Chapter 4 - A Family Performance
In public, the Mercers became more attentive.
Trent arranged a lavish baby shower in the penthouse ballroom. Evelyn invited business partners, journalists, and society photographers.
Every decoration was pale blue.
When Ava asked why, Evelyn claimed the designer had misunderstood.
During the party, Trent placed his hand on Ava’s stomach and told the guests how excited he was to become a father.
“He already reads to her every night,” Evelyn announced.
It was not true.
Trent rarely spoke to the baby unless someone was watching.
Ava smiled for photographs while secretly studying the guests. She wondered who had spoken to Evelyn about declaring her mentally unstable.
Then she noticed Dr. Marcus Bell.
Dr. Bell was a private physician who treated several members of the Mercer family. He approached Ava with exaggerated concern.
“You look tired,” he said.
“I’m fine.”
“Trent mentioned you’ve been under emotional strain.”
Ava glanced toward her husband.
“What exactly did he say?”
“That you’ve experienced confusion, suspicion, and periods of panic.”
“I haven’t.”
Dr. Bell lowered his voice.
“Pregnancy can sometimes intensify underlying conditions.”
“I don’t have an underlying condition.”
“Of course. We should still schedule an evaluation.”
Ava declined.
That evening, she found an unsigned medical authorization inside Trent’s desk.
It allowed Dr. Bell to share psychiatric evaluations directly with Trent and Evelyn.
Ava photographed it.
The following morning, she contacted an attorney named Maya Collins, a former colleague of her grandfather’s legal adviser.
They met in a quiet café across town.
Maya reviewed the recording, the proposed power of attorney, and the medical authorization.
“This is not enough to prove their full plan,” Maya said. “But it is enough for you to take protective steps.”
She helped Ava create a new will, revoke any existing medical permissions, and name Alex as her emergency representative.
They also prepared separation documents that Ava could file quickly.
“Do you want to leave him?” Maya asked.
Ava looked through the café window.
“I want to know whether my marriage was ever real.”
Maya did not soften her answer.
“Sometimes the most dangerous question is not whether someone loved you. It is whether they believe love gives them ownership.”
Ava returned to the penthouse that afternoon.
Evelyn was waiting in the living room.
“Where were you?”
“At an appointment.”
“What kind?”
“A private one.”
Evelyn stood.
“There should be no privacy between family members.”
Ava almost laughed.
Instead, she walked toward the hallway.
Evelyn called after her.
“Trent will eventually choose this family over you.”
May you like
Ava stopped.
“No,” she said quietly. “He already did.”
