Chapter 14: The manipulation
Ava was alert and her steps were calculative when she entered the private room.
Mr. Moore rose from his chair as he noticed her entering. "Hello, Miss Ava, thank you for coming." He extended his hand toward her.
For a moment, Ava froze, staring at that hand. In her mind, she was already breaking it. She remembered all too well how this man had molested her, tried to force himself on her, and later pretended she had seduced him when Dylan showed up. The memory burned inside her like acid.
Maybe Dylan had planned this to humiliate her. How cruel he was! He had not hesitated in allowing another man to violate her.
Ava’s fury simmered beneath the surface, but she kept her composure. Since everything was happening just like it had happened in the past, she was certain Dylan would show up.
Ava was ready to retaliate. A bright, seemingly genuine smile graced her face as she took his hand with an elegant shake. "Mr. Moore, it’s a pleasure," she said smoothly. "Shall we discuss the deal?"
He laughed. "Of course, but let’s not be too hasty. How about we start with a drink?" He picked up the wine glass he had poured for her earlier, holding it out with an expectant gleam in his eyes. "We can discuss various things later."
Ava stared at the glass for a while before accepting it. "Sure." She sat down on the chair, putting the glass aside.
Mr. Moore settled into his chair as well, taking a sip of his own wine. "I’ve heard quite a lot about you," he began, his eyes roaming over her with an unsettling familiarity.
"I see!" Ava raised an eyebrow, keeping her expression composed as she pulled a small diary and pen from her bag. "What did you hear about me?" she asked, her eyes scanning the contents inside her bag. She noticed the pepper spray tucked neatly inside the side pocket. Her lips curled into a slight smile.
"Everyone knows how talented you are," Mr. Moore praised her. "You are behind Dylan winning quite a couple of important projects that boosted his company’s growth. Now Asco Corporations is one of the top companies in the nation, and everyone is looking to work with him."