Chapter 369 Defamation
A palpable tension hung in the air between the two men, with Ava ensnared in the bitter crossfire. The hostility was a tangible force, and Ava, the unfortunate casualty of their war, bore the brunt of it.
"Enough," Ava implored, her voice laced with desperation. "Both of you, let go. I beg of you."
Her emotions were a whirlwind of anger and embarrassment. She felt like a puppet in a farcical show, her dignity trampled upon for all to see. The situation was already humiliating enough without their added theatrics.
Upon seeing Ava's furrowed brow and the telltale redness of her eyes, William's resolve softened. He was the first to release her wrist, his voice laced with regret as he apologized, "Ava, I'm sorry."
Ava had hoped that both men would relent, but to her dismay, Alexander seized the opportunity the moment William released her. He swiftly pulled Ava into his arms, his hand firmly clasping her back, pressing her against his chest.
The sudden movement caused Ava's forehead to collide with Alexander's shoulder, a dizzying sensation spreading from the point of impact. Her condition, already weakened by her pregnancy, was further exacerbated by the abruptness of the action. As she lifted her head to look at Alexander, she was met with his gloomy face, his eyes filled with suspicion.
Panic surged within her.
"Alexander, release her!" William demanded.
As William lunged forward to free Ava, Felix interjected, stepping in to halt his advance. "Mr. Mitchell and Ms. Anderson have matters to discuss," he calmly stated. "There's no need for your concern."
William's retort was filled with fury. "Alexander, you have no shame! Ava is no longer your wife. What right do you have to interfere in her life?"
"Even after divorce, she remains a part of the Mitchell family!" Alexander retorted, his tone stern. "I've known her for a decade, while you are nothing in comparison!"
"Alexander, enough!" Ava pushed him away, her voice sharp. "Don't create a spectacle here."
"A spectacle?" Alexander scoffed. "What spectacle am I creating? I merely came here for a meal and happened upon my ex-wife. Am I not allowed to inquire?"
"Is that so?" William shot back sarcastically. "You came here alone for a meal, what a coincidence."
"Who said I came alone?" Alexander countered, his gaze shifting to Felix. "I came with Felix."
Felix, standing tall and composed, confirmed with a simple, "Yes."
"You came to dine with your assistant?" William's disbelief was evident. "Alexander, don't fabricate stories! You've been tailing Ava. You're nothing more than a stalker!"
"Felix," Alexander's voice was icy as he turned to his assistant.
"Mr. Mitchell, what do you require?" Felix responded, his demeanor respectful.
"Since you've studied law, enlighten him. Is there a law that prohibits a boss from dining with their assistant? Is it considered stalking if a boss and assistant share a meal?" Alexander's tone was haughty, a stark contrast to his usual composed demeanor.
Felix replied dutifully, "Mr. Mitchell, there's no law in our country that forbids a boss from dining with their assistant. Conversely, accusing you of stalking is defamation."
"Is that so?" Alexander's eyebrow arched in amusement as he regarded William with a sarcastic smirk. "So, you're ignorant of the law. Would you like me to educate you on legal matters and explain the meaning of defamation?"
William sighed, his frustration evident. Reasoning with Alexander was a futile endeavor. The man was obstinate, refusing to see reason.
"This bastard Alexander actually has the audacity to lecture me on the law," William muttered under his breath.
"Then go dine with Felix and leave me be," Ava retorted coldly. She was acutely aware of Alexander's shameless intrusion between her and William. As she turned to leave, Alexander halted her.
"Wait. You haven't told me what you're hiding from me!" He grasped her wrist, his gaze intense.
Ava found herself on the brink of confessing the truth under Alexander's penetrating gaze, but she couldn't bring herself to do it.
William, his fists clenched in suppressed rage, managed to say, "Ava, tell him."
