Chapter 17

"What do you mean?" Ava asked in confusion.

"Have you set your sights on Karan Malhotra, Aveline? Is he your next target?" He asked through clenched teeth and Ava stiffened at that accusation.

Some things never change, she realized.

"What if I have? Maybe he is my next target. What I don’t understand is how it is any of your business." Ava said tartly.

She had had enough with his accusations and tantrums.

His jaw tightened. Ava saw the movement and felt a flutter of apprehension in her belly.

He reached out, taking her arm in a punishing grip. Ava bit back a cry at his touch, more of shock than pain.

He unceremoniously hauled her from behind the desk and led her over to his chair. He all but thrust her into it.

"I should have known you would never change," he bit out and she scoffed at the ridiculousness.

That should be my dialogue, Ava thought to herself.

She watched as he paced back and forth, his hands on his hips, like