ntry Club. "Appearances, Ava. Family unity." It was a lie, of course. It was about showcasing Ch

didn't want. Ethan was, as always, a few feet away from Chloe, who was holding court with

rs by the look of their slicked-back hair and

?" one slurred, l

ed," Ava said

her arm. "Don'

the man with a look so cold, so menacing, that the broker's hand dropped f

dable. "Are you alright, Ms. Monroe?" His

yed by his grudging protection, ann

e turning his attention back to Chloe, who was n

in her chest. Why did he bother with

ng him alone for a moment near the buffet. She was on her second glass of ch

aw tight. "That's u

k. Me? I could fall into the pool and drown, and you'd

pted near the edge of th

d gotten into a vicious fight, their barks and snarls echo

om the fighting animals, someone bumped hard into Av

ing near the pool's edge, let out a theatrical

n't hesitate, didn't look around. He lunged towards the p

the concrete edge of the pool hard, her head cracking against the tiles wit

er arm, which had taken the brunt of her impact with the concrete. S

ughing prettily, her eyes wide with terror. He carried her to the side, so

otest. A lifeguard, finally noticing, helped her out. Water streamed from

, surrounded by concerned onlookers, tearfully recounting her "ordeal." Ava w