Chapter 11 - Crossroad of Power

Orion’s POV

I held my silence, letting the tension settle as the boardroom emptied. Ava didn’t move from her new spot across the table, her gaze locked on me, challenging me without a single word. The perfect act of composure—no one but me could see the steel just beneath her calm exterior. It was something I respected, in my own way. She wasn’t afraid to wield her power, but she’d soon learn that I wasn’t a man to be controlled.

Once we were alone, I leaned back in my chair, watching her, the amused smirk barely hidden on my face. “Quite the performance, Ava,” I said, letting the silence grow thick between us. “You didn’t seem so concerned with impressing anyone until today. Trouble sleeping?”