Chapter 16 - CONSEQUENCES

Damian became accountable slowly. That was better.

Charges arrived in layers: identity theft, wire fraud, money laundering, extortion, theft and conspiracy.

The stolen funds were recovered, Knox Consulting was declared fraudulent and Ava’s tax and credit records began repair.

Charles Langford faced federal charges related to corporate fraud, bribery and obstruction.

Investigators reopened questions around Michael Knox’s death.

No prosecutor promised Ava a murder charge.

She appreciated the honesty.

Victoria ended her engagement, resigned from family boards and turned over damaging records.

At Bellmere, Monica was fired, then reinstated. Ava asked why.

Monica stared at her.

“Because I own thirty percent of the company.”

Ava blinked.

“What?”

“My mother founded Bellmere. I let investors reduce me to an employee because I was terrified of losing what was left.”

“Damian found that fear and used it.”

Monica offered her a promotion.

Ava refused the promotion and quit. Monica called that fair too.

For the first time since twenty-one, Ava had no second job and no man whose future she was financing.

Then Lucian called.

She stared at the screen for six rings before answering.

“Hi.”

“Hello.”

He said, “The gala foundation wants to hire an independent event director.”

“No.”

“You don’t know the job.”

“You’re offering it.”

“I’m telling you it exists.”

“Difference?”

“Yes.”

She almost smiled.

“What does it pay?”

He told her.

Ava sat down.

“That’s ridiculous.”

“It’s New York.”

“That is your answer to everything.”

“No. Sometimes my answer is buy the building.”

She laughed before she could stop herself.

Silence followed.

Then Lucian said quietly, “I missed that.”

Ava’s chest tightened.

“Don’t.”

“I’m not asking for anything.”

“Good.”

“I’m learning.”

She looked out the window.

“Slowly.”

“Painfully.”

“That sounds expensive.”

“For once, you’re beginning to understand me.”

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Ava laughed again.

And hated how much she wanted to.