Chapter 54.2

The ride back to Jason's home was uneventful with only Alice and Maple chatting. Alice was bragging on how big the mansion was to Maple before they both promised to play hide and seek together when Jason parked in front of the mansion.

"Whoa," Maple exited the car and froze as she saw the huge house in front of her. "It's soo . . . biigg!"

"Mhm, mhm," Alice nodded like with her arms crossed, a knowing smile on her face. She experienced the exact same emotion the first time she saw the house.

Maple laughed as she ran up to the house before stopping abruptly. Her face changed as she looked down at herself, at the clothes that were spoiled due to her hiding in the dumpster. Even though Jason had used a spell to clean her up and remove the horrid stench, her clothes were stained with garbage.

"What's wrong?" Alice asked as she caught up to Maple.

"I . . ." Maple lowered her head instead of answering but a large warm hand landed on her head. Looking up, she saw Jason in front of her, kneeling as he rubbed her hair with a smile.

"It's alright, kid," he said reassuringly and Maple's eyes watered with several emotions.

Is this what it feels like to have a dad? She asked herself.

"Let's go in," Jason held both Alice and Maple's hand before leading them to the entrance of the mansion.

The door was opened by a stunning redhead with bright, baby blue eyes that were locked on Jason. Her unblemished skin was unnaturally beautiful, though Jason faltered when he saw her features.

"Jason," the beautiful redhead greeted him calmly.

Ava? Jason thought, thoroughly surprised as he gazed at her new hair and eye color. What is she playing at - Oh, I see . . .

His eyes moved to Elizabeth who had her hand on his shoulder as she walked and he quickly came to a conclusion as he recalled that Elizabeth had met Ava. The corners of Jason's mouth twitched as he tried not to smile.

Now, isn't that interesting.

Alice also noticed Ava's different appearance and a cunning glint flagged through her eyes as she ran up to Ava.

"Wow, aunt Ava, you've changed your hair! It's so red!"

"Hmm?" Elizabeth heard Alice and raised an eyebrow.

That voice . . . Ava? That answering machine? Elizabeth thought. She turned to look at Jason only to see him avoiding her gaze. What is going on? And she changed to being a redhead? Hmm . . . interesting . . .

"Thank you, Alice," Ava smiled, though the smile did not reach her eyes which were still mechanically cold. Alice didn't mind it and instead ran around Ava, studying her new look as the latter turned her eyes on Maple. "A new child, Jason?"

At Ava's mildly suggestive question, Jason rolled his eyes and ignored her. Instead, he moved to kick his shoes off, but froze when he saw a pair of unknown sneakers.

"Those aren't mine," he stated brusquely with narrowed eyes.

"Ah. Yes," Ava said slowly, her voice filled with amusedly faux delight. "Alina is . . . entertaining a guest."

"Those are boy sneakers," Jason continued, this time in a louder voice as he glared, his eyes having never left the shoes.

"Yes."

"Sunva -"

Jason dashed up the stairs, three at a time, leaving everyone else alone. Elizabeth turned to Ava with a smile.

"It's nice seeing you again, Ava," Elizabeth said with feigned politeness.

"Freya . . ." Ava narrowed her eyes. A frigid atmosphere surrounded the two causing Alice and Maple to gaze at them back and forth.

"Well," Elizabeth looked up and down at Ava, her eyebrow raised as she appraised the latter with her Aura Sight. "I had no idea that you were . . . that you look like this."

Interesting, Elizabeth thought as she noticed that Ava had no life. So . . . this lassie is a machine . . . is she Jason's sex bot?

"You seem to have 'no idea' of a great many things," Ava answered indifferently and Elizabeth narrowed her eyes before smiling.

Heh, lassie sees me as a threat, Elizabeth chuckled. Amusing, considering that she's a machine . . . who's capable of . . . emotions . . .

Realization hit Elizabeth and she turned to look at the direction that Jason departed to, a frown forming on her face.

He wouldn't . . . Elizabeth thought but a sense of foreboding capsized her. But she's . . . That's not possible.