Chapter 67

• Ava began to narrate, her words painting a picture of the events that had transpired since she left home. She detailed the decision that led to her departure, the disconnection she felt with her family, and then she moved on to the unexpected contract she had signed with a certain Leon Miller. Seeking a connection, she questioned Ethan if he remembered a name like that from their days at Miller High, to which he nodded, a flicker of recognition in his eyes.
• She then delved into the heart of her narrative, revealing how she had become entangled with Leon after leaving home. Ava explained that despite her genuine intentions, Leon hadn't taken her seriously; instead, he had exploited her vulnerability by bringing her closer to him. She recounted how Lily had played a part in this orchestrated closeness, a tool used by Leon to exact revenge on her father, whom he labeled a murderer. The layers of deceit and manipulation were unveiled, each word resonating with the complexity of her emotions and the tangled web she had become ensnared in.
• A hushed silence enveloped Ethan as he absorbed the weight of Ava's revelations, a shadow of jealousy flickering in his eyes for a fleeting moment before he dismissed it, focusing on the larger picture at hand. Ava's inquiry, her voice soft yet laden with a hint of frustration, cut through the silence, prompting him to confront his reasons for keeping his feelings hidden.