2 years later...
Ava’s Pov
The air inside the massive Las Vegas convention hall was a suffocating mix of ambition and artificial holiday cheer.
Two years have passed, two years of building my own empire in fashion and finally leaving my father's company but also two years of slow, psychological suffocation under Gary’s control.
My father was safe, running his massive business, and I, the CEO of my own successful fashion line, was still trapped by the diamond on my finger.
I was finishing up a press interview when Gary appeared, his presence instantly radiating cold authority.
"The press loves you, Ava," Gary murmured, his hand settling on the small of my back a gesture of ownership, not affection.
" We have to get to international athletic summit party in time. My father needs us
