14 The manipulation
Ava was alert and her steps were calculative when she entered the private room.
Mr. Moore rose from his chair as he noticed her entering. “Hello, Miss Ava, thank you for coming” He extended his hand toward her.
For a moment, Ava froze, staring at that hand. In her mind, she was already breaking it. She remembered all too well how this man had molested her, tried to force himself on her, and later pretended she had seduced him when Dylan showed up. The memory burned inside her like acid.
Maybe Dylan had planned this to humiliate her. How cruel he was! He had not hesitated in allowing another man to violate her.
Ava’s fury simmered beneath the surface, but she kept her composure. Since everything was happening just like it had happened in the past, she was certain Dylan would show
- up.
Ava was ready to retaliate. A bright, seemingly genuine smile graced her face as she took his hand with an elegant shake. “Mr. Moore, it’s a pleasure,” she said smoothly. “Shall we discuss the deal?”
He laughed. “Of course, but let’s not be too hasty. How about we start with a drink?” He picked up the wine glass he had poured for her earlier, holding it out with an expectant gleam in his eyes. “We can discuss various things later.”
Ava stared at the glass for a while before accepting it. “Sure.” She sat down on the chair, putting the glass aside.
Mr. Moore settled into his chair as well, taking a sip of his own wine. “I’ve heard quite a lot about you,” he began, his eyes roaming over her with an unsettling familiarity.
“I see!” Ava raised an eyebrow, keeping her expression composed as she pulled a small diary and pen from her bag. “What did you hear about me?” she asked, her eyes. scanning the contents inside her bag. She noticed the pepper spray tucked neatly inside the side pocket. Her lips curled into a slight smile.
“Everyone knows how talented you are,” Mr. Moore praised her. “You are behind Dylan winning quite a couple of important projects that boosted his company’s growth. Now Asco Corporations is one of the top companies in the nation, and everyone is looking to
work with him.”
“You are flattering me, Mr. Moore.”
14 The manipulation
“No, no…I am telling the truth.” He took another swig of his drink. “You haven’t taken a sip of your wine yet. Are you not willing to drink with me?”
the
Ava forced a smile, which was too bright to be real. “Of course not.” She picked up glass and took a small sip. Meanwhile, her hand reached out to take the pen, which rolled and fell to the ground. She was about to bend down to pick it up, but he stopped
her.
“Wait a minute. I’ll do that.” He bent down to pick up the pen.
Ava took some tissue and wiped her lips.
“It’s here.” He handed her the pen.
“Thank you,” she grinned, “and sorry for my clumsiness.”
“It’s okay.” He sat down on his chair.
“By the way, the wine is good.” She held up the glass at him and then pretended to take another sip. “Shall we start?”
“Sure.” His eyes darkened, filled with impatience and a sinister gleam of lust, waiting eagerly for the moment when the drug would take effect.
He believed it was only a matter of time now. He shifted in his chair, feeling the thrill of power surge through him as he watched her closely. The prospect of claiming Dylan’s wife thrilled him and made him tight down there.
Ava could feel his gaze on her, but she remained calm. She opened the folder and took out some documents, maintaining her professional demeanor. “Here is the list of the requirements of the project. Please have a ok. And…” She took out another bunch of papers. “This is our quotation. Check if you have any questions.”
“Alright, I’ll check the documents, but you should finish your win
he insisted.
Ava smiled weakly. “Of course.” To not raise doubts in his mind, she took the glass and raised it to her lips. She had no choice but to take a sip.
As he continued checking the documents, he asked some questions.
Ava took some tissue and wiped her lips. She cleared his doubts and briefed him on their requirements. As their conversation continued, she felt dizzy and pressed her fingers against the sides of her forehead.
“Are you alright?” he asked with fake concern, his insides bouncing with delight as his desire to have her was finally going to be fulfilled. He reached out and put his hand on her shoulder. “Let me take you out of here if you are not feeling well.”
14 The manipulation
Ava pushed his hand away and squinted at him. “What was in the drink?” she asked. “You mixed something in this.”
–
“No, no how can I do that? You are blaming me without a reason.”
Ava rubbed her throat, grimacing. “I haven’t eaten or drunk anything but the wine. It’s because of this I am feeling… Uh… It’s so hot.”
He smiled lecherously and leaned over to her. “You are quite smart, he whispered in her ear. “I spiked your drink.” He caressed her cheek and added, “It’s only me who can help you now.” a
“Really?” Ava glared at him with her wide eyes. With all her strength, she pushed him
away.
Mr. Moore staggered, bewildered. Before he could comprehend anything, Ava grabbed
the wine bottle and smashed it on his head.
He stumbled backward and wailed in pain, holding his head, blood trickling down between his fingers.
Ava stood firmly, glaring at him. She had known from the beginning that he had spiked the drink and had not taken a sip. She had just pretended to drink the wine. Every time she had wiped her lips with the tissue, she had spat out the wine.
“Surprised!” she sneered. “You thought you could take advantage of me!”
“You, bitch!” he snarled, his eyes red in anger. “I’ll kill you today.” He lunged at her with a breakneck speed and grabbed her throat. His grip was tight, catching Ava off guard.
She slapped and clawed at his arms, but he didn’t loosen his grip. Ava struggled to breathe. Her lungs hurt. She wondered why Dylan hadn’t arrived yet. For the first time after her rebirth, she wanted to see him desperately..
Her vision darkened at the edges, and every breath became a battle. Panic surged through her. For a moment, she thought she was going to die there. But underneath the fear, a fierce determination roared to life.
“This isn’t how it ends, not this time.”
His face contorted with rage, his blood–smeared fingers digging into her skin. “You think you can get away with this?” he hissed, tightening his hold. “You’ll pay for what you did!”
Summoning every ounce of strength left, Ava forced her hand to her bag. Her vision blurred. Her movements were sluggish, her body weakening under the lack of oxygen.
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14 The manipulation
Finally, her fingers brushed the small canister. Grabbing it, she pulled it out and aimed it directly at his face. With a sharp hiss, the spray exploded into his eyes.
