Beneath the surface

Chapter 14:

Chapter 14:

Ethan and his father sat in the study, the fire crackling in the background like a simmering tension between them. Ava had just left, and Ethan's father couldn't shake off the feeling that something wasn't quite right. His instincts were screaming warning signals, like a predator sensing prey.

"I don't trust her," his father said, his voice low and serious, laced with a hint of danger. "She's too perfect, too charming. I think we should investigate her background, see if she's who she claims to be."

Ethan's expression turned skeptical, his eyes flashing with a mix of irritation and amusement. "Ava's fine, Dad. She's not a threat. Let's focus on the business at hand."

His father raised an eyebrow, his gaze piercing. "You're too close to this, Ethan. I can see it. You're letting your desire for her cloud your judgment. We can't afford to take risks."

Ethan's tone turned firm, his jaw clenched in determination. "I've got this under control, Dad. Ava's not a variable we need to worry about."

The air between them thickened, heavy with unspoken tension. His father nodded, but his eyes remained narrowed, suspicion lingering like a shadow.

"Let's go downstairs, discuss the latest developments in private," his father said, his voice dripping with an unspoken warning.

They descended into the underground bunker, a secure room filled with screens and monitors, the atmosphere thick with anticipation. Ethan's father began to brief him on the latest operations, and Ethan listened intently, his focus solely on the business.

As they discussed strategy, Ethan's father couldn't help but wonder if his son was underestimating Ava. But for now, he'd let Ethan handle it – for better or worse. The stakes were high, and the game was far from over.

As they descended into the secret bunker, the air grew thick with tension. Ethan's father led the way, his eyes fixed on the man strapped to a chair in the center of the room.

"So, Adam," Ethan's father said, his voice cold and calculated. "We've discovered your little secret. You've been embezzling funds, stealing from us."

Adam's eyes darted back and forth, sweat beading on his forehead. "I-I can explain," he stammered.

Ethan's father raised an eyebrow. "I'm listening."

Adam swallowed hard. "I was in deep financial trouble. I didn't mean to betray you, I just needed the money to pay off some debts."

Ethan's expression was unforgiving. "You're one of our top accountants. You should've known better than to think you could get away with it."

Ethan's father nodded. "Ethan, take care of Adam. Make an example out of him."

Ethan's eyes gleamed with a cold intensity as he stepped forward, his voice dripping with menace. "We'll chop him into pieces and feed him to the dogs. That'll send a message to anyone else thinking of crossing us."