The morning after Richard’s visit, Ava stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse, her reflection a blur against the city skyline. The weight of the past few days pressed down on her, but she refused to bend. Liam entered the room, his tie already knotted, his expression grim. He didn’t speak as he joined her, his presence a silent source of strength.
Ava broke the silence first. “He’ll strike back today.”
Liam’s jaw tightened. “Yes.”
Ava turned to face him, her voice steady. “We need to be ready.”
Liam’s gaze was unreadable, but his voice was firm. “We are.”
Ava’s fingers curled into her palms. “What’s the plan?”
Liam’s smirk was sharp, but his eyes were serious. “We go on the offensive. If Richard wants a war, we’ll give him one.”
The office of Carter Industries was a
