Chapter 87: Ambition and Schemes

Ava's POVThe weeks following the attack were a blur of activity. The launch of Aria Technologies consumed my every waking moment. Building a team, finalizing game designs, meeting with investors – it was a whirlwind of challenges and triumphs.Liam, ever the supportive partner, was a constant presence, albeit mostly from afar. Our agreement to keep our relationship private meant stolen glances across the office building, late-night phone calls filled with whispered sweet nothings, and the occasional clandestine lunch date in hidden corners of the city.While I was consumed by the exhilarating chaos of building my company, a different kind of drama was unfolding back at my apartment. Evelyn, with her usual flair for the dramatic, had declared a sudden "emergency" back in our village, leaving Jessica and my grandmother in my care.My grandmother, bless her heart, was a source of unwavering support, her presence a calming influence amidst the storm. But Jessica, with her sharp tongue and insatiable ambition, was a constant source of irritation."So," she drawled one morning, her eyes scanning the designer labels in my closet, "when do I get to meet Mr. Moneybags again?"I suppressed a sigh, resisting the urge to roll my eyes. "Liam is busy with his own company, Jessica. He's not here to entertain you."Jessica scoffed, her perfectly manicured nails tapping impatiently against the vanity table. "Please, Ava. Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about. The man is practically drooling over you. It wouldn't take much to convince him to throw a little opportunity my way."My jaw tightened. "Liam is not some pawn to be manipulated, Jessica. And I certainly won't be used as a stepping stone for your social climbing."Jessica's eyes narrowed. "Oh, please. Don't act so high and mighty. We both know you're only with him for his money."The accusation stung, a sharp reminder of the insecurities that still lingered within me. But I wouldn't let Jessica's venomous words poison the genuine love I shared with Liam."You're wrong, Jessica," I said, my voice firm with conviction. "I love Liam for who he is, not for what he has."Jessica let out a sarcastic laugh. "Sure you do, Ava. That's why you're hiding your relationship, right? Because you're so in love."I ignored her taunts, focusing on the task at hand – preparing for the upcoming launch event. But Jessica's words lingered, a nagging reminder of the challenges that lay ahead.I knew that keeping our relationship a secret wouldn't be easy, especially with Jessica's relentless pursuit of Liam. But I was determined to protect our love, to shield it from the prying eyes of the world, to prove to everyone, including myself, that our connection was deeper than any social or financial divide.As the days turned into weeks, Jessica's pursuit of Liam intensified. She would "accidentally" bump into him at the office, send him flirtatious messages, and even show up at his penthouse with flimsy excuses.Liam, amused by her antics and aware of my silent observation, played along, fueling Jessica's delusions while secretly relishing the jealous sparks that ignited in my eyes.I knew he was doing it to tease me, to test the boundaries of our clandestine relationship. And despite my annoyance, I couldn't help but admire his playful spirit, his ability to turn even the most frustrating situations into a game.But beneath the amusement, a flicker of anxiety remained. Jessica was relentless, her ambition as boundless as her vanity. And I couldn't shake the feeling that she wouldn't give up easily, that she would stop at nothing to achieve her goal of snagging a wealthy husband, even if it meant using me as a stepping stone.I knew I had to be vigilant, to protect our love from the venomous whispers and manipulative schemes of my stepsister. But I also knew that I couldn't let fear dictate my actions. I had to trust Liam, trust our love, and trust that together, we could overcome any obstacle, any challenge, any threat to our happiness.