Dad had served his whole career without a single mark against him, and I'd paid for this condo with money I earned building my own business, every cent of it real. Let them investigate—I wasn't afraid.
But that didn't matter if they were out here slinging mud in public. Once it hit the internet, even the cleanest name could be dragged through filth.
It would still affect my father's career.
I called building management and the security team right away.
Only when I heard the guards' footsteps in the corridor did I set my jaw and pull the door open.
A jacket reeking of stale cigarette smoke came down over my head before I even saw his face.
"Ava Bennett, have you no shame! Dressed like that to answer the door—you're throwing yourself at every man who walks by!"
Sebastian grabbed the collar of the jacket and tried to wrench me against him.
"Slut to the bone, aren't you? You see anything with a pulse and you just have to rub up on it!"
"No wonder you had to buy a place behind my back. Needed somewhere private to keep your side pieces, right?"
I was shaking with rage. I ripped the jacket off and hurled it to the ground.
"What are you even talking about? I met you one time. When did I ever become your girlfriend?"
The two security guards froze where they stood, too startled to step in.
Sebastian's eyes went wide—then, a second later, he slapped a hand over his heart like he'd taken a knife to the chest.
"Ava, what did you just say? You're dumping me?"
His eyes even went a little red at the rims. "Fine, maybe I came on too strong. But isn't that because I care too damn much?"
Before I could react, he'd already seized my wrist.
"Ava, I'm a grown man who lowered himself to come find you. What the hell else do you want from me? Or is it just that I'm not rich enough for a girl like you?"
"I don't even mind you bought a place before the wedding! Your temper? I can live with it! I'm willing to marry you—give you a real home. You should be thanking your lucky stars!"
I tried to wrench free, horrified, but he yanked me straight into his chest. The reek of stale sweat slammed into my face.
The two guards finally decided to move.
They stepped forward and pried us apart, but their eyes crawled over my body with a look that had nothing professional about it.
"Ma'am, the guy's already swallowed his pride and apologized. Don't be so stubborn. Seems like he genuinely wants to build a life with you."