Ava's POV My fingers trembled as I swiped to read the message. The text was short, almost taunting:“You can’t save her, Ava. Fall in line, or you’ll regret it.”A chill ran down my spine, leaving me frozen in place. I read the words again, each one carving a pit of dread in my stomach. The number was unknown, but the intent was clear. Someone had done this to Holly, and now they were warning me to back off.I had my suspicions. My father? The Jamesons? Mrs Miller? Orion? Chloe?Weighing all these suspects made me realize just how dangerous this game actually is. The fact that I’m surrounded by enemies and won’t know who hit.“Mason…” My voice came out as a whisper as I showed him the screen. His face darkened instantly, his jaw tightening.“Who sent this?” His tone was low, menacing.“I don’t know.” My voice cracked, panic bubbling beneath the surface. “That’s the fucking annoying part. They are just everywhere, I wish I could just crush them! Why Holly? She’s just a kid, Mason!”Ma
Orion’s POVThe memory hit me like a punch to the gut—Ava’s face, the look in her eyes when she walked in and saw me with Chloe in bed. I can still see it now, as if it happened a second ago. Her expression, that raw shock mixed with a kind of hurt I never wanted to see in her eyes, sliced through me in ways I didn’t expect. I shouldn’t feel guilty. I didn’t do anything wrong, not really. Yeah, I was with Chloe, but nothing happened. We didn’t even sleep together. But the moment she saw us, a part of me wanted to disappear. To just vanish. And that feeling, the guilt, it twisted my heart for reasons I couldn’t explain.The truth was, I wanted to fuck Chloe. I wanted to drown myself in her, to forget about last night. To erase everything. I thought if I just let go, if I gave in to the temptation, maybe I could forget how it felt when I had Ava in my arms. But as soon as we were both naked, my body wouldn’t cooperate. I couldn’t do it. It was like my body was rebelling against me, an
Orion's POV The silence hung thick in the air as Ava stood up, her movements slow and deliberate. She reached for her handbag, her fingers curling around it with a casual grace that set me on edge. Her face was unreadable, a mask of calm that I knew was hiding a storm. My jaw clenched, bracing myself for whatever fury she was about to unleash, but she didn’t say a word. Instead, she took a step forward, her eyes never meeting mine.As she brushed past Chloe and me, I caught the faintest hint of a smirk—cold, knowing, and somehow victorious. It was as if she had seen everything, knew everything, and found it all amusingly beneath her. That dry smile cut deeper than any words could. It was like she was telling me, ‘I’m not surprised.’Chloe shifted beside me, her eyes darting from Ava to me, confusion and annoyance playing across her face. She opened her mouth, ready to say something, maybe to confront Ava, but I silenced her with a look. This wasn’t a moment for questions. Even thou
Orion's POVAva's calm composure only fueled the inferno raging within me. The room had become a battlefield, and she stood at the center, claiming victory before the war had even begun.I clenched my fists, barely containing the fury threatening to explode. Before I could respond, the heavy double doors to the conference room slammed open with a resounding bang.Every head turned sharply, and there she was—my mother. Who the fuck informed her about this?Her entrance was dramatic, as always, commanding the attention of everyone in the room. She was dressed impeccably, her figure cutting a sharp silhouette as she stormed inside. Her eyes were alight with fury, and her gaze zeroed in on Ava with the precision of a predator.“Everyone, leave,” I growled and the board scrambled up, members rushing up to leave the tense room.“I knew it,” she hissed, her voice slicing through the room like a blade. “I knew you were up to no good, you conniving little snake!”“Mother,” I started, my voice
Ava’s POVI strode out of the conference room, leaving the chaos behind me. The echo of Pricilla’s shrill outrage and Orion’s stunned silence still echoed in my ears, but I didn’t look back. Each step I took down the corridor was deliberate, a reminder to myself that I was in control. I could feel the eyes of the employees on me, sensing the storm that had just passed through. Good. Let them watch. Let them wonder.I reached the elevator, pressing the button with more force than necessary. The doors slid open, and I stepped inside, the quiet hum of the machinery a stark contrast to the battle I’d just walked out of. As the doors closed, I released a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. My fingers tremble slightly, not with fear, but with the residual adrenaline coursing through my veins.Orion. Pricilla. Even Chloe. They had no idea who they were up against.The elevator descended, and I tried to push the memory of Orion’s furious eyes out of my mind. The way he’d grabbed me, the
Ava’s POVThe door slammed shut, and I froze. Orion stood there, eyes blazing with a fury that mirrored my own. The forced marriage, the distrust—it all coiled between us, a volatile storm ready to ignite.“What did you just say?” His voice was low, dangerous. “You think I poisoned Holly?”Rose shifted uncomfortably before reaching for the door to leave. Why is he everywhere? Why won’t he get out of my life? Just the sight of him made my insides boil. What kind of man would stoop that low to poison a kid?My fists clenched. “Don’t play innocent. I saw the footage. You handed her that drink.”Something flickered in his eyes, an unreadable shadow mixed with confusion. “You don’t know what you saw.”“I know exactly what I saw.” I stepped forward, my voice trembling with barely restrained rage. “You hurt my sister. You think I’ll forgive that? You think I’ll let it slide because of a piece of paper binding us together?”He shook his head, jaw tight. “You’re so eager to believe the worst
Ava’s POVAfter what felt like an eternity, Rose finally burst through the door, clutching her tablet like it was the last thing connecting her to reality. Her usually composed face was flushed, eyes wide with urgency.“What the hell took you so long, Rose?” My voice was sharper than I intended, impatience clawing at my throat.She barely managed to catch her breath. “I— I ran into some issues with the legal team about the Mr. Connor’s deal. He insists that he wants to have a meeting with you directly, so I scheduled a meeting for tomorrow. But, Ava… you’re not gonna believe what I found.”I barely heard her. My mind was spiraling, thoughts tangling into a chaotic web. How could this be happening? Was this even real?“Ava?” Rose’s voice cut through my fog, sharp and worried. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost. Is everything alright? What name did you see? Who else is involved?”I swallowed hard, the word almost sticking to my tongue. It can’t be. But it is. How? “Celia. Celia Sanders.
