Stephanie had spent years quietly observing his obsession, so the possibility that he had married Avery three years ago, whether with her knowledge or not, didn't surprise her in the slightest.
"Are you okay?"
The gentle voice pulled her from her thoughts, and she looked up to find worry etched across Avery's face. A rush of relief and happiness flooded her, warmth spreading through her veins. Any lingering doubts she might have had vanished in that instant.
There was no mistake.
The woman standing before her was Avery.
And suddenly, everything made sense.
Archie had orchestrated this entire situation—sending her here, provoking Valentina, ensuring the confrontation escalated just enough to attract Avery's attention. Because he knew Avery. He knew she wouldn't stand by and watch her friend get hurt. Especially not if Valentina was the one delivering the blows.
Stephanie exhaled slowly, her heart hammering.