CHAPTER 027
AVA’S POV
I had just finished cleaning up when Jason and I followed Grandpa to his study. Jason walked a few steps ahead, his shoulders stiff, while I kept my eyes fixed on the floor.
Once we entered inside, Grandpa closed the door firmly and the sound made me flinch. He turned to face us, his expression was hard to read but his eyes held a sharpness that made my stomach twist.
“Sit,” he said, pointing to the chairs in front of his desk.
Jason and I sat down quietly, side by side. I felt the space between us like a wall.
My hands fidgeted in my lap, and I stole a glance at Jason, hoping he’d say something. Anything. Just to break the silence. But he didn’t. He just stared ahead, his jaw clenched tight.
Grandpa leaned against the edge of his desk, folding his arms. His gaze settled on Jason, heavy with disappointment.
“Jason,” he began, his voice softer than I expected, “do you remember how you used to look at Ava when you two first got married?”
Jason’s frown deepened, but he didn’t respond.
Grandpa continued, “I remember it so clearly like it was yesterday – the pride in your eyes every time you spoke of her.”
“You used to tell me how lucky you were to have a woman as strong, as kind, and as determined as Ava by your side. You said you couldn’t imagine a life without her, that you would do anything to make her happy.”
He paused, his voice tightening slightly. “What happened to that, Jason? What changed?”
The words hit me harder than I thought they would. My throat tightened as I stared at my lap, tears threatening to spill.
But I didn’t want to cry, not in front of Grandpa and especially not in front of Jason.
Jason shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his jaw tightening. I glanced at him but he wouldn’t meet my eyes. Grandpa’s voice grew firmer, cutting through the silence. “Do you know what I see now? A man who is letting the best thing in his life slip through his fingers.”
“And for what? To stay silent while someone like Laura spreads lies and drives a wedge between you two? You’re better than this, Jason. Or at least you used to be.”
Jason’s gaze dropped to the floor, shame flickering across his face.
Grandpa turned to me, his voice softening. “Ava, I’ve seen everything you’ve done for this family.”
“From helping with the company’s hardest moments and standing by Jason through thick and thin, through every challenge, you’ve never once faltered in your dedication. And what’s your reward?”
The tears I had been holding back stung the corners of my eyes. I blinked rapidly, hoping no one noticed.
Grandpa’s eyes flicked back to Jason. “Doubt. Silence. A husband who doesn’t protect you when you need him most. You have let her down Jason.”
Jason’s head snapped up, guilt written all over his face. “Grandpa, I…”