Ava's POVNo. It can’t be him.My heart froze the moment I saw those eyes—cold, black, and all too familiar. Memories I’d buried deep began to claw their way to the surface. Peter Duncan. His name echoed through my mind like a curse.I tried to blink it away, to pretend he was just a product of my imagination. Maybe my mind conjured him. But I knew better. The past doesn’t stay buried. It waits, lurking, ready to drag you back under at the worst possible moment.But I never expected to see it this soon inside my house.I could almost hear the whispers from middle school: “Gutter girl.” “Smelly.” “Trash.” And Peter? He was the conductor of that cruel nightmare, always in the center, his smile twisted with malice. Sixth grade was hell because of him. He made sure of it.But I’m not that girl anymore. I’ve built walls, fortresses around myself. I’m Ava Miller—strong, successful, untouchable. But in an instant, those walls began to crack.“Ava?” His voice slithered through the air, and I
Ava’s POVThe crisp autumn breeze carried the scent of fallen leaves as I stood before Richard’s tomb, dressed in a flowing white dress that billowed around my ankles. It had been over two years since the chaos, since the battles that tested our strength, our love, and our resilience. Two years since we lost the man who gave me—gave all of us—a new chance at life. A chance at love, at family, at something real. I felt a gentle press against my hand and turned slightly, meeting the warm gaze of my mother-in-law. Without words, I passed her a knowing smile and squeezed her hand back. We had arranged this ceremony not to mourn, but as a reunion. A day to celebrate Richard’s life rather than grieve his absence. Laughter and quiet conversations floated through the cemetery as familiar faces gathered. Holly stood a few feet away, her phone in hand, a small, amused smile playing on her lips as she typed away. I narrowed my eyes, curiosity sparking in my chest. Was she texting… a boy? I
Epilogue Orion stood alone on the balcony of the penthouse, the cool morning air brushing against his skin as his thoughts drifted to the past. He had sold the mansion—the one he and Ava once called home. The memories that filled those walls had become too painful to bear. The haunting image of that particular morning played in his mind, unbidden and relentless. Ava in his arms, blood staining her dress as she struggled to breathe, coughing up blood. “Don’t talk, Ava. Please… just stay with me. Somebody get the ambulance!” His frantic cries echoed in his ears as the paramedics wheeled her away, her weak hand reaching out, telling him with her eyes to let her go. Despite the terror in his chest, he listened to her wish and watched her leave, helpless to follow. Uncle Theo had dragged him away, his voice hollow, urging him to pull himself together. “Ava, your wife, will want you here,” Theo had said. Those words, heavy with unspoken meaning, drove him to storm into the conference ha
Ava’s POVThe incessant ringing of our phones jolted us awake. I stirred, unwilling to leave the warmth of Orion's arms. He hesitated for a moment before reaching for his phone on the headboard. His body stiffened as he listened to whoever was on the other end. Suddenly, he shot upright. “What do you mean by that?” he barked into the phone, his tone sharp and commanding. My curiosity piqued, I sat up and watched him intently. “Schedule a meeting for today,” he ordered before tossing the phone aside and raking his hand through his disheveled hair. “What happened?” I asked, my voice cautious. He turned to look at me, his expression softening. “It’s nothing for you to worry about, just some… minor concern at my company,” he replied, placing a reassuring kiss on my hand. His lips then trailed from my hand to my arm, my shoulder, my neck, and finally to my ear. “Stop,” I said, smiling as I half-heartedly pushed him away. But before things could go further, my own phone rang. Orion
Orion’s POV“Holly?” I called out, my voice laced with shock. Ava’s head snapped toward the door, and in an instant, she was on her feet, rushing to her sister. Pulling Holly into a tight embrace, Ava clung to her as if letting go would make her disappear. Tears streamed down her face as she sobbed uncontrollably. “What happened? Why are you crying?” Holly asked, her voice filled with confusion. “I just missed you,” Ava whispered, her voice soft but thick with emotion. Rose stepped forward, her brow furrowed. “Holly, why are you here so suddenly? Your bodyguard didn’t notify me about this visit.” Holly’s next words landed like a thunderclap. “That’s because he’s dead.” “What?” Ava gasped, pulling back from her sister. Her posture straightened as the words sank in. “What do you mean? What happened? When did this happen?” she asked, her voice rising with urgency. Holly’s gaze dropped, her hands trembling as she whispered, “It’s Dad.” She looked directly at Ava, fear etched
