"Sid, I think you need to leave."
Sidney's brow furrowed, confusion evident on his face. "What do you mean? Where am I supposed to go?"
Ava gave a slight shrug, her gaze steady. "Anywhere you want. Just... somewhere that isn't here. I'm about to let everyone know that the engagement is off."
Sidney's expression hardened as he spoke in a tense voice. "Ava, stop acting like a child. This isn't some joke." He gestured toward the doorway where the guests were gathered. "Uncle Matthew is about to announce our engagement! If you're going to be so foolish—"
Ava's jaw tightened as she clenched her hands at her sides, glaring at him. "I am not being foolish, Sidney. I know exactly what I'm doing. I'll talk to Dad myself, explain everything. The business deal can go ahead as planned, just without the wedding. The only reason Dad insisted on us marrying was because he thought it would make me happy."