Chapter 14
Ava’s POV
I took a step back and turned away, my hand reaching for the doorknob. And even my face felt hot, like I was blushing. Just as I was about to open the door, he stopped me. Then, a woman’s voice sounded from the hallway.
“Where’s your boss, Daniel?” she asked, sounding hurried.
“He’s in a meeting downtown, Miss Hailey, Daniel answered, walking after her. “I’ll tell him you came by
I held my breath, Fabio was suddenly right behind me, his body close, his hand gently covering my mouth, and his other hand holding my wrist. And we were stuck against the door while breathing close to each other. I could feel my heart beating fast as I looked up at him.
He leaned down, and my eyes widened, thinking he was about to kiss me. Instead, he whispered in my ear. “Don’t make a sound. She’ll hear us.”
1 sighed in relief and whispered back, “Who is she?”
He shook his head, a silent warning.
I pressed my lips together, staring at him, and swallowed nervously.
Then the woman’s sharp and clear voice said, “Okay, tell him I came by. If he ignores me again, I’m going to talk to my father about the proposal”
“Let me walk you out, Miss Hailey, Daniel replied,
We heard their footsteps fade away, and I finally took a breath. But to my surprise, Fabio was still close. What was he doing? Is he planning to just stare at me all day? I raised my hand, placing it against his chest, and gently pushed him back. Tm leaving today
He finally stepped back, and I tilted my head up to look at him. Why was he so tall? I always had to crane my neck.
“Okay, I’ll have my driver take you home,” he said, turning and walking back to his desk. He sat down, a thoughtful expression on his face, then asked, “Have you read your father’s final will yet?”
Oh, right. I’d almost forgotten. I guess I wasn’t ready to face whatever he’d written. I sighed, “No, not yet. I don’t think it’s important right now.”
“Alright. Just take your time. You may go home now.”
I wanted to ask about the woman he was avoiding but was too shy to ask about her. I was also curious about his life, which surprised me. Then, finally, I turned to leave. I usually don’t look back, but this time I did.
And to my shock, he was already staring at me. I gasped and quickly walked away, feeling like a silly schoolgirl with a crush. Cecille had already packed my things and left them outside. I wore a summer dress, my face set in a herce expression. I wasn’t in the mood to smile, especially not after learning the Don had changed my clothes. Did that mean… he saw me naked? Shit.
“Miss Ava Romanov?” A familiar voice broke through my thoughts. I turned and recognized her instantly- the woman from the hallway, the one who’d seemed so desperate to find the Don
I studied her. She was strikingly attractive, with a sun–kissed tan that suggested a life of leisure. Her figure was the kind you saw in magazines–perfectly sculpted, perhaps a little too perfect. Still, she was undeniably beautiful
“Oh hi, 1 replied, my gaze flicking to the two imposing bodyguards and the black van waiting behind her.
You’re the famous Ava Romanoy, the last of the Romanov line.” she said, then seemed to catch herself. “Sorry, I got carried away. I’m Hailey Sullivan, daughter of Luciano Sullivan, the Moretti’s new business partner. And you? What are you doing here
So, this is the woman Fabio’s been avoiding? Why, though?
“Oh, it’s a long story,” I said, hoping to end the conversation.
1/2
Chapter 14.
Just then, the driver opened the car door for me. I gave Hailey a quick wave. “Nice meeting you, by the way”
+6 Pearts
To be honest, I didn’t like her vibe. She seemed like a tiger, ready to defend her territory a territory I’d apparently trespassed upon. Her lips curved into a slow, almost predatory smile as she waved back
But deep inside, I got curious about her.
Miss Ava, I’m relieved you’re alright, the driver said. The intruder is in the mansion’s cell. The Don is interrogating him.”
Turn the car around.” I said immediately.
The driver looked confused. “Did I do something wrong?
“I need to see the man who attacked me,” I said, my voice urgent.
He nodded and turned the car back towards the mansion. Cecille, in the front seat, asked, “Miss Ava, would you like me to come with you?”
“No, Cecille. Go with the driver,” I said, stepping out of the car. I noticed the black van was still there. Hailey hadn’t left.
She stood outside the mansion, arms crossed, as if waiting for someone. I walked past her. She looked at me, clearly confused. “Oh, you came back?”
“I forgot something.” I said, smiling. I walked into the hallway, heading straight for the study, but Fabio wasn’t there.
I went to the backyard, where another building housed the cells. I pressed the doorbell. When Daniel opened the door, his eyes widened. “Miss Ava, you’re here…
“Where is he?” I asked.
“Who?” he asked, feigning ignorance.
“The Don. I need to speak with him.”
Daniel muttered to himself, “Why is everyone looking for the Don?”
“Excuse me?”
“Uh, this way… he sighed, leading me down a hallway.
Inside, it was a stark, enclosed space. I heard a man groaning in pain, his voice filled with agony, begging, “Please… stop!”
Before I could open the door, Fabio stepped out, blocking my path. “What are you doing here?”
“I need to see him,” I said, my voice firm, locking eyes with Fabio. “I can’t move on until I do.
Fabio’s gaze was sharp. “Are you sure you’re prepared for this? He’s… not a pretty sight. He’s covered in blood.”
I didn’t flinch. Then he opened the door.
The sight of the man, my attacker, made my breath catch in my throat. He was a grotesque canvas of crimson.
Fabio gestured, and one of his men wiped the blood from the man’s face.
I stared, searching. But it wasn’t him. The face that haunted my dreams, the blurry image of my father and my brother’s killer, was not this man’s.
“Do you recognize him?” Fabio asked.
