Ava's POVLife had taken on a whirlwind pace. After the incident, Liam's protectiveness intensified, a comforting yet sometimes stifling presence. He insisted on a 24/7 security detail, upgraded my apartment's security system, and William, my bodyguard-slash-assistant, was now a permanent fixture, his watchful eyes following me everywhere.But amidst the chaos and the lingering anxieties, my company was thriving. The collaboration with Mr. Henderson was proving fruitful, our team growing, and the game development progressing at an exciting pace. I poured my energy into my work, finding solace in the creative process, the challenge of building something from the ground up.The news of our collaboration with Henderson Enterprises spread like wildfire through the industry. Liam, ever the astute businessman, saw an opportunity to capitalize on the buzz. He and Mr. Henderson planned a press conference to formally announce the partnership, followed by a grand launch event to unveil the name and branding of my new company.The day the news broke, my quiet apartment was invaded by a storm of a different kind - my family. My heart leaped with joy at the sight of my grandmother, her wrinkled face beaming with pride, her arms outstretched for a hug. But the joy quickly dissipated as I saw the rest of the entourage – my stepmother, her lips pursed in disapproval; my father, his expression a stoic mask; and my stepsister, a sneer plastered across her face."Ava, darling," my stepmother began, her voice dripping with faux concern, "we were so worried when we heard about the attack. Such a terrible thing to happen!"I gritted my teeth, resisting the urge to roll my eyes. Their concern felt disingenuous, a thinly veiled attempt to capitalize on my newfound success."I'm fine, Evelyn," I said curtly, my gaze fixed on my grandmother, who was beaming with pride."Well, that's good to hear," my stepmother continued, her voice taking on a sharper edge. "But you know, your stepsister, Jessica, is having a bit of trouble finding a job. With your connections now, surely you could pull a few strings and get her a position at your fancy new company."My jaw tightened. The audacity of her request, the blatant expectation that I would use my hard-earned success to benefit her spoiled daughter, infuriated me."I'm afraid I can't help you with that, Evelyn," I said, my voice firm. "My company is built on merit, not nepotism."My stepmother's face flushed with anger. "Ava, don't be ridiculous! Family should help each other. You owe us this much, after all we've done for you."I couldn't help but scoff. "All you've done for me? You mean the years of neglect, the constant criticism, the blatant favoritism towards Jessica?"My stepmother sputtered, her anger escalating. But before she could unleash her usual tirade, my grandmother intervened."That's enough, Evelyn," she said, her voice firm despite her frail frame. "Ava has worked hard to get where she is. She doesn't owe you anything."My stepmother, silenced by my grandmother's reprimand, glared at me with resentment. I, however, ignored her, focusing on my grandmother, the one person in that room whose love and support had always been genuine."Grandma," I said, taking her hand in mine, "I'm so glad you're here. I've missed you."My grandmother smiled, her eyes twinkling with affection. "I'm proud of you, Ava," she whispered, squeezing my hand. "You've become a strong, independent woman."Her words were a balm to my soul, a validation of my hard work and determination. I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, I could always count on my grandmother's unwavering love and support.As the day wore on, the tension in the apartment thickened. My stepmother's resentment simmered, my father remained a silent observer, and Jessica sulked in the corner, her jealousy palpable. But I refused to let their negativity dampen my spirits. I had a company to launch, a future to build, and a love to nurture. And I wouldn't let their petty grievances derail my dreams.