Chapter 289: The truth is revealed.
Ava closed the file and studied him carefully. Her father had already arranged legal measures to strip Ethan of everything the Williams family had given him. Whether he surrendered the shares voluntarily or not, he would have lost them anyway.
But something in her heart softened. Perhaps this was his way of making amends. Perhaps he needed time to reflect on his actions.
"I won’t stop you," she said coolly. "If this is what you want, then do as you please. But the shares will remain safe with me. If you ever want them back, or if you’d rather sell them, let me know. I’ll buy them from you. You can use the money to start your own business."
Ethan’s throat bobbed as he swallowed, processing her words. He had expected her to reject him outright, to shut him down completely. Instead, she had left him with an option—a way back, if he ever chose to take it.
Ethan remained silent for a moment, his gaze locked on Ava, unreadable and distant. Finally, he exhaled slowly and spoke, "Thank you, but I have already given it to you. Right now, I’m not thinking about business. I want to spend my time at the orphanage. If I ever decide to start something of my own, I’ll reach out to you."
His lips curled into a faint, bittersweet smile. "Goodbye, Ava. I hope the company prospers under your leadership." With that, he left.
A whirlwind of emotions swirled inside her—disappointment, sadness, and a trace of lingering anger.
"This wouldn’t have happened if you had just stayed loyal to this family," she murmured under her breath. "You betrayed me, you betrayed my father... but still... I hope, someday, you will come to your senses and apologize to Papa."
She tucked the file inside her drawer, locking it securely before grabbing her bag. Straightening her posture, she strode out of the office.