* FREE - 9K Milestone * Chapter 106 : He’s just using Ava to climb up

Meanwhile, Araminta, Josh, and Kenny were panicking. The looming threat of Alfonso waking up and bringing in lawyers had them on edge. If that happened, their entire family would be in ruins.

"Josh, find a way to get close to Serena," Araminta suggested, her voice low and urgent. "Alexander has neglected her for years. She must be feeling lonely. If you can satisfy her, she’ll be more likely to listen to you."

Josh knew he had to act fast. If Alfonso regained control, their downfall would be inevitable. His mind drifted to Ava—her delicate features, that quiet yet composed demeanor. He remembered seeing her buy those pills at the hospital. She must be pretending to be innocent while playing around in private.

A wicked thought formed. If he planned it right, she’d be his by the end of the night.

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Ava had just finished a meeting when she received a call from the construction team. Something had gone wrong at the site, and they needed her there immediately.

When she arrived, a sense of unease settled over her as she noticed the anxious expressions on the workers’ faces. Stepping inside the nearly completed Westchester Manor in Manhattan, her worst fears were confirmed.

A key pillar in the design had been damaged. It wasn’t load-bearing, meaning it wouldn’t compromise the structure, but it had played an essential role in the aesthetic and functional aspects of her design. Now, with the pillar compromised, the entire lighting plan would have to be reworked.

Ava’s face darkened. Mistakes like this shouldn’t happen.

The foreman quickly stepped forward, his expression filled with guilt. "Miss Alvarez, we’re truly sorry. One of our workers was dealing with personal issues and wasn’t in the right frame of mind. He miscalculated and accidentally knocked into the pillar."

Darby Construction was one of the top renovation companies in the industry. This kind of error was inexcusable.

"If you need compensation, you can take it up with our management," the foreman added nervously.

Ava’s jaw tightened. Compensation wasn’t the issue—it was the fact that now she had to redesign part of the project entirely. And with Alexander’s high standards, he would surely notice any minor imperfections.

She exhaled slowly, rubbing her temples. "I’ll go to Darby Construction now. Let’s hope this doesn’t happen again."

The foreman nodded hastily, relieved that she wasn’t making a scene. But Ava wasn’t interested in arguing. She needed to fix the problem, fast. 

By the time Ava arrived at Darby Construction’s headquarters, the entire management team was already in damage-control mode.

After all, Ava Alvarez was the interior designer specifically requested by Alexander, and Darby Construction even obtained the construction contract for Charleston because of this. If Ava was not satisfied, would the Charleston project also be in jeopardy?

The company’s president wiped sweat from his brow as he paced. "How could this happen? If Mr. Vanderbilt hears about this, we’ll lose all credibility!"

A senior manager tried to calm him down. "The worker responsible has already been dismissed with severance pay. But we need to make sure Miss Alvarez doesn’t escalate this issue. If she takes it to Mr. Vanderbilt, we’re finished."

One of the lower-level employees, Stephen, overheard the conversation and saw an opportunity. If he could smooth things over with Ava, he might earn himself a promotion.

He smirked, turning to his assistant. "Find out who knows her. If we can get someone to convince her, we might be able to contain this."

Nearby, Liam Norton was busy sorting files for Stephen, something Stephen should have done himself. His relationship with his boss, Stephen, had always been rocky. Stephen looked down on him for his lack of a prestigious degree and often gave him the worst tasks.

But the moment Liam heard Ava’s name, his interest was piqued.

Ava? The same Ava who was paying him to be her pretend husband?

If she was important enough to make the president of Darby Construction sweat, then maybe—just maybe—he could use this to his advantage.

Liam cleared his throat, trying to sound casual. "I know Ava. I can talk to her."

Stephen scoffed. "You? You think someone like Ava Alvarez would associate with you?" He laughed. "She’s working for Alexander Vanderbilt—one of the most powerful men on Wall Street. You really think she’d waste her time with a nobody like you?"

Liam clenched his jaw but forced a smile. "You don’t have to believe me. But if I talk to her and smooth things over, I expect something in return."

