“Well, well,” Gabriel began, his voice calm but carrying a steely edge that demanded attention. “It seems we’ve walked into quite the… spectacle.”

Adrian moved to Ava’s side, draping a protective arm around her shoulders. “Is this how the Harringtons treat family?” he asked, his voice dripping with disdain. “By publicly humiliating their own?”

Ava’s heart swelled with gratitude, her fear giving way to the warmth of her brother’s support. Gabriel stepped forward, eyes locked on Miranda. “I believe this little charade is over. I suggest you apologize to my sister before this becomes more than just a family matter.”

There was a moment of stunned silence. Miranda, her confidence shaken, opened her mouth to speak, but no words came. The guests shifted uncomfortably, the reality of the situation settling over them. The power dynamics had shifted dramatically, and everyone knew it.

Lucas finally found his voice, though it was weak and unconvincing. “Mother… I think it’s time to end this.”

Miranda’s face flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment. “I… I was just…”

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.

Gabriel nodded, satisfied. “We’ll be leaving now. Ava, your place is with us, where you’re respected and loved.”

As the brothers escorted Ava out, the room remained hushed, the guests left to ponder the evening’s events. The Harringtons had been publicly put in their place, their attempt to humiliate Ava turned back on them in the most spectacular fashion.

Outside, Ava breathed deeply, the night air cleansing her spirit. She looked at her brothers, her eyes brimming with gratitude. “Thank you,” she whispered. They smiled, knowing that family, true family, always stands together.