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

His jaw tightened. “Like drowning. You keep chasing contracts that never come through. We’re stuck. I have a real opportunity now.”

Avery knew instantly what he meant. Her stomach sank.

“Lauren Sinclair,” she murmured.

Ryan looked away—just barely. “Her father offered me a VP position. Lauren believes in me. She… understands me.”

Avery’s voice cracked. “You mean she’s rich.”

He didn’t deny it.

And just like that, the man Avery had supported through every “almost” and “next time”—walked away from his wife and a child battling leukemia, in pursuit of a brighter, easier life.

“Mia needs you,” Avery said quietly.

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