004. Granny Supports Pearl...

Ava gripped the steering wheel, exhaling sharply. The car ride home had been quiet for the first five minutes, but she could feel Pearl glancing at her every few seconds.

Finally, Pearl spoke. "So… what do you think about Mr. Ramos?"

Ava didn’t take her eyes off the road. "I think you need to stop meddling in my life."

Pearl huffed. "I had to. You weren’t doing anything about it."

Ava shot her a look. "Because I don’t want to do anything about it."

"But you should." Pearl leaned forward in her seat with a serious expression. "Mom, don’t you ever get lonely?"

Ava’s fingers tightened around the wheel. "I have you. That’s all I need."

Pearl sighed dramatically. "But I want you to be happy, too. And I think Mr. Alex is perfect."

“Switching to first names already?” Ava rolled her eyes. "You barely know him, Pearl."

"I know enough," Pearl said smugly. "I know he’s brave and smart, and he didn’t run away screaming when I asked him to be my dad."

Ava pressed her lips together. "Yet."

Pearl giggled. "That’s why we have to seal the deal fast!"

Ava groaned. "Pearl—"

Pearl clasped her hands together. "Just give him a chance, Mom. One date. That’s all I’m asking."

Ava sighed, shaking her head. "Pearl, this isn’t some fairy tale."

Pearl grinned. "That’s what you think."

Ava didn’t argue further. There was no winning against Pearl when she got like this.

And besides, they had just pulled into the parking garage.

Ava knew she was in trouble the moment she stepped into her penthouse.

It wasn’t the usual silence that greeted her. Instead, she was met with the soft clinking of china, the smell of freshly brewed tea, and the unmistakable presence of her mother.

As soon as she spotted her, Pearl exploded with excitement.

"GRANNY!"

She launched herself forward, running straight into Eleanor Reed’s open arms.

Eleanor Reed sat on the plush velvet couch, sipping from an expensive porcelain teacup like she owned the place.

Beside her, Pearl was already munching on a plate of cookies happily, looking far too pleased with herself.

Ava sighed, rubbing her temple. "Mother."

Eleanor set down her teacup delicately. "Ava, darling, welcome back. I assume you’ve seen the news?"

Ava narrowed her eyes. "You mean my daughter’s attempt at matchmaking? Yes, I’ve seen it."

Eleanor hummed. "Good. Because I came to discuss it."

Ava dropped her bag onto the table and crossed her arms. "You’re here to talk some sense into her, right?"

“Uhmmm… about that…”

Pearl perked up. "I think Granny supports me."

Ava shot her a glare before turning back to Eleanor. "Tell her this is ridiculous."

Eleanor exhaled, looking far too amused for Ava’s liking. "Well… I was going to scold her, but then I thought about it." She gestured toward Pearl. "And, honestly, she does remind me of a certain someone."

Ava stiffened. "Who?"

Eleanor sipped her tea, eyes twinkling. "You."

Ava scowled. "I never did anything this crazy when I was a kid."

Eleanor arched a brow. "Really? Because I distinctly remember a certain young girl hacking into the school’s records to change her best friend’s grades."

Pearl gasped in delight. "Mom! You were a hacker?"

Ava groaned. "That is not the point."

Eleanor ignored her. "My point, dear, is that Pearl is simply following in her mother’s footsteps—determined, resourceful, and willing to do whatever it takes to get what she wants."

Ava pinched the bridge of her nose. "Mother. You’re supposed to rebuke her, not praise her."

Eleanor shrugged. "Maybe her method was a bit overboard, but the intent isn’t entirely wrong."

Ava’s jaw clenched. "Mother."

Eleanor set down her teacup and smiled. "Why don’t you invite him over for dinner? Have a talk with him, get to know him, and then make a decision."

"I don’t have time for that. Plus…” She leaned in slightly and whispered. “He’s a cop."

Eleanor turned to Pearl. "Pearl, dear?"

Pearl sat up straight. "Yes, Granny?"

"Can you call Mr. Ramos for me?" Eleanor said sweetly. "Tell him I’m inviting him for dinner. Send the address too."

