Chapter Four: A Blast from the Past

Ava woke up the next morning feeling refreshed and then made her way to her father's house after breakfast.

On getting there, Ava's eyes wandered around the old mansion, taking in the familiar sights and sounds. It had been years since she'd last set foot in this place, but the memories came flooding back like a tidal wave.

She remembered running down the hallways as a child, playing hide-and-seek with her brother Ethan. She remembered the countless dinner parties and gatherings, the sound of laughter and music filling the air.

But most of all, she remembered her mother.

Ava's heart ached as she thought about her mother, who had passed away when Ava was just a teenager. Her mother had been the glue that held the family together, and without her, everything had fallen apart.

Ava's father, Marcus Yu, had remarried soon after her mother's death, and Ava had never gotten along with her stepmother or stepsister. The tension between them had only grown worse over the years.

As Ava walked through the mansion, she stumbled upon a room that she hadn't seen in years. It was her mother's old study, and it looked like it had been left untouched since her mother's passing.

Ava's eyes welled up with tears as she saw her mother's old desk, her books and papers still scattered across the surface. She saw the old photograph of her mother and father, taken on their wedding day.

Ava felt a wave of nostalgia wash over her, and she couldn't help but sit down in her mother's old chair. She ran her fingers over the familiar surface, feeling a sense of comfort and peace.

Ava's eyes lingered on the old photograph, her mind flooded with memories of her mother. She remembered the way her mother used to smile, the way she used to laugh.

For a moment, Ava forgot about her father's betrayal, forgot about her desire for revenge. All she could think about was her mother, and the happy memories they had shared in this very room.

As she stood there, lost in thought, Ava heard a noise behind her. She turned to see her stepmother, Victoria, standing in the doorway.

"Ava, what are you doing in here?" Victoria asked, her voice cold and detached.

Ava felt a surge of anger, but she pushed it down. "I was just looking for something," she said, her voice neutral.

Victoria raised an eyebrow. "I didn't know you were interested in old photographs."

Ava shrugged. "I wasn't. I just stumbled upon it."

Victoria's eyes narrowed. "You're not going to start digging up the past, are you?"

Ava felt a spark of defiance ignite within her. "Maybe I am," she said, her voice firm.

Victoria's face turned pale, and for a moment, Ava thought she saw a flicker of fear in her stepmother's eyes.

But then, Victoria's mask slipped back into place. "I don't think that would be wise, Ava," she said, her voice dripping with malice. "Some secrets are better left buried."

Ava felt a shiver run down her spine. What was Victoria hiding?

Ava's eyes locked onto Victoria's, her mind racing with possibilities. What secrets was her stepmother hiding? And why was she so desperate to keep them buried?

"I'm not afraid of the truth," Ava said, her voice firm.

Victoria's smile was icy. "We'll see about that," she said, turning on her heel and walking away.

Ava watched her go, her heart pounding with anticipation. She knew that she had just scratched the surface of something big.

As she was debating on her thoughts her father entered. "You're back, said her father" 

Good morning father Ava said, We should talk about what brought me here.

Marcus Yu, Ava's father, nodded curtly, his expression serious. "Yes, we should talk", he said walking over to his desk.

Ava followed him. As I spoke with you on the phone I want you to meet with someone.

"His name is Harrison Lee. He's the son of my good friend, James Lee. They're a very influential family in this city, and I think it would be beneficial for you to get to know them."

Ava's eyes rolled in exasperation. Her father was trying to set her up with someone again. And not just anyone, but the son of one of his wealthy friends. 

"Father, I don't think that's a good idea," Ava said, trying to reason with him.

But her father was not to be deterred. "Nonsense, Ava. You need to think about the companies future you know all what's happening at the moment and besides you're not getting any younger, and you need to settle down with someone who can provide for you." 

Ava's anger boiled over. "I can provide for myself. I don't need some rich guy to take care of me."

Her father's tone turned cold. "You're being foolish, Ava. This is a great opportunity for you. You'll do as I say and meet Harrison Lee for dinner tonight." Or else the company will be given to Sophia.