Desperate plea

"Erica?" Nicholas echoed with curiosity. "You mean Dylan's cousin?"

"Yes," Ava confirmed with a nod. "She came to the office this morning and threatened me. She believes I am responsible for Gianna's misery."

"I see. This is getting quite interesting." Nicholas's face darkened with contemplation. The more he learned, the more confused he grew. He was unsure how Gianna's alleged assault was connected to Ava, or if it was just someone else's deliberate ploy to frame her.

Nicholas's resolve hardened. He would get to the bottom of what really happened with Gianna and who was responsible for this. It was the only way to save Ava from public outrage.

"I'll find out who is really responsible for this," he promised. His gaze held hers firmly, conveying the weight of his words. He believed whoever had been targeting Ava wouldn't stop spreading lies about her. He had to stop it before it escalated further, putting Ava in more danger.