Ava’s head snapped toward her mother. "Mom? What are you doing?"

Pearl beamed. "Okay, Granny!"

"Pearl, don’t you dare—"

Pearl picked up her phone and started typing.

Ava whirled back to Eleanor. "You’re encouraging this?!"

Eleanor simply smirked. "Darling, you taught Pearl to be obedient to you, her mom, didn’t you?"

"Exactly. Which is why she should listen to me and not be sending that invite."

"But I’m your mother too," Eleanor said lightly. "And you should be obedient to me."

Pearl turned to her mother, eyes sparkling with mischief. "She does make a good point, Mom."

Ava scowled. "Pearl."

Eleanor patted her hand. "Come now, Ava. One dinner won’t kill you."

Ava let out a slow, frustrated breath.

With a growl, she muttered, "Fine."

Pearl erupted in joy, clapping her hands. "YAYYY!"

***********

8:00 P.M. – In Front of the Reed Mansion

Alex Ramos pulled up to the grand estate and parked his car, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel.

He glanced at his phone one last time, rereading the message he had received earlier.

From: Pearl Reed

Granny is inviting you to dinner at 8 p.m. Sharp. Please make sure you don’t miss it, and don’t be late.

Then, there was an address underneath.

It wasn’t a request. It’s a summons.

Alex smirked, shaking his head. The kid had nerve.

He stepped out of the car, taking in the estate before him. 

It was impressive. 

Grand architecture, towering pillars, immaculate gardens. The kind of place that whispered old money with just the right amount of subtle security to suggest that this wasn’t just a home—it was a fortress.

Alex had seen mansions like this before. But there was something different about this one. Something controlled. Protected.

Like its owner.

A well-dressed butler opened the door before Alex could even knock, as if he’d been expecting him.

"Mr. Ramos," the man greeted with a polite nod. "Right this way."

When Alex walked in, he was hit by the scent of something expensive and perfectly seasoned. The air was filled with the aroma of rosemary, garlic, and a thick, slowly simmered sauce. Whatever was on the menu tonight promised to be delightful.

The butler led him through the lavish hallways until they reached the dining hall.

The moment Alex stepped inside, a small whirlwind of energy barreled toward him.

"Mr. Alex!"

Pearl.

She grinned up at him, her confidence completely unshaken from their last meeting.

Alex smirked. "Didn’t we talk about your sudden summons and tactics, kid?"

Pearl waved a hand dismissively. "No need. You’re here. That means you’re interested."

Alex arched a brow. "That’s not how it works."

"Of course it is," Pearl said, grabbing his hand and dragging him toward the dining table.

And then, he saw her.

Ava Reed.

She stood at the head of the table, arms crossed, her gaze sharp and calculating.

She had changed from her work clothes into a sleek, elegant outfit. A fitted black dress shaped her body in a sophisticated way without being too revealing. 

Her dark hair was down, framing her striking features, and her emerald-green eyes fixed on him with the same scrutiny and challenge as during their first encounter.

Damn.

If he hadn’t already known she was scary, he definitely would’ve known now.

"Detective Ramos," Ava said smoothly. "You actually came."

Alex smirked, sliding into the seat across from her. "It wasn’t exactly a request, was it?"

Ava gave a small, humorless chuckle. "No, I suppose it wasn’t."

Before she could say more, Pearl clapped her hands together, beaming. "Well, now that you’re here, let’s eat!"

That was when Eleanor Reed entered.

And Alex immediately recognised power when he saw it.

Ava’s mother was an elegant woman who carried herself confidently. She moved with grace, her sharp eyes scanning him like she could see through every lie he had ever told in his life.

She looked both terrifying and enchanting, but not like Ava. Ava was like fire—reckless, sharp, and a blend of destruction and brilliance all at once.

Eleanor?

She was ice. The kind that buried men before they even realized they were dead.

"You must be Alex Ramos," Eleanor said smoothly as she took her seat. "I’ve heard a lot about you."

Alex kept his expression light. "Good things, I hope."

Eleanor’s smile didn’t reach her eyes.

"We’ll see."