Chapter 31

AVA

The shrill ring of my phone pierced the silence, jolting me from my restless thoughts. I glanced at the screen, my heart sinking when I saw Amelia's name. I hesitated, my thumb hovering over the "answer" button. Whatever she wanted, it couldn't be good.

"Ava," Amelia's voice was cool and businesslike when I finally answered. "I need you to come to the house."

"What do you want, Amelia?" I asked, trying to keep the exhaustion and irritation out of my voice.

"It's important," she replied curtly. "You need to come now."

"I'm not in the mood for your games," I retorted, ready to hang up and end this pointless conversation.

Her next words sent a chill down my spine. "If you don't come, you'll regret it."

I scoffed, "Why should I believe anything you say? I'm done with your threats and manipulation. I have bigger problems to handle."

"Ava, this is serious," she insisted, her tone hardening. "If you care about your future at all, you'll come. Now."

My grip tightened on the phone. I didn'