Ava could do nothing but stay still as the bodyguards took Lukas away, despite the boy's vigorous protest. It was for the best, they said.
"Well then, I'll take my leave," Ava said, about to leave her spot. She felt uncomfortable surrounded by these large men with intimidating faces.
However, Ava was taken aback when two of the bodyguards spread their arms, blocking her path.
"I'm sorry, Miss! But our boss said we have to bring you to him," the head bodyguard said to the hapless girl.
"Oh my god," Ava groaned. "This is all a misunderstanding! Don't accuse me of things I didn't do! The boy himself came to me and forced me to accept him for an overnight stay!"
"Whatever it is, you better explain it to Mr. Montgomery himself," the leader of the guards replied. "I'm just following orders."
The head bodyguard snapped his fingers. Ava's hands were bound behind her back. She could only submit and obey. She could imagine this consequence if she was late to take Lukas home.
Ava was dragged by the bodyguards to a luxurious car waiting for them. The interior was spacious and furnished with the finest leather seats. The car was driven by a man in a black suit who didn't even bother to glance at Ava when she got in. The journey was silent, except for the sound of the car engine and Ava's occasional sighs.
After a while, they arrived at a grand mansion with a huge gate. The gate opened automatically as they approached, revealing a garden filled with lush greenery and a fountain in the center. The car drove through the garden and parked in front of the mansion's entrance.
'This is so beautiful. I never got to enjoy this view because I was always in a hurry,' thought Ava, impressed by the breathtaking scenery. But she quickly realized that she was in danger. She shouldn't be admiring the beauty of the Montgomery family's estate right now.
Two servants in uniform greeted them and opened the door for Ava and the bodyguards. Ava was taken to a spacious room that looked like a waiting area. The walls were adorned with expensive paintings, and the furniture was made of high-quality wood. Ava was asked to sit on a comfortable couch while the bodyguards stood guard at the door.
Minutes later, a familiar handsome man with an imposing presence entered the room. He was wearing a suit that looked tailor-made for him, and his hair was slicked back. He didn't even bother to greet Ava and went straight to the point.
"Miss Ava, I believe you have some explanations to do," he said with a stern voice. "I already told you not to cause trouble anymore!"
Ava took a deep breath and tried to explain the situation to him, but he didn't seem interested in listening. He interrupted her with a wave of his hand and turned to the bodyguards.
"Take her to the guest room. Make sure she doesn't leave until I've made my decision," he ordered.
The bodyguards escorted Ava to a luxurious guest room and left her alone. Ava was furious but also scared. She knew she had made a mistake by accepting Lukas' invitation, but she didn't expect it to escalate this far. She could only hope that William Montgomery would be reasonable and let her go soon.
However, things took a turn for the worse as the bodyguards tightly bound Ava with ropes. She struggled against the restraints and protested, "Hey, why are you tying me up?"
"Sorry, miss! We're just following our boss's orders," replied one of them.
Ava tried to wriggle free from the tight knots, but it was no use. She looked around the room and saw that she was in a lavish study, filled with antique books and expensive furnishings. Suddenly, the door opened, and in walked a tall, imposing man with a stern expression on his face. It was William.
"Ah, Miss Ava. So nice of you to join us," he said in a deep, booming voice.
"Mr. Montgomery, please let me go. This is a misunderstanding," Ava pleaded. "And what's with this? You have no right to tie me up! As if I'm threatening you or something."
"You are," Mr. Montgomery replied coldly.
Ava's eyes widened as William approached and stared at her sharply. He raised his hand to touch Ava's pink shirt and unbuttoned it one by one.
"What are you doing?" Ava screamed.
"I just want to make sure you're not carrying anything dangerous," William answered expressionlessly.
"But—"
"Be quiet! This won't take long."