He divorced me and signed away our sick child… hours before I won the biggest contract of my life.

Lauren returned the next week. And the next. She read to Mia, helped organize fundraisers, and used her influence to raise millions for pediatric cancer research.

When Charles proposed a partnership—Sinclair manufacturing paired with Walker Engineering design—Avery agreed on one condition:

“Merit only,” she said. “No pity. No favors. Results.”

Charles nodded. “The only kind that matters.”

The Bench
Six months later, Ryan finally tried to reach Avery.

Angry texts. Then desperate ones.

Avery ignored them—until one message froze her thumb:

“Meet me at Riverside Park. I just want to say goodbye.”

It was where he’d proposed years ago.

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