27. Ava
Ava
I'm sitting in a leather chair that probably costs more than I make in a month, trying not to fidget as I listen to Nick's lawyers talk about plea deals and cooperation agreements.
The conference room in Nick's attorney’s office feels like it's shrinking around me.
Despite the perfectly controlled temperature, I'm sweating.
I reach for the can of ginger ale and take a sip.
Nick’s hand moves to my thigh under the table. A small gesture of comfort. Although, I feel like I should be the one comforting him.
"The SEC has agreed to our terms," Tom explains. His silver hair and tailored suit scream expensive, but his eyes are kind when they occasionally flick to me. "In exchange for your full cooperation and testimony against Sierra, they're willing to keep this quiet."
Nick sits beside me. He looks calm—calmer than I've seen him in days. "What exactly does that mean?" he asks.
Another attorney—Rebecca, I think—slides a document across the table. "It means no criminal charges, Nick. You'll pay a substantial fine, of course, and you'll be barred from serving as an officer or director of any public company for five years. But no jail time, no public trial."
I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. No jail time. That's all I've been able to think about for the past week—Nick in handcuffs, Nick behind bars, me explaining to our child why Daddy isn't around.
"And Sierra?" Nick asks, his voice steady.
"That's the best part," Tom says, actually smiling now. "The evidence you've collected over the years is substantial. Combined with your testimony, she's looking at serious charges. The SEC is confident they can make a strong case against her."
Nick nods. I know he doesn't take pleasure in Sierra's downfall—not really. But there's relief there, a weight being lifted.
"When do we move forward?" Nick asks.
"This afternoon," Tom says. "We've arranged for SEC agents to be at the office. They'll take Sierra into custody discreetly. We want to minimize disruption to the company."
"I need to be there," Nick says.
"That's not necessary—" Rebecca begins, but Nick cuts her off.
"It is necessary. This is my company, my responsibility. I need to be there to address the employees, to reassure them. I won't let them hear about this from strangers."
Tom and Rebecca exchange glances, then nod reluctantly. "Fine. But you stick to the script we've prepared. Nothing off the cuff."
"Understood."
The meeting wraps up, and we head back to Nick's car. I can't help but wonder what's going through his mind. Is he scared? Relieved? Both?
"You okay?" I ask as we pull into his designated spot in the parking garage.
He turns off the engine and looks at me. "Yeah, I am. For the first time in a long time, I think I really am."
“Are you sure you want to do this today?” I ask him.
“Yes. I want to make a clean sweep. It’s going to be weird to step away from the company I’ve built. I’m not sure what I’ll do with my time.”
“I’m sure you’ll find something,” I laugh.
He turns to me in the seat. “I want to propose something.”
My heart leaps. Propose?
“Yes?”
“I’m not telling you to quit working, but I’m telling you I can take care of you. You don’t need to work.”
I don’t know why I feel disappointment. “I like my job.”
“I know. And I’m not going to pressure you into anything. I’m only saying if you don’t want to work, I can take care of you. It feels weird that you’re pregnant and working and I’m living the life of a beach bum.”
I understand what he’s offering. “Thank you. How about I keep working and we’ll see how things go? Unless you think it’s best I quit because of my connection to you. I don’t want to compromise your deal or anything.”
“No, you’re fine,” he assures me.
“Are you going to do the announcement today?”
“I’m announcing my retirement, but I won’t say anything about the legal situation until later. My board is already making the moves to fill my seat. Not that I’ve been very hands-on lately anyway.”
“And us?” I ask.
“I’ll be clearing the air about all of it.”
“Okay.” I smile. “Let’s do this.”
The elevator ride up to the executive floor feels surreal. Nick stands beside me, his face a mask of calm determination. I'm trying to match his composure, but inside, my stomach is doing somersaults—and not just because of the pregnancy.
When the doors slide open, everyone looks surprised, especially his assistant, Lila, who was clearly gossiping with another staff member. "Nick! We weren't expecting you today."
"Last minute change of plans," Nick says smoothly. "Is everyone here?"
"Yes, sir. The board meeting just wrapped up about twenty minutes ago. I assembled the department heads like you asked."
“Actually, I’d like to expand that,” he says. “I want all staff to the main conference room in thirty minutes."
Lila's eyes widen slightly, but she nods. "Of course."
I follow Nick into his office, closing the door behind us. He stands at the window for a moment.
"Second thoughts?" I ask quietly.
He turns to me, his expression softening. "No. Just saying goodbye, I guess. This office has been my second home for years."
I walk over to him, taking his hand in mine. "It's not goodbye forever. Just goodbye for now."
He smiles, squeezing my hand. "You're right. And honestly? I'm ready for what comes next."
Thirty minutes later, the conference room is full with every employee from all three floors crowded inside.
I stand near the door. I’m not taking any chances.
If the nausea hits, I want to make a quick escape.
People are standing along the walls, whispering to each other, speculating about why we've all been summoned.
I spot Sierra near the front, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, her expression pinched.
She knows something's up, but I don't think she has any idea what's coming.
Nick stands at the front of the room, looking impossibly calm and composed in his tailored suit. His eyes briefly meet mine, and he gives me the smallest of smiles before addressing the room.