Orion’s POVCradling Ava's limp form against me, her body cold and still, the past week came crashing into my mind like a relentless tide, dragging me back to the darkest moments. Chloe’s voice, as clear as if she were standing right here, played over and over in my head.I closed my eyes, fighting the flood of memories, but they came anyway. The first time she’d called after the scandal had faded—her calm, unnervingly calculated tone—it had felt like the beginning of something dangerous. Something insidious.“I want you there at six,” she'd threatened, her voice oozing venom masked as sweetness. “Or I’ll make sure this goes public. Think I’m bluffing? I’ve got a video that’ll destroy you, Orion. Imagine how she’ll react when she sees it. All those nights... How do you think she’ll feel watching our sex video?”The poison in her words sank into my skin, the memory of that call still fresh. “Remember Chicago?” Chloe had murmured, her breath deliberate, every word a careful caress. “I
Ava’s POV Mason.“What are you doing here?” I asked, my voice curious as soon as the door clicked shut behind him. He didn’t respond, but only walked further into the room.“I was just about to call you, but…” My words trailed off as I took in his appearance. He was still wearing the same turtleneck and coat I’d seen him in yesterday. In the middle of summer. I frowned. "Mason, it’s sweltering outside. Why are you still dressed like this? You could at least lose the coat. I know this is a corporate setting, but I would never question you even if you didn’t dress so formally.”Mason smirked faintly, brushing off my comment, but before he could respond, Orion spoke, his voice laced with suspicion and accusation. “Why are you wearing so many layers in this weather?” He stepped forward, his movements slow and deliberate, like a predator stalking its prey. “Orion,” I warned, my tone firm. “That’s enough.” Mason’s smirk twisted into a sneer as he locked eyes with Orion. “You don’t
Ava's POV The morning sunlight streamed through my office window, illuminating the stack of damning documents on my desk. Photos, doctored emails, and fabricated accusations stared back at me, each one a calculated attempt to tarnish my name and shake the foundations of Miller Enterprise. Rose hovered nearby, her face pale with worry. "Ava," she began, her voice trembling. "This... this is catastrophic. It's worse than anything we've ever faced." I remained seated, my face calm and unreadable. “They’re emptying their rifles,” I said, my voice steady, almost amused. Orion paced behind me, his tension radiating like a storm waiting to break. “Ava, this isn’t just about you,” he said sharply. “This is bigger. They’re coming for the company. They’re coming for us.” I raised a hand, silencing him. “Orion, stop.” He froze mid-step, turning to face me. “How can you be so calm? Do you even realize what’s at stake?” “I do,” I replied, standing and brushing off my blazer. “And I k
The city skyline shimmered like a chessboard under the moonlight, each glowing tower representing a player in this corporate war. While Chloe plotted her revenge, the Jamesons were orchestrating their own calculated strike, a move that would send shockwaves through Miller Enterprise before the Millers even knew what hit them. The Jameson estate exuded an aura of unrelenting power. The sprawling grounds, with their pristine gardens and wrought-iron gates, were more fortress than home, a testament to the family’s wealth and ruthless ambition. Inside the mansion, the atmosphere was no warmer. The study, with its dark oak paneling and looming bookshelves, felt like the nerve center of a war room. Mr. Jameson sat behind the massive desk, his piercing eyes scanning a confidential file. The dim light from the desk lamp cast long, jagged shadows on the walls, amplifying the tension in the room. A glass of bourbon sat untouched beside him, condensation pooling on its surface. Mrs. Jameso
Ava’s POVThe moment I saw the figure step into view, cloaked in black with their face obscured by a mask, my blood ran cold. A scream ripped from my throat, piercing through the suffocating silence of the house. I didn’t wait to see what they would do next. My instincts screamed at me to run.I turned and bolted back up the stairs, my heart pounding so hard I could hear it in my ears. I made it halfway to my room when I felt a rough hand wrap around my wrist, yanking me back with such force that I almost lost my balance.“Let me go!” I screamed, twisting and struggling, my free hand clawing at the iron grip that held me. The figure said nothing, their strength overwhelming as they began dragging me toward the stairs.“No! Let me go, you son of a gun!” I kicked and squirmed, planting my feet against the floor and grabbing the railing, anything to slow them down. My nails dug into the wood, and I screamed again, hoping against hope that someone—anyone—would hear me.And I ask again, wh