When Ava saw Derek Fields, her face grew even calmer than before—unnaturally calm for someone her age.
Her voice was cool and distant. "Mr. Fields, do you need something?"
Derek let out a cold laugh. "Don't play dumb. I made myself clear back at the restaurant. If you don't give me the money, I'll tell everyone at your gallery what kind of cold, selfish person you really are! And if that's not enough, I'll go public. I'll go on TV and sue you in court—for abandoning your father!"
Ava's lips curled into a faint, sarcastic smile. Her expression looked indifferent, but deep down, her heart was heavy.
This man had completely shattered every fantasy she had ever held about having a father.
If he'd shown even a shred of vulnerability… if he'd shed a couple of tears, played the sympathy card, talked about father-daughter bonds…
She might've caved.
Five million dollars wasn't an outrageous sum for her.
But no—he came in like a rabid animal, full of shameless entitlement.
