The Investigation

Before Ava could say anything Oliver said in a serious voice, "Granma I can assure you that the photos are definitely fake. I'm already investigating this matter."

Charles frowned. "What do you mean you are investigating it? Oliver, are you telling me that you already knew about these photos."

"Yes." Oliver was so angry at that moment but more so he was sad.

Seeing the photos on the screen, his first reaction was not anger, but heartache for Ava. He knew Ava's character well and knew how this is going to affect her self-esteem. Ava was a proud woman and losing her face in front of his family on the day she met them was a big deal for her.

Listening to Oliver's definite answer, Charles was silent for a moment then he said in his steady voice, "OK, I believe you but since it happened in front of so many people our reputation is on the line here. I'll give you a week to investigate and clear her name."

"Thank you, Grandpa and grandma, I'll take Ava home to have some rest now."

Elizabeth nodded and took a look at Ava. Looking at the miserable state of Ava, she felt bad for her, she didn't know why but she liked this little girl very much, and for some reason, she believed when Oliver said someone was trying to frame her. What shocked her the most was, Kiara put the pictures on the projector, she never thought the soft and sweet Kiara could do such things to someone. Her opinion toward Kara suddenly changed and she started to believe Erika's words. If it was really Kiara's doing then Erika was right and Kiara definitely was not a simple girl.

Oliver scooped Ava in his arm in front of everyone and walked out of the castle, Ava kept her face hidden in Oliver's chest the whole time, she didn't have any face to show in front of Oliver's family.

After Ava and Oliver left, Conner, Ella, Erika, and other people who knew Ava put some good words for her in front of Charles and Elizabeth, so they decided not to be judgmental about the whole thing and wait until Oliver bring the evidence and clear Ava's name. Charles believed in his grandson and knew Oliver would definitely be able to sort it out. Since Oliver decided to ask their permission to marry her in front of so many people, that showed how determined he was toward Ava.

Oliver's Villa.

Oliver brought Ava back to the villa. Mrs. Lee was already asleep. The moment they entered the bedroom Ava tightly held Oliver's shirt and said in a panicked tone, "Oliver, I was so afraid. I was so afraid that you left me."

"What nonsense are you talking about, didn't I already said I won't leave you?" Oliver said in a loving tone. But his dark eyes got even darker.

"Oliver, I... I really don't know from where those pictures came. I have ruined your family's reputation. Oliver, let's break up. I can't let you and your family lose their face and reputation in front of the whole city like that. I wouldn't be able to live if they said something bad behind your back because of me." Ava said and started to cry again. She felt really lost, why did this happen? Why in front of so many dignified people?

Oliver's heart ached to look at Ava's crazy appearance. This silly woman was still thinking about him and his family's reputation while her own character was in question.

"Ava baby calm down. I am not going anywhere and neither are you, do you hear me? Whatever happens, we will face it together." Oliver said with a resolute tone and looked at her firmly.

"But Oliver it's not about you and me anymore. It's about your family's reputation. Those photos are not fake you know it. Why did you lie to them?" Ava said shaking her head.

"Ava, baby listen to me, those photos could be faked. Think about it carefully again, haven't you realized it yet? You were tricked, Samuel and Kiara planned it together to take those photos. Don't worry I'll take care of it. I will get to the end of it but in the meantime, you cannot go to the hospital. OK!" Oliver said every word very seriously. He was sure that's exactly what had happened but he needs evidence to prove that in front of his family.

Ava was silent as she tried to digest all the things Oliver just said. Oliver was gently stroking her hair which made her feel comfortable and after a while, she nodded and agreed.

What happened at the castle at the party was undoubtedly the most sensational news in the whole city especially in the aristocratic circle, but when the sun rose the next day, it seemed like nothing happened. Since Charles knight has warned them himself, no one dared to say a word to anyone.

Oliver asked Uncle Joe to investigate overnight and shut down the hotel when the manager of the hotel said that the staffs were on duty that night had resigned a few days ago and someone has tempered with the hotel security monitoring system so there was no footage of that day and night. Oliver was so angry that he directly ordered to cut down the owner of the hotel from the business. Uncle Joe also made sure that he will never be able to get business in this city.

Since Oliver couldn't get any information from the hotel he had only one way left, to interrogate the two people, who were directly involved with the incident to find out the truth. Since he can't touch Kiara right now he went after Samuel. Uncle Joe kidnapped Samuel and brought him to Oliver's secret base.