The car stopped, and David got out, moving with a confident stride. Avery followed, her heels clicking on the pavement. They stood in front of a large hangar, its doors open wide, revealing a luxurious private jet. David gazed at the plane, a hint of a smile on his face."No way you own a private jet," Avery said, her voice laced with disdain. She caught up to him, her eyes narrowing as she looked him up and down. David didn't turn around, just adjusted his suit jacket and walked up the stairs into the jet."Get in," he said, his voice low and commanding. Avery clenched her fists, feeling frustrated. She had expected him to be arrogant, but this was something else. Inside the jet, she saw plush leather seats and a team of attendants catering to David's every need. He settled in, his movements smooth, and accepted a blanket, earbuds, and a sleep mask without a word.Avery hesitated, then took the seat across from him. She collected the blanket she was offered and then focused her
"What?" Emma stood up, shocked.Stephanie's hands balled into fists on her lap, and Alex gave Avery a taunting smirk. Avery glared at David, her eyes asking, "What are you up to?"David just smiled and walked over to her. The guests started cheering, and music filled the room—it was dance time."What was that about?" Avery whispered to David."Avery, you're pregnant? I'm so happy," Michael exclaimed, trying to get up from his wheelchair."Dad, please sit," Avery said, but Michael resisted."I need to stand and hug you for this," Michael said, embracing Avery before she helped him back into his wheelchair."She's not really pregnant. It's all an act. I can't wait to find out what they're planning," Emily said sharply."Congrats, sis," Robert said."Thanks, bro," David replied in stead of Avery."Let's dance," David said, leading Avery away. He put his arm around her waist, and she wrapped hers around his neck."Why announce that without asking me? Were you trying to make Stephanie jea
"David! You are hurting me!" Avery cried as David dragged her into the suite. Then he dragged her to the bed and pushed her onto it."David!" Avery yelled."You were enjoying it, weren't you?" David fired at her."What?" "Yes! You liked how he touched you, right? I bet he grabbed it better than I ever did, right?" David fired."What are you talking about? Alex? Alex didn't touch me inappropriately. Not to my knowledge, at least," Avery defended."You didn't feel him touching your bum, huh? Or let me guess, you were so captivated by him swaying you around that you didn't realize him touching you, huh?" David shouted at her."Why are you shouting at me?" Avery shouted back, her voice firm. "My eyes were on you the entire time, and you know it. You think I'd ever let your shitty brother touch me?" David stepped back, his glare intensifying as he breathed heavily.Avery got up from the bed, entered the bathroom, and returned with a partially wet towel. She reached for David's right ha
"What was that???" Avery's voice echoed sharply."Just jogging your memory. Remember me? The guy who caught you and Simon making out at Jennifer's house?" Brandon's smirk was infuriating."Caught us? We weren't doing anything!" Avery's protest was fierce."Oh, but the pictures I have suggest otherwise," Brandon's eyes were cold."I didn't do anything with Simon. If you've got photos, they're either fake or from when we were still together," Avery countered, her voice steady despite the fear."They're recent," Brandon insisted."Prove it. Show me the photos," Avery demanded, her back straight, her resolve hardening.Brandon's grin widened maliciously. "I could show you... or maybe I'll let David see them first. Or better yet, James. He's quite fond of you, isn't he?""What do you want, Brandon?" Avery's question was like a bullet, quick and direct."Now we're getting somewhere," he chuckled. "I'll call you once you're home. You'll do exactly as I say," he declared with a smirk, then
"What are you insinuating?" Alex's glare was piercing as he faced Avery."Smart home solutions, virtual reality and augmented reality applications, data analytics, and machine learning services... Thanks to David, Phoenix's tech subsidiary will now provide these cutting-edge technologies to the real estate subsidiary of my family's group, the country's premium luxury property firm known for its exquisite architecture and design. Considering the monumental deal David secured—a deal you couldn't land for your father even after half a decade—do you still question his merit for the COO role? Actions do indeed speak louder than titles," Avery retorted with a confident smirk."What?" Alex scoffed."I've just netted millions for Dad," David interjected with conviction.Alex let out a derisive laugh, while Stephanie shot Avery a venomous look."So, you're telling me, just because of this one deal, you handed him the COO position? Just like that?" Alex turned to confront James."He earned it
"Stephanie? Oh," David said, his voice trailing off."I was worried sick about you, David," Avery retorted sharply."You were worried, or you were... jealous?" He teased, a mischievous spark in his eyes as he held her gaze."What? Get away from me," she protested, shoving at his shoulders, but his grip on her waist was unyielding."Do you think this is some kind of joke? We're in this together, David. You can't just disappear without a word. Your phone was off, and then you return, drunk, trying to kiss me as if nothing's wrong... without my consent! Are you trying to gaslight me or something?" Avery's voice was firm, her eyes fiery, and she found herself gasping for air, her emotions running high.David just remained silent, his thumb grazing her lower lip."Aren't you going to say anything?" She scoffed.Catching him off guard, she pushed him away forcefully."It's barely been a month, and I'm already exhausted. E
Avery's breath caught, her eyes darting between David and Stephanie as the scene before her became a chaotic blur. Confusion and disbelief wrestled for dominance as she struggled to make sense of the situation. David's gaze met hers, a storm of emotions churning in his eyes. "It's not what it looks like," he pleaded, his voice strained with urgency.But the words were lost amidst the pounding in Avery's ears, the hurt in her chest blossoming into an unbearable ache. She stumbled backward, her hand clutching at the fabric over her heart as if to stem the pain. "Avery!" David's voice was distant now, muffled by the rush of blood in her head.The room spun, and the faces around her morphed into indistinct shapes. Avery's knees buckled, and she crumpled to the floor, the darkness closing in around her. The last thing she heard was the sound of chairs scraping and voices calling her name before she succumbed to the darkness.*
David's confusion was written all over his face. "Sir, please believe me. I didn't have an affair. I was drunk and don't know how I ended up in that room." Michael's gaze softened slightly, but his resolve remained firm."You've broken my trust, David. Avery may not be your love match, but she's your wife and deserves respect. She's been through a lot in this house, and I couldn't do much to help. Now, she's in another man's house, and I'll do everything in my power to ensure she's respected and doesn't get hurt.""Please, let me make amends. I'll do whatever it takes to earn back your trust and Avery's. I have to speak with Avery."Michael sighed. "I've been looking for a reason to end your marriage and set my daughter free. I'm sorry, David. I'm not going back on my decision. Please leave my house. Simon is already working on the divorce with my lawyer."David pleaded, his voice cracking. "Let me just talk to Aver