"
Ashley glared at him hatefully. "And why should I be polite to her? What right does a mistress have to meddle in our affairs?"
Ava sighed. "Mrs. Roberts, you've misunderstood me. I've never tried to destroy your family. I've never crossed the line with Mr. Roberts. Everything I said today was for your family's sake. But if my presence offends you, I'll leave."
Without waiting for permission, she turned and walked away.
Thomas didn't hesitate—he shot Ashley a glare full of loathing and chased after Ava.
Ava had always been a wise and understanding woman. She had quietly stayed by his side for years. Several times, Thomas had offered to divorce Ashley and marry her, but Ava always refused.
She didn't want her own child to grow up in a broken home. And she didn't want Thomas's two daughters to lose the only semblance of a family they had either.
But Ashley couldn't see Natalie's worth.
Every day, she screamed and picked fights, blaming Ava for the smallest things.
