The victory in the boardroom was short-lived. As Ava and Liam stepped into the private elevator, the weight of Richard’s parting words lingered like a shadow. The doors slid shut, sealing them in silence, but the tension between them was a living thing, crackling with unspoken thoughts.
Ava broke the silence first, her voice low. "That was too easy."
Liam’s jaw tightened, his gaze fixed on the descending floor numbers. "Nothing with Richard is ever easy."
Ava’s fingers curled into her palm. "Then what was that?"
Liam’s expression was grim. "A retreat. He’s regrouping."
The elevator chimed as it reached the ground floor, the doors opening to reveal the bustling lobby. Ava followed Liam out, her mind racing. Something wasn’t right. Richard didn’t lose. He never lost.
Liam’s phone buzze
