Gabriel cut her off, his voice now icy. “I would choose your next words carefully. This isn’t a business meeting you can manipulate, Miranda. This is family.”

Tessa, who had been reveling in Ava’s discomfort moments ago, now looked down, avoiding the piercing gaze of Gabriel. The realization that Ava was not as isolated as they had thought was sobering.

In that moment, Ava found her voice. “I have never been ashamed of who I am,” she said quietly, but with a strength that surprised even herself. “I don’t need your approval, Miranda. I know my worth.”

Her words hung in the air, a quiet yet powerful declaration of self-respect.