The Warning Call

Ava's POV

The moment I stepped into the car, the weight of everything crashed down on me, pressing against my chest like an iron vice. The mansion, that dreadful family, the accusations… I felt trapped, cornered in a game I hadn’t asked to play. As the driver pulled away from the estate, the silence settled in, thick and stifling.

I barely noticed when Rose reached over, placing a comforting hand on my arm. “Ava… are you alright?”

That was all it took. The tears I’d been holding back spilled over, hot and heavy. I buried my face in my hands, feeling the rage, frustration, and exhaustion pour out of me in choked sobs. “I… I can’t do this anymore, Rose,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “I feel like they’re all just circling, waiting for me to fall apart so they can pick up the pieces.”

“They’re just vultures,” Rose said softly, rubbing my shoulder. “They want to wear you down, but you can’t let them. You’re stronger than they think.”

I leaned back, wiping my face with a shaking hand, trying to regain control. “They look at me like I don’t belong, like I’m some… parasite. And Orion, he just—” I stopped myself, remembering the twisted glint of amusement in his eyes during the meeting. “He’s enjoying this. It’s all just a game to him.”

Rose’s expression hardened. “Ava, you don’t have to go through this alone. You have people who care about you—me, for one. And we’ll get through this.”

I nodded, grateful, but a gnawing worry clawed at me. “I know. It’s just that… they keep throwing curveballs. First, it’s his mother insulting me, and now this ‘glitch in the will’? What could that even mean? Richard made sure everything was taken care of, didn’t he?”

Rose hesitated, glancing out the window as if considering her words carefully. “Ava, there’s a lot you don’t know about these people. They play dirty, and they’re not afraid to go after anyone in their way. But you’ve fought too hard to let them scare you off now.”

My phone buzzed, cutting into the silence. I checked the screen, my stomach sinking as I saw an unknown number. For a moment, I debated ignoring it, but something in me felt compelled to answer.

“Ava Miller speaking,” I said, trying to keep my tone steady.

A low chuckle echoed from the other end. “Mrs. Miller, it’s so delightful to hear your voice. I hope you’re not too rattled from your little… family reunion.”

The voice was unfamiliar, deep and slightly mocking. “Who is this?”

“Oh, just someone who knows more about that ‘glitch’ than you might like. Tell me, did they mention how easy it would be to make you disappear?”

My blood ran cold. “What do you want?”

“Just to keep you on your toes, my dear,” the voice replied smoothly. “You thought inheriting Richard’s empire would be simple, didn’t you? Poor little Ava, thinking she could waltz in and take over. It’s a dangerous game you’re playing, and I’d hate for anything unfortunate to happen.”

The line went dead. I stared at my phone, a deep sense of dread filling me. Whoever this was, they weren’t bluffing. And the timing… right after that meeting, after everything that had just happened? Someone wanted me scared, and it was working.

Rose looked over at me, worry etched in her features. “Ava, what’s wrong?”

I couldn’t find the words. “It’s… nothing,” I managed, though my hands were trembling. “Just a prank call.”

Rose didn’t look convinced, but she didn’t press me. I turned to stare out the window, my mind whirling. The pieces weren’t adding up. If they were hinting at a “glitch” in Richard’s will, could they mean there was something I’d missed? A loophole or clause they intended to exploit?

As we drove through the city streets, I began to realize that I couldn’t ignore this threat any longer. This was more than just an inheritance fight; it was a battle for survival. And if I didn’t start digging deeper, I might just end up as collateral damage.

“Rose,” I said suddenly, my voice steadier. “When you get back to the office, I need you to pull everything we have on Richard’s estate, the will, every document.”

She nodded, determination in her eyes. “We’ll figure this out, Ava. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

I gave her a grateful smile, though fear still gnawed at me. “Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Before I could say anything more, the car jolted as it took a sharp turn down a side street. The driver, usually calm and steady, seemed on edge, his eyes darting nervously in the rearview mirror.

“Is everything alright?” I asked, frowning.

He hesitated, glancing over his shoulder. “Mrs. Miller, I think we’re being followed.”

My heart skipped a beat. I turned, catching a glimpse of a sleek black SUV trailing behind us. It stayed close, matching our speed, and a flash of panic surged through me.

“Drive faster,” I ordered, my voice barely above a whisper.

The driver nodded, pressing down on the gas. The car sped up, weaving through traffic, but the SUV stayed on us, relentless. Rose clutched the seat, her knuckles white.

“They’re not giving up,” she murmured, fear evident in her voice.

I reached for my phone, my hands shaking. “I’m calling the police.”

But before I could dial, the SUV swerved, cutting into our lane. The driver slammed on the brakes, sending us jerking forward. Rose let out a gasp as I grabbed onto the seat to steady myself. The SUV blocked our path, and I watched in horror as two figures emerged, dressed in dark suits, their faces obscured by tinted sunglasses.

“Ava, lock the doors,” Rose whispered, her voice trembling.

I did as she said, heart pounding as the men approached. One of them rapped on the window, his expression unreadable.

“Mrs. Miller, please step out of the vehicle,” he called out, his voice muffled but commanding.

“Who are you?” I shouted, my voice a mix of anger and fear.

“We’re here on behalf of a very important person,” he replied smoothly. “He’s requested a more private meeting with you. It would be wise to cooperate.”

Rose shot me a look, her eyes wide with terror. “Ava, don’t. We can’t trust them.”

I swallowed hard, considering my options. I could try to make a run for it, but with the car boxed in, we wouldn’t get far. And if they were really here on Orion’s orders…

“Tell whoever sent you to come to my office. I’ll speak with him on my own terms,” I said, my voice firm. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”

The man’s lips curled into a smirk. “Mrs. Miller, we’re not giving you a choice.”

Before I could react, he signaled to the other man, who pulled out a device and pressed it against the side of the car. A sudden jolt of electricity surged through the vehicle, the engine sputtering to a halt. The lights dimmed, leaving us trapped in silence.

“Ava…” Rose whispered, panic rising in her voice.

I clenched my fists, fighting to keep my composure. This wasn’t over—not by a long shot.

“You think this is going to scare me?” I said, forcing strength into my words. “You have no idea who you’re dealing with.”

The man leaned closer, his voice a low, menacing growl. “Neither do you, Mrs. Miller.”

Just then, the sound of police sirens filled the air, echoing down the street. The men exchanged glances, and I saw a flicker of hesitation in their eyes. They straightened, stepping back from the car as the flashing lights drew closer.

“Until next time,” one of them said, his voice carrying a promise of trouble to come.

They retreated to their SUV, disappearing into the night as quickly as they’d appeared. I exhaled, barely able to believe it was over, at least for now.

Rose let out a shaky breath. “Ava, what just happened?”

“I don’t know,” I replied, watching the police cars speed past us. “But I’m not going to sit back and wait for them to make the next move.”

As we resumed our drive, a new sense of resolve settled over me. Whatever this “glitch” in the will was, it was clear I wasn’t supposed to find out. But I was done playing their games.

This time, I was going to fight back—and I’d make sure they regretted ever thinking they could intimidate me.