Ava's POV
I didn't sleep.
Not because I couldn't.
Because I didn't want to.
Dad was still in the hospital. I had enemies in my house. And now, Ethan had questions in his eyes.
But I had something they didn't—purpose.
I dressed like I owned the world and went back to Elloria Enterprises. This time, I wasn't just the acting director.
I was the threat.
When I got to Dad's office, Elara was already there. Sitting like she owned it.
I blinked, surprised. "What are you doing here?"
She smiled—calm, fake. "What do you think? I'm supporting my husband, of course."
My jaw tightened. "Funny. You only seem to support his money. I regret the day my father married you."
She didn't flinch. "Watch your tone, Ava. You might be acting director now, but that doesn't mean you will be forever."
"I'm sorry, but you're dreaming—because it's already happened," I said. "I'm in charge. And I'm watching everyone."
That's when Melissa walked in.
She leaned against the doorframe like it was all a joke. "Wow. My sister is learning how to talk?"
"Elara," I said, ignoring her, "you and your daughter need to leave."
Elara stood and slapped me across the face.
I didn't move. Didn't hesitate. I just looked at them. I was playing it exactly how we planned.
Melissa sneered. "No need to get feisty. You'll be gone soon anyway."
I took a step forward. "Say that again."
She curled a smile. "Careful, sis. You're starting to sound like you don't trust us."
"I don't," I said quietly.
Elara stepped forward, eyes cold. "We're not finished."
"No," I replied. "You are."
They left.
But my hands wouldn't stop shaking.
Melissa had always been my biggest fear—because of the things she'd done. The threats, the silence, the way she made me feel small when no one was watching, and the things she did to me at school. I knew what she was capable of. And now, she wasn't even trying to hide it.
Later that day, my phone rang.
Nico.
"Hey, little angel," he said, his voice soft. "I haven't heard from you today."
I didn't even try to fake a smile. "I'm not okay, Nic."
He was quiet for a beat. "What happened?"
"I'm tired," I said. "I feel like everything's falling apart. Melissa and Elara showed up at Dad's office like they own the place. Elara slapped me. And I just stood there. I wanted to fight back so badly, but... I didn't. Because of the stupid plan."
My throat tightened. I looked around my empty room like it would hold me.
"I hate that I have to keep pretending. That I can't even protect my own father. He's lying in a hospital bed while they walk around like nothing's wrong. And I'm scared, Nic. I'm scared they'll hurt him again. Or hurt me."
I heard him exhale on the other end—steady and calm, like always.
"I wish I could hug you right now," he said softly. "You don't have to be strong all the time, Ava."
Tears slipped down my cheeks, silent and hot.
"I just want all this to stop."
"And it will," Nico said. "We're going to fix this. I promise. But you have to hold on, just a little longer. You're not alone."
I wiped my face with the back of my hand, but the tears didn't stop.
"Nico… what if we don't find anything? What if they win?"
"They won't," he said, firm now. "They're arrogant. They think they've covered their tracks, but they slipped up once. They'll do it again. And when they do—we'll be ready."
I didn't say anything. I just listened to his voice. It calmed something in me.
"I know you're hurting," he continued. "But you've come this far. You walked into that office today like a storm, Ava. You didn't back down. That's what they're scared of."
A small laugh escaped me, broken. "I didn't feel strong."
"You don't have to feel it to be it," he said. "You already are."
For a moment, I just breathed. Let myself be quiet. Let his words sink in.
"Thank you, Nic."
"You don't have to thank me. Just… promise me something."
"What?"
"If it ever gets too much—call me. No matter the time. Even if you just want to cry."
"I will," I whispered.
And for the first time all day, I believed things might actually get better.
I got back from the office. I didn't get anything to eat. Just had my bath and rested.
I couldn't sleep.
Something felt… off.
So I walked downstairs quietly, barefoot, hugging my robe. I was about to grab water from the kitchen when I heard voices—low, sharp, dangerous.
I stopped. The living room lights were on, just a soft glow. I moved closer, staying behind the hallway wall.
"Elara, what if she finds out?" Melissa whispered.
"She won't," Elara replied coldly. "Not if you do what I told you. Get close to that Nico. She trusts him. Once we isolate her, she'll fall."
"She already thinks she's untouchable," Melissa said. "But I'll break her. She won't even see it coming."
My heart froze.
I pressed my back against the wall. They were talking about me—and Nico.
I reached for my phone. Empty hand.
I'd left it upstairs.
No proof. No recording.
Just my racing heart and the echo of their voices burning in my head.
I backed away slowly, careful not to make a sound.
They were planning something.
And I had nothing to stop them—yet.
I went back upstairs like a ghost. Quiet. Shaking.
In my room, I locked the door and sank to the floor.
They were planning to use Nico.
They were going to come for me.
And I had no proof. No recording. Just my word. And who would believe me over them?
But what chilled me the most?
How did they even know I was that close to Nico?
I hadn't told anyone. I hadn't shown it. Except maybe Ethan—but he wouldn't…
I picked up my phone with trembling fingers and dialed Nico.
He picked up on the first ring. "Ava?"
I couldn't even speak right away.
"Ava?" he said again, more urgent.
"They're planning something," I whispered.
"Who?"
"Elara and Melissa. I overheard them tonight. They want to use you. To hurt me."
Silence.
"I didn't record it," I said, ashamed. "I was so shocked… I just froze."
"It's okay," Nico said. His voice was steady, low. Dangerous. "You don't need proof. Not yet. You have me."
"But they're smart, Nic. And cruel. And they live under the same roof as me."
"Not for long," he said. "You're getting out of that house, Ava. And we're turning this around."
For once, I believed him.
But I was still scared.
Because if they were willing to use him… what else were they capable of?