Clash

Ava was taken aback and quickly retorted.

"That's not true; Nathan treats me well."

Ethan smiled slightly and gently patted Ava's head, his voice tinged with self-reproach.

"Don't think I'm unaware of the situation with Iris. If I had known that Nathan had someone like that around him, I never would have let you marry into the Ford family. Ava, this is my fault. I should have been more resolute back then so you wouldn't have to suffer like this."

Ava immediately became anxious and hurried to explain.

"Brother, I'm really doing fine. I admit there is someone like Iris around Nathan, but it doesn't bother me, truly. Like you said, I was reluctant from the start, so there are no feelings involved, and no heartache."

Ethan felt even more pained hearing this; Ava, so deserving, could have been matched with someone better.