Ava’s resolve

"Why would I apologize to him?" Ava shot back, her voice rising above everyone else's. "I did nothing wrong. His childhood friend, Gianna, lied about me, and because of those lies, I was attacked. I was humiliated. People talked about me like I was the villain and Dylan—" she paused, the sting of betrayal fresh in her voice, "Dylan supported her instead of standing by my side."

Her words silenced the room momentarily, and some of the board members shifted uncomfortably in their seats.

"I am done with him," she added, glancing around the people around the table. "This marriage is over. I'm not going to beg him or anyone for help."

"Thomas," the man with gray hair said, "your daughter is making a grave mistake. You need to stop her, or we're all doomed."