Ava's POV

Could he really stoop that low? Mason’s accusation still rang in my ears as I paced outside my office, each step filled with uncertainty. The thought of Orion being responsible for the security breach gnawed at me. I wanted to believe he wouldn’t go to such extremes—jeopardizing not just the company but everything his father had worked tirelessly to build.

Yet, a small part of me couldn’t dismiss the possibility entirely. This was Orion Miller after all. He was capable of many things, most of which involved manipulation and getting his way. But Mason… Mason had always been by my side. Could he truly be the one behind this?

I felt restless, anxiety tightening my chest. I glanced at the office door, my fingers itching to push it open, but I hesitated. Eavesdropping would seem unprofessional—what would my employees think if they caught me hunched over like a spy? Then again, I was their boss. Too bad I wasn’t above curiosity. With that excuse firmly in mind, I leaned against the door, pressing my ear to its surface, hoping to catch a snippet of the conversation inside.

Nothing. I couldn’t hear a damn thing.

Before I could decide whether to burst in or walk away, the door swung open with a sudden force. I stumbled forward, nearly falling face-first into my office. Startled, I looked up to find Mason standing in the doorway, his face tense, eyes blazing with barely restrained anger.

“What happened?” I asked, my voice laced with concern as I instinctively placed a hand on his arm. He shook me off, his expression hardening.

“What did I do wrong? Ava, I’ve only tried to be there for you. Ever since I met you, I’ve done everything I could to make you happy, and this is what I get? Your husband, accusing me of something so impossible?”

“Mason, calm down—”

“Calm down?” He cut me off, his voice sharp. “How could I have done what he’s accusing me of? I don’t even have access to anything related to your company’s systems. I handle construction, Ava. That’s it. I don’t go near the internal operations. How on earth would I have breached your security?” He took a deep breath, raking a hand through his disheveled hair, his frustration visible.

I turned to Orion, who was lounging casually against my desk, a smug expression plastered on his face as though this was just another day in his twisted game. His nonchalance made my blood boil. He had driven Mason—my only reliable support—into this state, and for what? To prove a point?

“And you, Ava…” Mason’s voice pulled my attention back to him. His eyes, filled with hurt and betrayal, cut through me like a blade. “You threw me straight into the lion’s mouth, like I mean nothing to you.”

“No… no, Mason. I just wanted you both to talk—I didn’t mean…”

“You didn’t mean what, Ava?” He interrupted, his tone laced with bitterness. “I’ve been nothing but good to you, and this is what I get in return. If trying to be a decent person earns me this, then I’m done.” He straightened, his jaw clenched as he struggled to maintain his composure. “I’m leaving. I’d rather walk away with my pride intact than stick around for more of this.”

“Mason, wait!” I reached for him as he turned, but he ignored my call, storming out without another word.

I made to follow him, but Orion grabbed my arm, pulling me back into the office and shutting the door behind us. The anger that had simmered beneath my skin erupted. I yanked my arm free and slapped him across the face, the sound echoing in the tense room.

“How dare you?” I spat, my voice trembling with fury. “What exactly do you want from me, Orion? You’ve chased away the only person who actually cares enough to help me. Do you really want to see me bleed before you stop?”

The smirk vanished from his face, replaced by something more serious, more… raw. He stepped forward, his voice low but insistent. “Ava, everything I’m doing, I’m doing for you. Even if I did breach the security, shouldn’t that tell you how far I’m willing to go? How much I care?”

“Stop,” I said, my voice cracking as I tried to hold back tears.

But he didn’t stop. “I love you, Ava.” His voice was quieter now, almost broken. “I know you won’t believe me, and honestly, I don’t even believe myself sometimes, but I do. I love you more than anything. And I’m not going to stand by while another man manipulates you.”

I stared at him, disbelief clouding my mind. Orion Miller… in love with me? I threw my head back and laughed bitterly until tears pricked the corners of my eyes.

“You love me?” I asked, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Did you just say you love me?”

“Yes, Ava, I—”

“Enough!” I cut him off, my voice rising in anger. “Enough of the lies, Orion. I know you too well. Do you remember that evening I caught you with your mistress? I walked away that night, and you didn’t stop me. You didn’t care.” My voice broke as memories of that painful night resurfaced. “Do you know that Joe and I nearly died that day? Of course, you don’t. You were too busy screwing your mistress to notice.”

Orion’s brows furrowed in confusion, but I didn’t give him a chance to speak.

“You weren’t there for me, Orion. Not when I needed you most. But Mason was. He was there when you weren’t, and now you have the audacity to accuse him of something so vile? You don’t love me—you never did. It’s always been about control for you, about the company. Well, you can have it. Take everything and leave me the hell alone.”

I stormed toward the door, my heart pounding in my chest. “Sign the divorce papers and get out of my life!” I shouted before slamming the door behind me.

The elevator ride down felt agonizingly slow. My hands trembled as I sent Mason a message, asking where he was. His response came almost immediately—a bar downtown. Without hesitation, I headed to the parking lot, climbing into my car. Joe wasn’t with me today. After the incident, I’d told him to take some time off to rest while looking after the mansion in my absence.

I drove through the city, my mind a whirlwind of emotions. Orion’s confession, Mason’s departure—it was all too much. By the time I reached the bar, I was barely holding myself together.

As I stepped out of the car, I spotted someone familiar—Orion’s mistress. She stood by the entrance, a smug expression on her face. Did they plan this? To drive me mad with rage? After our brief exchange, I brushed past her without a word.

I was done with their sick game. They can take the company for all I care. I just want my peace.

From the window of the bar, I scanned the dimly lit room, my eyes frantically searching for Mason. It was time to fix this. It was time to make things right. This time, I wasn’t going to let Orion’s games control my life. I had made my decision—I was choosing Mason.