Ava's POV

The meeting dragged on, and I kept my expression calm, every muscle taut beneath the surface. Rose shot me glances now and then, concern flickering in her eyes.

She knew better than anyone how deep my scars ran where Orion was concerned. But I didn’t need pity—I needed resolve.

I pushed through, outlining the next phases of our strategy, countering objections, shutting down doubts with sharp precision. No one would dare question my authority. Not today.

Underneath, though, my thoughts were a storm. Orion’s words played on repeat, his touch still hot on my skin. He’d always known exactly where to dig in, how to make me bleed.

But this wasn’t the past. I wasn’t that broken girl anymore; I’d put myself back together, piece by jagged piece, into something harder and unbreakable.

When the meeting finally ended, the room’s tension cracked, like a collective exhale. I gave a terse nod, dismissing the advisors.

Even Connor.

The room emptied, and the tension eased down like a receding tide, leaving behind a suffocating stillness. As I let out a breath, I felt a familiar presence step closer. Rose, my assistant and the closest person I have to a best friend, moved with quiet assurance, her eyes sharp with unspoken questions.

"That was… intense," Rose said, her voice low but steady. She perched on the edge of the table, crossing her arms. “You handled it well, considering.”

I gave her a wry smile. “Considering he tried to ambush me in front of half the board members? Yes, I’d say I did.”

She tilted her head. “He’s getting desperate.”

“Desperate people make dangerous moves.” I walked to the tall windows, staring out at the sprawling city below. Night was creeping in, shadows swallowing the light. “I need to know what he and Chloe are planning.”

Rose’s eyes narrowed at the mention of Chloe. “She’s been quiet lately. Too quiet. That means trouble.”

“Exactly,” I agreed, turning back to face her. “Orion doesn’t play by chance. Every public spectacle is a calculated step. If he’s making a move this bold, it means he’s got something planned. Maybe I rattled them with my revelation this morning.”

Rose leaned in, her expression thoughtful. “You know Chloe’s involvement isn’t just about power. It’s personal. She won’t back off, especially now.”

I bit back the surge of frustration that threatened to spill over. “Let her come. I’m done dancing around her schemes.”

“Good.” Rose’s lips curved into a smile that mirrored my own determination. “But if they think this proposal was enough to rattle you, they don’t know you at all. What’s your next move?”

My mind whirred, possibilities and counterplays weaving themselves together. “First, we make it clear that I’m not impressed by public dramas. I’ll double down on my support within the council, remind them of what’s at stake if we fail to maintain unity. Orion and Chloe thrive on chaos. I won’t give them an inch.”

Rose nodded. “And what about the will?”

I tensed at the reminder. Richard’s will, binding me to Orion through a marriage neither of us wanted but both needed to preserve the empire’s fragile balance. “He stands to lose more than I do if this alliance crumbles,” I said. “His reputation, his father's legacy and not to forget, his mother's pride… It’s all on the line. I have nothing left to lose.”

“Which makes you the most dangerous player in the game,” Rose finished, a hint of pride in her voice. “But we can’t underestimate him.”

“We won’t,” I promised. “Let him believe I’m cornered. The truth is, I’ve been planning for this. We’ll push back strategically. Show the advisors I’m the one in control, not him.”

Rose’s eyes glimmered with intrigue. “You’ve got something specific in mind?”

“More than one thing,” I replied, my voice laced with resolve. “But I’ll need you to keep tabs on Chloe. Find out where she’s been, who she’s meeting with. Anything that might hint at their next move.”

“Consider it done,” Rose said, already reaching for her tablet.

I sighed, exhaustion beginning to creep in, but I wouldn’t give in to it. “I’m not going home tonight.”

Rose’s brow furrowed. “Ava—”

“I can’t breathe properly under that roof,” I cut in, my voice edged with steel. “Not with Orion and his mistress lurking in the shadows. Let them think I’m running. Let them think I’m weak. It’ll make it that much sweeter when they realize how wrong they were.”

Rose’s brow furrowed slightly, concern etched into her features. “Where will you go?”

“Call The Miller’s Grand Hotel,” I said, my voice firm with resolve. “Have my private suite cleaned and ready. I’ll be staying there for a while.”

Rose nodded, understanding flickering in her eyes. “It’s done. I’ll make sure the staff knows not to breathe a word.”

“Good,” I said, the barest hint of a smile tugging at my lips. The Miller’s Grand Hotel was more than a symbol of the empire’s legacy—Richard made sure that the deed to the hotel is in my name. That was his last gift to me. The pinnacle of his empire.

“Let Orion and Chloe think I’m retreating. They’ll never see the storm coming.”

Rose’s gaze softened, just for a moment, as she looked at me. “You know he’ll try to find you.”

“Let him try,” I replied, my voice low and dangerous. “He’ll be playing my game this time.”

She inclined her head, a sign of her unwavering loyalty. “I’ll handle everything, Ava.”

I stepped away, already imagining the quiet sanctuary of my suite—a place where I could breathe, where Orion’s oppressive presence couldn’t touch me.

The Miller’s Grand Hotel wasn’t just a refuge; it was a reminder of the power I held, of what was at stake, and of what I was determined not to lose.

“Thank you, Rose,” I said, softer now. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

With that, I left, my footsteps echoing in the now-empty hall. I would not bow. I would not break. The empire’s game was far from over, and I intended to win—no matter what it took.