21 An unexpected offer
Ava’s eyes locked onto Dylan, seated behind his imposing desk. She squared her shoulders and stepped forward.co
“I’ve been waiting for you: Dylan said without looking up, eyes glued to the folder in his hand. “The West Port Project meeting is in an hour. I want you to attend it.”
The mention of the project stirred memories in Ava. The billion–dollar venture she had personally secured for him. It was her efforts that propelled Asco Corporation into the top ranks of the nation’s companies, but the significance of it all now felt hollow. She no longer cared about the company’s success. She was done.
“I won’t attend,” she said firmly.
It was only at this point Dylan looked up at her, his features twisting into a grimace.
“This is my resignation.” Ava handed him her resignation letter. “I won’t be working here. anymore. So, I don’t have to attend any meetings.”
Dylan looked at the resignation letter, his scowl deepening. He slammed the letter down, glaring at her. “What nonsense is this?” he growled.
“This is not nonsense, she replied sharply. “I can’t continue working for you. The previous day’s incident taught me a lot and opened my eyes. I don’t want to fall in such trouble again.”
“I already punished him.” Dylan’s words dripped with frustration, as if that should have been enough to satisfy her. 2
“Hah…” Ava chuckled scornfully. “You punished the pawn, but the one who pulled the strings is still untouched,” she murmured under her breath.
“Did you say something?” He squinted.
Ava stood her ground, her gaze unwavering. “I’ve made up my mind,” she reiterated. “This company isn’t safe for me. I’m not working here anymore.”
Dylan’s jaw tightened, frustration flickering across his face, but he kept his temper in check. He knew Ava had every right to feel unsafe after what had happened. “I agree, sending you alone. was a mistake. I am ready to compensate. But this…” He nodded to the resignation letter. “I am not accepting it.”
He stood from his chair and crossed the room toward her. “I promise, no one will hurt your again.” His gaze softened, almost tender–a stark contrast to the cold indifference she had always known.
For a brief moment, Ava was stunned. The Dylan standing before her wasn’t the one she had been used to for so long. His eyes, so often distant and full of disdain, now held a glimmer of warmth, of something almost close to kindness – anyone could fall for them.
In her past life, she had foolishly yearned for his affection. But now? It meant nothing.
13
21 An unexpected offer
With her chin raised in defiance, Ava met his gaze squarely. “I’m not interested in your compensation or promises. I want you to accept my resignation and let me go.”
Dylan wouldn’t let her go. “I’ll increase your salary, make you chief of the West Port Project, or any post you want.”
Ava’s lips twisted into a bitter smile. The irony wasn’t lost on her. In the past, he wouldn’t even glance at her. Now, when she no longer cared, he was offering her everything.
“How generous of you, she remarked, sarcasm lacing her words. “Don’t promise anything that you can’t give.”
“Name it,” Dylan insisted. “Whatever position you want, it’s yours.”
Ava’s eyes gleamed with challenge. “Then give me the CEO’s position, she demanded, her expression unflinching, her gaze daring him to follow through on his word.
Dylan eat her, speechless. He didn’t expect her to demand that. “What?” A sarcastic smile
tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Do you think you’re capable of running a company? “Ava, you’ve – that’s a different story.”
got talent, but running an entire busines
“Are you challenging me?” she snapped. “Don’t forget, I worked alongside my father before. marrying you. I know how to manage a business.”
Dylan’s amusement deepened, a chuckle escaping him. Her confidence surprised him. “Alright. Here’s the deal. I’ll give you the COO’s responsibilities for a three–month probationary term. Show me you can handle the workload and excel, and I’ll make it permanent.”
Ava hadn’t expected him to offer such a chance. She had been testing his limits, but now, this opportunity was right in front of her–one that could allow her to access the company’s inner workings, including how deeply her family was entangled in debt to Asco Corporation. This could be her way out.
“Fine,” she agreed. “I accept.”
Dylan smiled slyly. “It’s not like winning a project,” he warned her. “It won’t be easy for you.”
“I don’t care,” Ava shrugged casually. “It’s your decision. If you want to keep me here, then trust me. But if you don’t have confidence in my abilities…” she motioned to the resignation letter still lying on his desk, “my resignation is still on the table.”
At that, Dylan’s demeanor shifted. His smile disappeared, replaced by a flash of threatening me,” he growled,
anger. “You’re
Out to grab her arm and pulling her close. His breath brushed against her skin, and the playful air between them evaporated into something much
darker.
Ava didn’t push him away this time. She looked into his deep dark eyes, unafraid. “No, I’m making myself clear: I don’t want to be with you anymore.”
Dylan’s face darkened as his grip on Ava’s arm tightened, his eyes blazing with a mixture of disbelief and anger. “It’s unexpected to hear that from you. Didn’t you once say you loved me? That you couldn’t live without me? And now you are eager to leave me!”
C
21 An unexpected offer
As he spoke, his breath fell on her eyelashes, fluttering them. But Ava didn’t blink.
“I was young and foolish back then,” she murmured, “wasting a substantial amount of time of my life in loving someone who never reciprocated my feelings. I made you marry me, thinking that one day you might start liking me, that maybe we could have something real. But over the past year, I’ve come to understand that I was wrong. You don’t love me, and you’re not happy with me. I’m not happy either.
She reached into her bag, pulling out a stack of neatly folded papers. “I already signed it.”. She pressed the divorce agreement against his chest, her eyes never leaving his. “You sign it too.”
