The accusation

Ava's expression hardened. She wasn't about to back down now. She shook her head firmly, rejecting his plea. "No one else will stand up to Dylan, and no one will help us. Nicholas is the only one who can stand up to Dylan. I've made up my mind. There is no turning back."

Ethan's frustration boiled over as he tried to reason with her. "How are you so sure he'll help us? He is a complete stranger! You shouldn't get close to him. What if he deceives you? Uses you to get back at Dylan, or even hurt us more than we can imagine? And who knows what he'll want in return?" His voice rose with each word he uttered.

"I'm not 'getting close' to him," she shot back, her gaze sharpening as she locked eyes with Ethan. "This is just a business deal. We'll offer him a share of the profits in exchange for his investment. That's it. Why are you acting so panicked?"