My Ex-Husband Begged Me to Take Him Back - Chapter 24

Chapter 24: How can I help you?

Ava shoved the phone into her bag and smiled to herself, eager to surprise her father with an unannounced visit. As she reached the door, her excitement grew, and she raised her hand to knock.

“Come in,” came her father’s familiar voice from inside.

With a wider smile, she pushed the door open. “Papa!” she called out cheerfully, but her steps faltered as her eyes landed on the young vice president standing beside her father. Her smile wavered as she thought she had come at the wrong time.

Both men looked up at her at the same time, surprise etching on their faces.

“Uh…” Ava’s gaze shifted between the two men. “I think I might’ve interrupted something,” she said, her tone a bit apologetic.

“Not at all, darling,” Thomas, reassured her warmly. “Ethan was just showing me some project ideas. I was reviewing them.”

“I see.” Ava relaxed slightly, curiosity piquing as she approached the table. She wondered what new project her father was working on at this time.

Ethan, who had been beaming since Ava walked in, finally spoke up. “Long time no see, Ava. How’ve you been?”

Ava hesitated, unsure how to answer. Was she really doing well? Forcing a polite smile, she responded, “Good. How about you?”

“All good.” Ethan grinned sheepishly.

Her eyes drifted to the folder on the table. “So, what project ideas are these?” she asked, settling into a chair across from her father. “Can I take a look?”

“Of course,” Thomas said, pushing the folder toward her.

Ava opened the folder and opened it, eager to dive into the plans. Her eyebrows knitted as she continued flipping page after page. Finally, she closed the file, her expression contemplative.

“I like the idea of investing in the jewelry business,” she began, “and the new extension of the psychiatric ward at the hospital is admirable. But these will require substantial investment. Given the company’s current financial situation, I don’t think we’re in a position to take on such heavy expenses.”

Her words compelled Thomas to reconsider. Even Ethan grew serious.

“But we have Mr. Brooks’ backing,” Ethan suggested. “He’ll invest in our projects for sure. I’ve already sent a quotation to him, and I’m optimistic that he’ll accept the proposal.”

Ava’s mind clicked as she connected the dots. She now understood why Dylan had said he was going to invest in her father’s new project that day. The more money Dylan poured into Williams Holdings, the tighter his grip on the company would become—and she couldn’t allow that.

“The company is already heavily dependent on Dylan,” Ava said. “We owe him a significant amount. We need to clear those outstanding debts before considering any further investment from him.”

Thomas looked thoughtful. Ethan, however, seemed a bit puzzled.

“But these projects are highly promising,” Ethan pressed, trying to counter her argument. “We’ll start seeing profits soon, and we’ll be able to pay off his debts in no time.”

Ethan’s words were convincing. The projects had potential, no doubt. But Ava’s cautionary stance was equally valid. Thomas found himself torn between two compelling viewpoints. His gaze shifted toward Ava, seeking her insight. “What would you suggest, Ava?”

Ava thought for a while before finally saying, “I’ve been researching a project for a few days now. I’ve looked at reviews, market trends, and demand. It’s a promising venture, and it doesn’t require Dylan’s investment. I believe the profit margin will be satisfactory.”

Both Thomas and Ethan looked at her with curiosity and anticipation.

Ava continued confidently, “Short drama projects are a growing segment in the entertainment industry. I suggest we invest in that.”

“What?” Both men stared at her in disbelief, their skepticism palpable.

“Are you sure?” Thomas asked, narrowing his eyes at Ava, unsure of the unconventional idea she had just proposed.

“Yes, Papa,” Ava responded confidently. “I’ll gather all the data and present it to you. You’ll love it, trust me.”

Thomas’s initial doubt softened as he caught onto her conviction. “If you’re this confident about it, there is probably something to it. Let’s give it a try.”

“I’ll also look into this,” Ethan chimed in hopefully.

“Okay, guys, enough of talks. No one is asking me for food. I am hungry.” She pouted, feigning disappointment.

Thomas burst out laughing. “Alright, I’ll have Ethan arrange some food for you. But I’m afraid I can’t join—got a meeting with a client in half an hour, and we’ll be having lunch together.”

“Oh!” Ava was genuinely disappointed this time. But her face soon lit up with a smile. “No problem. I’ll go out with Ethan.” She blinked at Ethan innocently. “Will you come with me?”

Ethan smiled sheepishly, his cheeks flushing. “Yes, I’d love to.”

Ava’s eyes flashed with a calculative glint. She was well aware of Ethan’s loyalty toward her father and the Williams. He would do anything for them, and she could use that to her advantage.

“Great!” she said cheerfully, pushing her chair back and rising to her feet. “Let’s go, Ethan.”

As she headed for the door, Ethan quickly nodded at Thomas before following her out of the room.

They came to a restaurant and found a quiet corner. Ethan was a bit nervous around Ava, cold sweat pricking on his nape. He picked up the glass and drank the water in one breath.

Ava, who was lost in her thoughts, barely noticed his uneasiness. “Ethan, I brought you out because I wanted to discuss something with you – something important.”

Ethan froze. Ava’s sudden seriousness unnerved him. His eyes darted across her face, trying to read her expression. “What is it, Ava?” he asked cautiously. “Is everything alright with you and Dylan? You seemed against him investing in our project. Why?”

“We’ve known each other since we were kids, Ethan. We’re more like siblings than friends. I trust you, and I know you’re the only one who can help me with this.”

Ethan’s heart clenched. He owed everything to the Williams family. As an orphan, his life had been miserable until Thomas had taken him in, supported his education, and molded him into the man he was today. Ava was like family to him, and he knew he would do anything for her. Even if Williams needed him to walk through the fire, he would do it without hesitation.

His expression steeled with determination. “Anything for you. Just say the word, and I’m there. How can I help you?”

Ava held his gaze. “I want you to find out how Dylan’s parents died.”