."
Ava hesitated. Everything in her screamed not to take it. But her hand moved before she could stop it, her fingers brushing against the paper.
The moment it was in her grasp, Liam stepped back, a knowing look in his eyes. "I'll let you decide what to do with it." He turned on his heel, disappearing into the night.
Silence stretched between them, thick and unyielding.
Jasper exhaled sharply. "I hate that guy."
Ava stared at the envelope, her hands trembling. It was light. But somehow, it felt heavier than anything she had ever held.
Noah's voice was barely above a whisper. "Ava…"
She looked up.
And in that moment, she realized—
He was afraid of what she was about to find.