Mondays had always been Ava's sworn enemy, the mornings too, and after last night's party, this Monday just became her worst. It wasn't just the exhaustion from the party that had her dragging herself out of bed, it was the bombshell her grandfather had dropped on her at the party while they greeted the guests.
Her transfer to another college had been successfully processed.
How could she forget that she was still a student? Between getting her revenge and trying to stop her family from getting under her skin, college had taken the backseat in her life.
Just like every other morning, Ava dragged herself into the dining room where all her family member sat for breakfast. On entering the room, she could barely stop herself from grinning as she noticed the tension that hung within her family members and Sasha. It seemed like they were still pissed with everything that happened at the party.
She missed having them kneel before her. Regardless, she greeted everyone and kissed her grandfather's cheek, humming a special, soft, "Good morning, Grandfather," which lit William's face.
Ava could feel six pairs of eyes as they watched her little action but she didn't care.
"You're finally here, Ava," William said, gulping down the bread in his mouth and she nodded.
As Ava slid into the seat beside Sasha, placing some bread on her plate, she could feel the silent daggers Matilda was throwing her way. The woman sure knew how to hold a grudge at the wrong person. It wasn't her fault she had foolishly believed Sasha's words and greatly embarrassed herself last night, Ava thought mockingly.
"Did you sleep well, Sasha?" Ava turned with a smile to Sasha whose lips were tightly pressed together like it was glued.
Sasha gritted her teeth at Ava's question. With her family's wrath that still lingered, the last thing she wanted was to be the center of attention. "Ah... Yes-" she stuttered.
"You're not still mad about what happened last night, right Ava? I apologize again for the embarrassment..." She held the flare cuff of Ava's dress. Ava shoved that hand to her thighs, breaking the contact.
Sasha was taken aback by Ava's action, but she forced herself to smile weakly. "...lately, my memory's been bad because I've been mentally stressed with all the new developments in this house. It hadn't been easy especially when you find out that your whole life had been a lie and you're getting replaced in the place you once called a home." Tears began to form in her eyes. "But I'm glad it's you, Ava."
Ava held in her scoff. This little wench was really something else.
"No one's replacing you, Sasha," Gaulin said softly. This was the first time Ava heard her father speak like this. It was always different with her. He was always mad whenever he addressed her.
"You'll always be a Whitlock and my daughter, Sasha," Matilda chimed in.
Jerome's eyes softened as they came to her face. "Don't you ever think you're getting replaced by anyone, Sasha." He looked at Ava with a frown. This was why he was never in support of bringing Ava into this house cause he didn't want his little sister to feel less of a Whitlock in her own home.
"Yes, sweetie," Noah butted in. With a smile, "You'll always be our only little sister," he said.
Ava stuffed her face with food as she listened to them speak so lovingly to Sasha whose face was now filled with delight. Her nonchalant attitude annoyed Jerome even more.
"How can you sit there and stuff your face with food, Ava, when you're the cause of all of this? You should apologize to Sasha immediately," he said.
Ava looked at him coldly. It was one thing to praise their little sister, but why should she apologize to the girl? "For what exactly?"
"You dare to speak back at Jerome?!" Caspian screeched.
"Let's keep the peace this morning, shall we?" William interrupted. Ava's brothers finally turned to their meal with a frown.
Clearing his throat, "Since your transfer has been finalized, you can go to school with Sasha today, Ava," William said, taking a sip of his tea.
Ava wasn't particularly thrilled that she was going to school with Sasha, but with a smile, "Yes, Grandfather," she said.
"It wasn't easy for your father to handle your transfer to the best university in Lebron City almost halfway through the semester," Matilda said grudgingly, "I just hope you don't embarrass us, Ava."
.
The drive to school wasn't particularly a fun one for Ava as she remembered her previous college life. It had been filled with chaos. Sasha and her friends had made sure of it.
Tears began to pool in Ava's eyes as she stared at the grand entrance in front of her. She could still remember her last day at this college. She had left the place crying her eyes out at her graduation. This time, everything was going to be different. She would make sure of it.
She dried the tears that escaped her eyes with the back of her hand. Sniffling, Ava walked into the building.
.
Outside the Lebron Airway terminal, a sleek black Chevrolet gleamed under the afternoon sun. A chauffeur stood beside it as he scanned the crowd. Beside him, a striking man in an amicable grey suit adjusted his cufflinks, and his sharp eyes were fixed on the towering glass doors.
Maximus Quinn walked out of the airport. His tailored charcoal trench coat swayed with each step he took, and his polished Oxford shoes struck the floor with a rhythm that demanded attention. Dark sunglasses hung above the bridge of his nose, concealing his piercing eyes.
"Mr. Quinn," the man in the gray suit greeted, "Welcome back. We weren't expecting you until evening."
Maximus slid his sunglasses down slightly, his gaze flickering over the man and the chauffeur. "Plans change," he said coolly with a voice as rich as aged whiskey.
The chauffeur opened the car door, and bowed slightly as Maximus approached.
"Everything is ready for your arrival, Sir. The files you requested are inside," Ethan said as he stepped away from the door.
Maximus nodded once, slipping into the back seat without another word. Ethan hesitated for a fraction of a second before following him in.
"Lebron's university."
"Yes, Sir," the chauffeur responded, and quickly started the car.
As the car pulled away, Ethan turned to Maximus who leaned back against the plush leather seat with an unreadable expression. "You look horrible, Max," he said quietly. "Are you sure you can't postpone meeting with her right now?"
Maximus shut his eyes, feeling his jet lag settle in. "Some things can't wait," he said coldly.
An hour later, the Chevrolet cruised into the gates of Lebron University. When the car slowed to a stop in front of the administration building, Maximus opened his eyes. The chauffeur stepped out first, opening the door for Maximus.
It was sheer coincidence or maybe fate, but Ava walked out of the building at the same time Maximus stood in front of the building with Ethan behind him.
As the door closed behind Ava, her eyes fell on Maximus and she froze.
Him!