Chapter 6 - The Heir They Wanted
A week later, Ava overheard the truth about the baby.
Trent and Evelyn were speaking in the study after midnight. Ava had gone to the kitchen for water when she heard Evelyn raise her voice.
“A daughter gives us nothing.”
“She gives us access to Ava,” Trent replied.
“Only if Ava remains cooperative.”
“She will.”
“You said that before.”
Ava stood in the dark hallway, recording through the partially open door.
Evelyn continued.
“The family trust passes voting authority through the male line. Your father made that clear.”
“I know what the documents say.”
“Then you understand why this pregnancy is a disappointment.”
Trent did not defend his unborn daughter.
Instead, he said, “Once the waterfront project is secured, we can deal with the rest.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means Ava either signs willingly, or Dr. Bell certifies that she can’t make decisions.”
“And after the baby?”
There was a pause.
“We reconsider the marriage.”
Ava covered her mouth to keep her breathing quiet.
Evelyn lowered her voice.
“The accident clause would be simpler.”
Ava did not know what that meant.
She did not wait to find out.
She returned to the bedroom, locked the bathroom door, and sent the recording to Alex and Maya.
Alex called within seconds.
“You’re leaving tonight.”
Ava looked toward the bedroom, where Trent would soon return.
“I need my passport and the original trust documents. They’re in the study safe.”
“Forget the documents.”
“They can destroy evidence.”
“We can recover documents. We cannot replace you.”
Maya joined the call and agreed with Alex.
Ava packed a small bag while they stayed on the line. She placed the bag beneath a bench near the service elevator.
Before she could leave, Trent entered the bedroom.
“Why are you awake?”
“I couldn’t sleep.”
He studied her face.
“Have you been crying?”
“The baby was moving.”
His eyes shifted toward the closet.
Ava’s suitcase was missing from its usual shelf.
Trent walked toward it.
Ava’s heart pounded.
Then the building intercom sounded.
A delivery driver was waiting downstairs.
Alex had ordered food to the penthouse under Trent’s name, creating a distraction.
While Trent argued with security, Ava moved toward the service elevator.
The doors opened.
Evelyn was standing inside.
She looked at the bag in Ava’s hand.
“Going somewhere?”
Ava tightened her grip.
Evelyn stepped out of the elevator and pressed the button that sent it back down.
“Trent,” she called.
Ava ran toward the bedroom and locked herself inside.
For forty minutes, Trent and Evelyn remained outside the door, demanding that she open it.
Then Trent changed his tone.
He apologized.
He said his mother had misunderstood the situation. He promised they could discuss everything calmly.
Ava did not believe him.
But she also knew the bedroom door would not protect her forever.
She activated the smart-home emergency profile halfway, sending Alex her live location without triggering the full alarm.
Then she opened the door.
Trent smiled.
“You see?” he said. “Family problems should stay inside the family.”
May you like
Ava returned his smile.
For the next nine days, she pretended to agree.
