Her cheeks were flushed with a mix of cold and humiliation. But there was something else in her eyes now — a flicker of defiance, a refusal to be cowed by the cruelty she had just experienced.

“Miss,” Lucien addressed her gently, “let me help you.”

He extended his hand, and she hesitated only for a moment before accepting it. His grip was firm and reassuring as he helped her out of the pool. Ava stood beside him, trying to regain her composure, her dignity slowly returning under the reassuring presence of the millionaire.