"Thank you all for coming on such short notice," he begins, his voice steady and clear. "I know rumors have been circulating around the office lately, and I wanted to address them directly."
The room falls completely silent. I can feel the tension in the air, thick enough to cut with a knife.
"After careful consideration, I've decided to step down as CEO of Sullivan Tech, effective immediately."
A collective gasp ripples through the crowd. I see Sierra's head snap up, her eyes wide with shock and something else—panic. She hadn't seen this coming.
It’s so hard not to feel a little satisfaction.
"The board has already begun the process of finding my successor," Nick continues, unfazed by the reaction. "In the meantime, operations will continue as normal under the leadership of our executive team."
He pauses, his eyes scanning the room. "I want to assure everyone that this decision is not a reflection on the company's performance or future prospects. Sullivan Tech is stronger than ever, and I have complete confidence in the team we've built."
I watch Sierra's face, her expression shifting from shock to calculation. She's trying to figure out what this means for her, how she can spin it to her advantage.
"There's another matter I need to address," Nick says. "Many of you have heard rumors about my personal life."
The room seems to hold its collective breath. I feel dozens of eyes sliding toward me. I resist the urge to shrink back. Instead, I stand taller, meeting their gazes steadily.
"I want to confirm that Ava and I are expecting a child together," Nick says, a hint of pride creeping into his voice. "We're both very happy about this news, and I ask that you respect our privacy during this time."
I feel my cheeks flush as people turn to look at me again, but this time with softer expressions. Some even smile. Sierra, on the other hand, looks like she might spontaneously combust.
"That's all for now," Nick concludes. "Thank you for your attention. Please return to your work."
As people begin to file out, whispering excitedly to each other, I notice two men in suits entering the conference room. They approach Sierra discreetly, showing her something that makes her face drain of color.
Nick walks over to me, taking my hand and squeezing it gently. "You okay?"
I nod, unable to tear my eyes away from Sierra as she's quietly escorted to the door. She pauses and looks over her shoulder. If looks could kill, Nick would be lying in a pool of his own blood.
I glance at Nick. “You okay?”
He nods. “It’s over.”
“You did the right thing,” I tell him.
“This isn’t over!” Sierra shouts as the elevator doors slide closed.
“But it is over,” he replies softly. “That chapter is over. And ours is just beginning.”
He walks me to my office. “I’ll pick you up tonight,” he says. “We’re going out to celebrate my retirement.”
“Sounds great.”
When Nick shows up, he’s carrying a single red rose. “For you.” He smiles.
It’s incredibly romantic, and I can’t stop the tears from springing to my eyes. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. The other eleven are waiting in the car.”
I laugh. “Good thinking.”
When we step out of the elevator into the lobby of the building, I see him.
Ethan.
He’s standing by the entrance, his hands in his pockets, his eyes locked on me. My heart skips a beat. I stop walking.
“Ava?” Nick says. “Are you okay?”
“It’s him,” I whisper.
Nick’s head whips around. “Ethan?”
“Yes.”
His hand squeezes mine once before he lets go. "Stay here," he says.
"Nick, don't—" I start, but he's already moving.
I stand frozen, clutching my rose, as Nick strides across the lobby toward Ethan. Even from a distance, I can see the surprise on Ethan's face when he realizes Nick is coming for him. He straightens up, trying to look confident, but I can see the uncertainty in his posture.
Nick stops just a foot away from him. They're of similar height, but Nick's presence seems to fill the entire lobby.
I can't hear what's being said, but I can see Nick's shoulders are tense, his gestures controlled but forceful.
Ethan tries to say something, but Nick cuts him off, stepping even closer.
A security guard glances over, clearly wondering if he needs to intervene, but doesn't move yet.
I take a few steps closer, just enough to catch snippets of their conversation.
"—stay away from her—" Nick's voice carries with such a chill it sends a shiver down my spine.
"You don't understand—" Ethan tries to argue.
"I understand perfectly," Nick interrupts. "You're harassing her. It stops today."
Ethan's face flushes. "This is between me and Ava?—"
“Back off,” Nick says.
Ethan glares at him, but he doesn’t back down. “This doesn’t concern you.”
“It does. Ava’s mine. And if you come near the woman I love, I’ll have you killed.”
The words are shocking, but there’s something undeniably sexy about the way he says them. I never thought I’d be the kind of woman who wanted a strong protector, but damn. It is hot.
Ethan stares at him for a long moment, his expression a mix of anger and disbelief. But then he steps back, his lips curling into a cruel smile.
“Fine,” he says, his voice cold. “But this isn’t over.”
He storms off, leaving Nick and me alone.
I look at him, my heart pounding. “Nick …”
Nick tells the security guard to keep Ethan out of the building for good.
“He won’t come back,” Nick says confidently. “I’ll hire security. Anytime he shows his face, they’ll kick his ass. He’ll figure it out eventually.”
I don’t even know what to say. But I know I’m incredibly turned on.
“The woman you love?” I repeat.
He grins. “Yeah, I guess I said that out loud.”
“You love me?”
“I do.” He nods. “I love you.”
I grab his face and kiss him. “I love you.”
“Thank God, because that would have been really uncomfortable!”
“Um, can we skip dinner?” I ask softly. “I think I’m hungry for something else.”
He looks at me with confusion … and then he gets it.
“Let’s go.”