Ava.
Oliver’s deadline sat over the house like a held breath.
Helen and Julian remained in the garden longer than expected, still arranging the terracotta pot and talking in the low, continuous way of people relearning ordinary companionship. Every minute they stayed outside was another minute the confrontation hadn’t started—and another minute Oliver spent upstairs converting patience into decision.
Ava was the one who moved first.
She found Lena near the kitchen doorway and spoke under her breath. “If he goes out there while Helen is standing next to Julian, this ends in the worst possible way. We stop him before he reaches the door.”
Lena’s pulse was already elevated. “And then what?”
Ava’s eyes held hers. “Then we give him a different outlet for what he’s carrying. Before it turn
