Chapter Seventeen: Unexpected Agreements

Ava jolted awake as the car came to a stop in front of her modest apartment building. Disoriented, she blinked a few times before her surroundings came into focus. Instantly, annoyance flashed across her features.

"Liam, why didn't you wake me up? We're here already!" she snapped, shooting him an accusing glare.

Liam shifted uncomfortably in his seat, avoiding her fiery gaze. "Uh, I just didn't want to disturb you," he replied awkwardly. "You looked so peaceful sleeping."

Ava rolled her eyes dramatically. "Whatever. I'm getting out now." She made no effort to conceal her irritation as she flung open the car door and stepped out onto the sidewalk.

Her eyes immediately landed on a strange man waving at them from the gatehouse. Furrowing her brow, she waved back politely, more out of ingrained courtesy than any genuine warmth. Turning her attention to Liam, who had also exited the vehicle, she muttered, "That guy is kinda weird, isn't he?"