As the secret door closed softly, Avery was cut off from the noise and chaos of the ballroom. Her heart raced as the Architect's firm but not painful grip on her elbow led her down a dimly lit hallway. Avery's mind raced, trying to weigh her options. She thought about calming him down, but she was unsure of the risks he posed to her friends.
They reached a richly decorated office with dark wood and leather. The Architect released her and gestured for her to sit behind a large desk while he took his place behind it. Avery stood with a stiff posture.
"Now, Ms. Chen, I believe we have much to discuss," the Architect began, his voice smooth but threatening.
Avery started to understand things. "Like, why have you been trying to kill me?" she asked.
The Architect laughed softly. "My dear, we wouldn't be having this conversation if I truly wanted you dead. These attempts were just tests. Your handling of them was quite impressive."
Avery shivered as she realized the implications. "You thought of it as a game?"
"A game?" The Architect's eyes gleamed with interest. "I'm sorry, Ms. Chen. There is much more to this. Your father and I have been working on this for some time."
The door opened again, and Marcus Chen walked in, looking every bit the powerful Don. Avery's breath caught in her throat. Despite everything, a part of her longed to run into his arms.
Marcus saw his daughter and softened his gaze. "Avery. You have grown quite remarkably."
Avery fought against her emotions and asked firmly, "Why? Why is all of this happening?"
Marcus looked at The Architect before answering. "Avery, the criminal world is changing. The old ways are fading. We needed someone to connect the younger generation with the older one—someone with your unique background and talents."
"So, you abandoned me?" Avery's years of hurt surfaced. "You weren't interested in me?"
The Architect spoke calmly. "It was necessary. You needed to learn and grow on your own. And you have exceeded all our expectations."
Avery's mind raced. She was rethinking her whole life's purpose. "What about Lucas and Brendan? Are they part of your plan too?"
The Architect gave a small smile. "The Sterling brothers have done well in their roles, even though they didn't know the bigger picture. Their actions and rivalry were designed to prepare you for leadership."
Avery felt a cold rage build inside her. These men had been manipulating her every move, controlling her entire life. "And why would I follow your grand scheme?" she asked in a dangerous tone.
Marcus stepped forward, his eyes pleading. "Avery, your birthright is natural. With your skills and our help, you could transform the underworld—make it fairer and better. Isn't that what you've always wanted? To make an impact?"
Avery hesitated, even though she was angry. Before she could respond, they heard a commotion outside the door. There were sounds of a struggle, followed by silence. When the door opened, Lucas and Damien entered, looking disheveled but determined. Elena followed, looking serious.
Lucas said firmly, "Step away from her," focusing on The Architect.
Damien looked between Marcus and Avery. "Well, this is quite a family gathering."
The Architect remained calm, almost impressive. "Professor Russo, how kind of you to join us. I hope you've ensured our safety?"
Elena nodded. "It won't be a problem for your men."
Marcus sighed, looking almost disappointed. "Avery, I hoped we could handle this smoothly. Sometimes, though, a demonstration is necessary."
He pulled out a sleek tablet and tapped the screen. "You see, while you've been playing cat and mouse on campus, we've been working on something much bigger." The tablet displayed a city map with red lights flashing.
Marcus said, "Each of these lights represents a hidden stash of drugs, weapons, or worse. With a single command, we could destabilize the city. Unless, of course, someone with the right skills and power takes control."
The room fell silent as the weight of the situation sank in. The Architect, now revealed as the mastermind, Lucas and Damien, their rivalry forgotten, and Elena, watched Avery with a mix of interest and concern. Her father promised power beyond imagination. Avery's mind spun as she weighed her choices.
She could accept her father's offer and take on a role she had been unknowingly prepared for all her life. She could use that power to protect the weak and punish the corrupt. But at what cost to her soul? Alternatively, she could try to fight against this system from the sidelines, but how many innocent lives might be lost in the chaos?
As the tension in the room reached its peak, Avery made her decision. She straightened her back and lifted her chin in defiance. "You want me to run things?" she asked steadily. "Fine. I'll take charge."
Surprising everyone, including herself, Avery snatched the tablet from her father's hands. Before anyone could react, she quickly typed commands on the screen.
"What are you doing?" Lucas asked, his voice filled with fear.
Avery gave a small, dangerous smile. "Changing the rules." With a final tap, the map on the screen shifted. Red dots turned green one by one.
The Architect's calm facade cracked. "What have you done?" he demanded.
With pride in her voice, Avery said, "I've just alerted every law enforcement agency in the city to the location of your little stash. Don't worry; I mixed up the data. While the owners will be left behind, the drugs and weapons will be found."
Marcus looked at his daughter with a mix of surprise and respect. "You would destroy everything we've built?"
Avery met his gaze steadily. "I'm not running away from it. I'm changing it. You wanted a leader who could bridge the past and the future. Well, I'm here."
She turned to address everyone. "From now on, we do things differently. No more pointless violence. We'll use our resources and power to truly protect people and bring about real change."
The Architect's eyes narrowed. "And if we don't agree?"
Avery smiled sharply. "Then I'll tear down your empire piece by piece. I understand your secrets now. If you cross me, I'll make sure you spend the rest of your life in a dark cell, never seeing the light of day again."
The room fell into nervous silence as everyone reconsidered their loyalties. Marcus finally laughed, a mix of pride and regret. "You really are my daughter. Thank you, Avery. Welcome to your new world."
The Architect's expression remained unchanged, though he gave a slight nod of agreement. Avery looked at her friends—Elena, Damien, Lucas—with a mix of uncertainty and determination. "I know this might not be what you expected. None of you have to stay."
Lucas stepped forward, taking her hand. "I'm with you," he said simply.
Damien shrugged with a roguish smile. "Well, this is definitely more interesting than university politics. I'll stick around."
Elena looked at Avery with a mix of pride and caution. "You're playing a dangerous game. Someone has to keep an eye on you. I suppose that will be me."
As Avery felt the weight of her decision, she experienced a mix of excitement and anxiety. She had just transformed the criminal world of the city and maybe beyond. There was no going back now. The distant sound of sirens broke the moment. "We should leave," the Architect said, regaining his composure. "There will be questions about tonight's events."
As they slipped out of the Blackthorn Hotel through a secret passage, Avery saw her reflection in a mirror. The woman staring back was not the same one who had arrived at the gala. Her eyes shone with a new purpose, and her posture exuded quiet strength. She had come as a pawn and was leaving as a queen ready to change the game. As she walked away from the disrupted gala, Avery wondered if she had saved the city or set it on a path to even greater danger. Only time would tell. One thing was certain: nothing would ever be the same again.