Chapter 395 This Idea
Ava had married Alexander purely out of love, without any ulterior motives, yet their marriage had still crumbled. It led her to ponder, what truly was the secret to a lasting marriage? Love had proven insufficient, and personal gain was not a factor. No wonder the modern world was witnessing an increasing number of individuals shying away from the institution of marriage, opting instead for a solitary life of freedom and simplicity.
Pausing to inhale deeply, Ava attempted to gather her scattered emotions. Her voice was steady as she addressed Dalton, "William is your son. Do you not care for his happiness?"
"Are you insinuating that you hold the key to his happiness?" Dalton countered, a challenging edge to his tone. "If so, enlighten me. What, in your opinion, should be done to ensure his happiness?"
"Allow him the freedom of choice," Ava responded. "He should have the liberty to select his life partner. His marital decisions should be his own, independent of the consequences. His choices should not be dictated by others."
Dalton nonchalantly adjusted his cuff, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I see. You do seem to have his best interests at heart. However, it's a pity..."
His voice trailed off, leaving Ava hanging. "A pity? What do you mean?" she inquired, curiosity piqued.
Before Dalton could respond, Mia reentered the room, her voice curious as she asked, "What are you two discussing?"
Dalton's smile was polite as he replied, "Merely commenting on your commendable qualities as a mother-in-law. You treat your former daughter-in-law with such kindness. Even post-divorce, you still consider her family."
"Mr. Bennett, it has been a pleasure meeting you," Mia responded, her tone cool. "However, we have concluded our meal and must take our leave."
Mia had no desire to prolong their stay. Ava rose as well, smoothing out her clothes before following Mia. Dalton offered to see them out, but Mia declined. "There's no need, Mr. Bennett. We can manage on our own. Please, stay."
Once they were safely ensconced in their car, Mia turned to Ava, her tone sharp as she asked, "Are you really just friends with his son?"
Mia's words were always laced with an icy undertone, lending her an intimidating aura. "Yes," Ava answered truthfully, "we are good friends."
"Just friends, nothing more?" Mia pressed on.
"Mom, I assure you, we are just friends," Ava reiterated.
"Have you been intimate with him?" Mia continued, undeterred.
Ava was taken aback, her expression shifting. "Mom, why would you think that? Our relationship is purely platonic. His father is simply mistaken."
"Then why would his father be mistaken? Could it be because you and William are too close?" Mia's eyebrows knitted together in a frown.
Ava's own brows furrowed slightly. "Mom, I can only tell you that my conscience is clear. Nothing inappropriate has transpired between William and me. We are just friends."
Her words were interrupted by the ringing of her phone. Glancing at the caller ID, she saw it was William. "Hello," she answered.
"Ava, how are you?" William's voice was laced with concern.
"I'm fine, William. What's the matter?" Ava responded.
"I'm worried about you," William confessed. "I thought I heard my father's bodyguard's voice earlier. Did you meet my father? Did he give you a hard time?"
His intuition had been nagging at him, prompting him to call and check on her. "I'm fine, William. You don't need to worry. I've finished lunch and am about to head back. Your father didn't cause any trouble."
"What did he say to you?" William asked.
