Chapter 0216

Ava's smile turned mischievous as she said, "You're just my assistant, Stanley. You should act like one, not an overprotective bodyguard."

“No, that’s not what I’m doing. Is that what you think?”Stanley's expression faltered, his eyes clouding with worry as he glanced at Ava. "Aren't I... aren't we friends, Ava?"

Ava's gaze locked onto his, her eyes sparkling with amusement, but her expression serious. For a moment, Stanley wondered if he'd overstepped his bounds.

Then, Ava burst out laughing, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Oh, Stanley, I'm just messing with you! Of course, we're friends. You're my favorite assistant-slash-friend."

Stanley's face relaxed, a relieved smile spreading across his face. "Got me there, Ava. I thought I'd crossed a line."

Ava's laughter subsided, her expression turning warm. "You're a good friend, Stanley. I just like to keep you on your toes."

Stanley chuckled, shaking his head. "You do that, Ava. You definitely do that."

Officer Thompson escorted Amel