So Reluctant

Augustus frowned, his voice cold and impassive. "Mercy doesn't lead armies, and emotions don't run businesses. I am a businessman—profit comes first. A businessman who ignores profit is unqualified. I already made this clear to Ava the other day, and she agreed."

The memory of that humiliating encounter at the café resurfaced, sending a chill down Ava's spine. That moment of powerlessness, of being forced to swallow her pride in front of so many onlookers, still lingered like a bitter taste in her mouth. She did not want to dwell on it any longer. Gently, she pushed Liam's hand away and rose to her feet. Her voice was calm, though there was a subtle tension beneath it. "Dad… No, Uncle. I'd like to speak with you alone."

Augustus cast her a brief, indifferent glance, his expression unreadable. "Follow me to the study."

Liam instinctively moved as if to follow, but Ava turned to him and shook her head. "It's okay," she said softly.