My Ex-Husband Begged Me to Take Him Back - Chapter 169

Chapter 169: The chaos at the office (Part €“ 1) Chapter 169: The chaos at the office (Part €“ 1) Ethan had already learned from Lydia that Erica was coming back.

He knew Erica’s return would raise more conflicts between Ava and Dylan.

It was his chance to deepen the rift.

“He is probably planning to lift the ban and bring her home,” Ethan said with certainty.

Ava flinched inwardly, her thoughts a chaotic whirlpool.

Part of her wanted to believe him.

Yet, a stronger part of her still hesitated to doubt Dylan.

He had promised her he would never let Erica return.

And even if she returned, she couldn’t work anywhere in town.

Ava believed he wouldn’t break that promise.

“I don’t think so,” Ava retorted.

“He won’t let her come back.” “Ava, why are you so naïve?

They are cousins,” he reasoned.

“And his aunt is also in town.

Do you think Lydia wouldn’t pressure Dylan to bring her daughter back?

And how long can Dylan keep refusing her?

Blood comes first to him, always.

Don’t fool yourself into thinking otherwise.” His words compelled Ava to reconsider, her steadfast belief in Dylan beginning to crack.

“At the time, Dylan didn’t even have the backbone to put Erica in jail.

Instead, he sent her abroad.

Now that people started to forget about the incident, he might consider bringing her back.

All his kindness is fake.

He is toying with you, pulling strings to keep you in check.” Ava stiffened, her arms wrapping around herself.

Ethan’s words were like arrows striking at her faith in Dylan.

The thought of Dylan bringing Erica back made her stomach churn, the bitter taste of bile rising at the back of her throat.

How could he even consider it?

Did he forget what Erica had done?

Her heart thudded painfully, doubts and questions swirling in her mind.

“Ava, you need to be cautious,” Ethan’s voice on the other end of the line took on a sharper edge.

“Lydia and Erica are relentless.

With Dylan on their side, they’ll be unstoppable.

I’m worried for you.

Resign now and join Williams Holdings.” Ava would resign, but not like this.

She knew Lydia would never leave her in peace.

But she was also ready to face her.

Running would only validate the rumors.

And Ava wasn’t one to let fear dictate her choices.

“Thanks for telling me all this, but I am not running away.” “Ava, listen-” Ethan tried to interject, but she didn’t give him the chance.

“I have a meeting to attend.

Talk to you later.” Without waiting for a response, she ended the call and rose to her feet.

Straightening her shoulders, Ava took a deep breath and stepped out of her office, ready to face the directors.

The moment Ava stepped into the conference room, an oppressive silence fell over.

All eyes turned to her, their gazes heavy with accusation and contempt.

She felt the weight of their hostility but refused to flinch.

Holding her head high, she strode to the front of the room.

Her attention was drawn to the projector screen, where an image of her and Nicholas blazed like a damning piece of evidence.

The sight of it sent a ripple of irritation through her, but she kept her composure.

“How do you intend to explain this?” one director barked, his finger jabbing toward the screen.

“We thought you were loyal to this company.

But we find out you’re nothing but a traitor-a spy for the Bakers!” “Don’t you realize the Bakers are our sworn rivals?” Another one snapped.

“And yet here you are, cozying up to the Baker’s illegitimate son.

What else could it mean but betrayal?” Ava drew in a slow breath, her face calm, though her heart pounded restlessly in anxiety.

She met their stares head-on.

“This photo doesn’t prove anything.

It’s nothing more than an attempt to tarnish my reputation.

Nicholas is a friend-nothing more-and I am not a spy.

I would never betray this company.” But before she could continue, a sharp splash of cold water struck her face and chest.

She gasped, stepping back as the icy droplets trickled down her skin, soaking her dress, which clung uncomfortably to her body.

“You liar!” a woman’s voice rang out.

Ava turned to her, the empty glass still in her hand.

“You’ve lost our trust!” someone shouted from the back.

“You should be fired!” another voice called out.

“You’re unfit to be COO,” everyone in the hall shouted in unison.

“You’ll leak confidential information to the Bakers!” another director chimed in, his voice louder than everyone.

“We won’t let you cause trouble for the company.” Ava stood there, drenched but unyielding, her knuckles tightening at her sides.

Despite the hostility engulfing her, she remained determined not to crumble under their baseless accusations.

“I am not working for a rival company,” Ava declared.

“I’ve dedicated myself to this company from the very beginning.

I’ve secured countless profitable deals, driven projects to success, and worked tirelessly to help this company grow.

If I were a spy for the Bakers, why would I invest so much in building something only to sabotage it?” Her gaze was unwavering as it swept across the room. “Does my loyalty mean so little to you that a baseless rumor can erase years of hard work and dedication?” The lady director who had thrown the water spoke again, “Are you saying the photos are fake?” She gestured toward the screen.

“We’ve already verified their authenticity.

Those photos weren’t doctored.” Ava maintained her composure.

“I’m not claiming the photos are fabricated,” she replied evenly.

“But what I am saying is this-Nicholas and I are not in a relationship, and I have not betrayed this company.

We’re just friends.

That’s all.” “Friends?” the woman scoffed disdainfully, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Are you seriously going to stand here and tell us that?

Do you not understand what’s at stake?

Nicholas is a Baker.

The Baker Corporation and the Ace Group have been at odds for generations.

And yet, here you are, cozying up to him.

Whether it’s friendship or something more, your association with him raises questions.

We don’t want someone who is close to the Bakers to be a part of this company.

Why would we take a risk?” Her words ignited murmurs of agreement from the other directors.

“Yes, we won’t take any risks.

Resign, resign€¦” A chorus of voices erupted around her, growing louder with each passing second.