Chapter 90: Uninvited Guest

Ava's POVThe days leading up to the launch of Aria Technologies were a whirlwind of activity. Finalizing the game demos, coordinating with the marketing team, and managing the ever-growing guest list kept me buzzing with a frenetic energy.But amidst the excitement and anticipation, a dark cloud loomed over my personal life – Jessica. My stepsister, with her insatiable thirst for attention and her relentless pursuit of a wealthy husband, was proving to be a constant source of stress.While I was burning the midnight oil, perfecting every detail of the launch event, Jessica was busy painting the town red, her nights filled with club hopping, excessive drinking, and a string of questionable companions.On more than one occasion, I received frantic calls from bouncers or tearful pleas from Jessica herself, begging me to bail her out of some drunken escapade. Each time, I sent William, my ever-reliable bodyguard, to handle the situation, knowing that my own presence would only fuel the gossip mill and potentially jeopardize the launch.Finally, after one particularly messy incident involving a smashed champagne bottle and a screaming match with a socialite, I reached my breaking point. I confronted Jessica, my voice shaking with a mixture of anger and disappointment."Jessica, this has to stop," I declared, my patience wearing thin. "Your behavior is reckless and irresponsible. You're jeopardizing not only your own reputation but also the launch of my company."Jessica, her eyes bloodshot and her makeup smeared, scoffed. "Oh, please, Ava. Don't act so high and mighty. You're just jealous that I'm having fun while you're stuck in this stuffy office."My anger flared. "This isn't about fun, Jessica. It's about respect. Respect for yourself, respect for my company, and respect for the opportunity I've given you to stay in my apartment."Jessica's face contorted in a sneer. "Opportunity? You call this a freaking opportunity? I'm stuck here, babysitting your grandma while you're out gallivanting with your billionaire boyfriend."My jaw tightened. "Liam is not my boyfriend," I corrected her, my voice firm. "And even if he were, it's none of your business."Jessica let out a harsh laugh. "Oh, please, Ava. Don't insult my intelligence. Everyone knows you're only with him for his money."The accusation stung, but I refused to let Jessica's venomous words penetrate my resolve. "You're wrong, Jessica," I said, my voice unwavering. "I love Liam. And he loves me. And your petty jealousy won't change that."Jessica's eyes narrowed. "We'll see about that, Ava," she hissed, her voice laced with a threat.I had enough. "Get out, Jessica," I said, my voice cold and firm. "Get out of my apartment. You're not welcome here anymore."Jessica's face flushed with rage. "You can't kick me out, Ava! This is my home too!""It's not your home," I corrected her. "It's mine. And you've overstayed your welcome."With a final glare, Jessica stormed out, slamming the door behind her. I could hear her angry footsteps echoing down the hallway, followed by the sound of Evelyn's shrill voice as she joined her daughter in a chorus of outrage.I took a deep breath, the tension slowly draining from my body. I had finally stood up to them, drawn a line in the sand. It was time to take control of my life, my company, my happiness. And I wouldn't let anyone, not even my own family, stand in my way.But as I calmed my nerves, a new wave of apprehension washed over me. Evelyn and Jessica wouldn't take this lying down. They would retaliate, their venomous schemes and manipulations escalating.And I knew, with a sinking feeling, that the launch event, the culmination of my dreams, was their next target.Evelyn, ever the opportunist, saw the launch event as a golden ticket to infiltrate the world of wealth and influence. She began her relentless pursuit of a rich man, someone who could escort Jessica to the event and potentially become her ticket to a life of luxury.I knew I had to be vigilant, to protect my company and my relationship from their manipulative clutches. 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.