The Alpha King's Reluctant Bride (Ava and Grayson) novel Chapter 25

-Ava’s POV-

The room went still.

Elaine froze for a moment, probably surprised that Liam wasn’t falling for her little performance. Monica stiffened beside her, clearly unsure flashed with anger. As for me? My heart was pounding, but I nodded without a word, knowing better than to argue.

Without another word, he turned and started walking toward Grayson’s study, and we followed, the tension thick in the air.

The next thing I knew, the four of us were seated in Grayson’s study. The room was thick with tension, all of us glaring at one another but to Isabella, always unable to keep quiet, pinched my arm and leaned in closer to whisper, “Feels like we’re in high school, getting called to the I glanced at her and whispered back, “I was never called to the principal’s office. That was always you, Bels. And stop pinching me.” She snorted, her grin mischievous. “Oh, I remember. You used to be such a bore. But hey, if it’s any consolation, I’m really proud of you.” Sh Of course, that was the exact moment everyone turned to look at us, just as the door swung open, and in walked Grayson. Everything fell in the bruises on our faces, the tension in the air-

without so much as a flicker of emotion. The silence stretched, and I felt every second drag painfully slow. It felt like

an eternity before he finally spoke.

“Isabella and Monica. Leave.”

Both Isabella and Monica opened their mouths to protest simultaneously, but Grayson cut them off with a single look. His voice dropped, col They both stood up in unison, their expressions ranging from shocked to furious. Isabella squeezed my hand, her voice low as she whispere Liam moved to stand in the corner, his frown deepening. Grayson’s attention turned fully to me, his sharp eyes boring into mine. “How old a That wasn’t the question I was expecting. I blinked, then answered quietly, “Twenty-four.”noveldrama

He shifted his gaze to Elaine. “And you?”

“Twenty-five.” She muttered, her eyes now glued to her hands.

“So explain to me,” Grayson said, his voice calm but laced with an edge that sent a shiver down my spine, “why you are acting like children, I have granted you permission to come here as you wish. You and Ava will be staying here from now on, which means you will cross paths. Isabella was right. This did feel like being in the principal’s office.

Grayson didn’t wait for a response before continuing, his tone cold and final. “I do not want Monica in my house. If she is to

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visit you, Elaine, let it be in your apartment. And you,” he turned to me, “I told you to keep your friend under control. I have no business with His gaze felt like ice, freezing me in place, but I forced myself to keep eye contact.

Grayson then turned to Elaine. “You are my cousin, and you, Ava, are to be my wife.” The word ‘wife’ landed like a stone in the pit of my sto “Yes,” I managed to reply, my voice barely above a whisper.

“But this was all her friend’s fault,” Elaine spät, not even pretending to hold back. “She attacked me first, then Ava went after Monica! I don’t I saw Grayson’s jaw tighten, his eyes narrowing dangerously as he fixed his gaze on her. “What did I just say about acting like a child?” His Elaine’s lips quivered, and I could see the familiar routine starting. Her chin wobbled, and her eyes filled with tears. She sniffed, her voice tre I almost rolled my eyes. I had never seen anything more fake in my life, but I kept my face neutral. I could feel Grayson’s gaze on me again, “If there’s one more incident,” Grayson

continued, his voice steady but filled with warning, “and your friend is involved, she will be banned from my estate. Permanently. Do you un I didn’t hesitate, keeping my tone firm and controlled. “Yes.”

Grayson’s stare didn’t waver, and I felt the intensity of his gaze deep in my chest. His presence in the room was overwhelming, like he could be a fool to challenge him.

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