Ava’s POV:
The man’s presence filled the room. I could feel it before he even spoke. He moved slowly, deliberately, as if every step was measured. His gaze passed over the people at the table and lingered on me. I froze. It was not a long look. Not a stare meant to intimidate. But it was enough to make my stomach tighten and my pulse spike.
Margaret’s lips pressed together. Her eyes were cold. Theodore’s posture stiffened slightly. Sofia leaned closer to me and whispered, “Watch him.”
I swallowed. My throat was dry. My hands gripped the edge of the table. I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks. I had learned to stay calm in public. I had learned to smile when I wanted to scream. But there was something about this man that made it impossible.
“Good morning,” he said finally. His voic
