Chapter 24: The Truth He Never Told
The night air was cool, brushing against Ava's skin like a whispered warning as she stepped onto the rooftop bar where Dominic had asked to meet. The city stretched behind him, glittering and cold—just like the space between them.
He turned when he saw her.
She didn't smile.
"I almost didn't come," Ava said simply.
"I know." His voice was low, rough.
She crossed her arms. "Then say it. Everything. No more games."
Dominic took a deep breath and stepped closer, eyes searching hers.
"It started with pity. I won't lie. I saw your father's desperation. I saw what you were going through. And yes, I asked for the deal… but not because I wanted to trap you, Ava."
She stayed silent.
"I begged him," Dominic continued, "because I didn't want to lose you before I ever had the chance to know you. I'd seen you once before, at that hospital fundraiser. You were… radiant. Untouched by everything that twisted people like me. And I thought… if I could just get close, maybe something in me could change too."
Ava's heart clenched. She remembered that fundraiser. Her simple blue dress. The man who'd watched her from across the room—expression unreadable.
It was him.
Dominic stepped even closer now. "But I broke it, Ava. I broke you. And that's on me."
Silence.
Thick. Painful.
Then Ava finally spoke.
"You never gave me the choice. That's what hurts most. You took my story and rewrote it without asking if I wanted a different ending."
Dominic's voice cracked. "Then tell me how it ends. Tell me and I'll follow."
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The Twist
She looked at him for a long moment.
Then reached into her bag and pulled out a flash drive.
"What's that?" he asked.
"Proof," she said. "Of what Juliana's been doing. Emails. Recordings. Transfers under shell companies. She's been bleeding your empire dry while distracting you with me."
Dominic's eyes widened.
"Where did you get this?"
Ava's expression was steel.
"Let's just say… my father wasn't the only one who left me with a few tools. You thought I was naïve. I'm not. I was just quiet. There's a difference."
Dominic looked stunned.
Ava leaned in just enough to let him see the fire in her eyes.
"I'm not just walking away anymore. I'm taking back what's mine. My life. My voice. And if you want to be part of it again…"
She paused.
"Then you'll have to fight for it. Without lies. Without leverage. Just you."
And with that, she turned and walked away.
---
Later That Night
Juliana entered her penthouse apartment, only to find her laptop screen already open.
A file playing.
Her own voice.
On loop.
"…he doesn't suspect a thing. By the time I'm done, the company will be mine."
Her eyes went wide.
She looked up—Ava was sitting on her couch.
Glass of wine in hand.
"Hope you weren't planning a hostile takeover," Ava said sweetly. "Because I just filed a restraining order, reported financial fraud, and sent a copy to Dominic… and the board."
Juliana's mouth opened. "You little—"
Ava stood slowly, her eyes calm. "I'm done being little. You messed with the wrong woman."
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