Orion's POV

The moment Ava walked out, the room felt like it had lost all oxygen. Chloe's nails dug into my arm. I almost winced but kept my gaze on the doorway where Ava had vanished, her scent—sharp, luxurious, with a hint of jasmine—still lingering.

"What now?" Chloe’s voice, tight and venomous, snapped me back.

My mind raced, replaying Ava’s words. The lawyer... the fortune... charity. This wasn’t in the plan. We’d meticulously orchestrated her downfall, using every bit of her vulnerability to manipulate her. She was supposed to crumble, not come back stronger—this wasn’t how it was supposed to end.

"She’s bluffing," I said, more to convince myself than...