Millionaire Marriage

The Reckoning

Chapter 25

The air was thick with tension as Ava, Ethan, and Lisa prepared for the confrontation that lay ahead. With less than twenty-four hours until Marcus's meeting with the investors, every moment counted. They had gathered as much intel as they could, and now it was time to act.

"I reached out to a few contacts," Ethan said, pacing the small living room of the cabin. "They're on board to help us, but we need to be strategic. We can't just show up at that meeting without a solid plan."

Ava felt her stomach churn with anxiety. "What if he has security? We can't risk getting caught or hurt."

"We'll figure it out," Lisa reassured her. "We have to stay one step ahead of him. It's now or never."

Ethan nodded, his jaw set with determination. "We'll go in discreetly. I'll get us into the meeting as a last-minute addition. With some luck, we can gather enough evidence to discredit Marcus in front of everyone."

Ava felt a mix of hope and fear. "What if he sees through it? What if he knows we're coming?"

"Then we'll be ready for him," Ethan replied, his eyes fierce. "We won't let him intimidate us any longer."

As night fell, they gathered around the table to finalize their strategy. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation, each of them aware that tomorrow could change everything.

Ava took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. "So, what's the plan for getting inside the meeting?"

"I'll create a distraction," Ethan said, his tone resolute. "I'll approach Marcus and play the part of the loyal brother who's ready to support him. While I keep him occupied, you two will gather evidence and find out who's backing him."

"Sounds risky," Lisa cautioned, her brow furrowed with concern.

"It is, but it's the best shot we've got," Ethan insisted. "If I can buy you enough time, we can expose Marcus for who he really is."

Ava glanced at Lisa, who nodded in agreement. "We're in this together. We can't let Marcus manipulate the situation any longer."

After hours of planning, they finally felt ready. But as Ava lay in bed that night, sleep eluded her once again. Thoughts of Marcus's wrath and the possible consequences of their actions swirled in her mind. She replayed the plan over and over, seeking reassurance that they could pull it off.

The first light of dawn broke through the trees, and with it came a sense of urgency. They had no time to waste. After a quick breakfast, they gathered their things and prepared to leave the cabin.

"Remember," Ethan said, his voice low and steady, "stay focused. We can't lose sight of the goal."

Ava nodded, trying to project confidence despite her nerves. "We can do this."

They drove to the meeting location, a sleek, modern building that towered over the surrounding landscape. Ava's heart raced as they approached the entrance, the reality of their situation hitting her like a tidal wave.

Ethan parked the car and turned to them. "You both know what to do, right?"

"Yeah," Ava replied, her throat dry. "We'll find the investors and see what we can uncover."

"And I'll keep Marcus occupied," Ethan added, his expression serious. "No matter what happens, stick to the plan."

As they stepped out of the car, Ava felt a sense of foreboding wash over her. This was it—the moment they had been preparing for. With every step toward the entrance, her heart raced faster.