Stephen rolled his eyes. "Fine. If you actually manage to fix this, I’ll double your salary. But I doubt you can even get her to answer your call."

Liam smirked. Oh, she’d answer.

He immediately called Ava.

When Ava saw his name flash on her phone screen, her brows furrowed. She had told him not to contact her unless necessary. "Liam Norton?"

Liam made sure to put the call on speaker so everyone in the room could hear.

"Ava, are you coming to Darby Construction today?"

"Yes."

"Where are you? I’ll come meet you."

Ava hesitated. She was about to refuse, but then her eyes caught sight of Alexander’s car parked outside the building.

Her heart skipped a beat. He was here?

Alexander was known for personally overseeing high-profile projects. If he was at Darby Construction today, it meant business. The last thing she needed was to run into him after what happened at the hotel.

"Alright," she answered, changing her mind. "I’ll be there soon."

Liam grinned as he ended the call, turning to Stephen with a smug expression.

Stephen’s face twitched in disbelief. "Did you find someone to pretend to be Ava? How can you possibly know her?"

Liam Norton wanted nothing more than to puff out his chest and claim the title of Ava’s husband with confidence, but the truth loomed over him—this was all just an act. If he got exposed, the humiliation would be unbearable. So, despite the temptation, he swallowed his pride and played it cool.

Stephen’s eyes flickered with curiosity as he studied Liam, sizing him up with newfound interest. The skepticism that had been in his voice moments ago softened, and his posture shifted slightly, no longer carrying the same edge of superiority.

"Well, Liam," he said, his tone now laced with a touch of respect, "if you can really convince Ava not to escalate this situation, I’ll make it worth your while. Your current salary is two thousand, right? I’ll double it—five thousand, straight into your account."

The offer hung in the air, tempting and heavy. Liam felt the weight of it, the sheer power of money swaying the atmosphere between them. Five thousand a month—more than he ever thought he’d make in his position. His fingers twitched slightly, but he forced himself to maintain his composure, his face betraying nothing. 

Liam Norton had been working at Darby Construction for years. Though his education level wasn’t as high as his colleagues’, his skills were undeniable. Unfortunately, Stephen had long suppressed him, ensuring he remained at the bottom rung with the lowest salary. Office etiquette dictated that employees never discussed their wages, but Liam wasn’t naive—he knew he was earning significantly less than those around him, even less than the coworker who often griped about the company alongside him. That guy was making six thousand dollars, while Liam barely scraped by.

Stephen sneered at Liam’s hesitation. "What? I’m offering you a significant raise, and you still won’t agree? Go ahead, ask around. See if anyone with your level of education gets this kind of treatment."

Liam took a deep breath, swallowing the curses bubbling up inside him, before lifting his head. "I understand, Stephen. I’ll go downstairs now and talk to Ava."

Satisfied, Stephen strutted away, only to run into the president of Darby Construction in the elevator. The CEO, a man in his fifties with a perpetually furrowed brow, wiped the sweat from his forehead and vented to his assistant.

"What the hell is going on? Why did Mr. Vanderbilt suddenly decide to visit? Ava is coming in soon, too. If the two of them run into each other, she won’t even need to report anything—he’ll figure it all out himself."

He exhaled sharply, visibly frustrated. It wasn’t every day that a titan like Alexander Vanderbilt personally visited a project. If this deal fell apart, Darby Construction would be humiliated—especially since news of their partnership had already spread in the industry.

Liam, who had been standing quietly to the side, saw an opportunity. He respectfully interjected, "Sir, I know Ava. I’m on my way to meet her now. I can delay her in the lobby, give you enough time to escort Mr. Vanderbilt away before they cross paths."

The CEO, initially irritated by the interruption, scrutinized Liam. A moment later, his expression shifted—intrigued. "If you can pull that off, I’ll promote you."

Liam’s pulse quickened with excitement. It was no secret that the higher-ups had long been dissatisfied with Stephen. If he played his cards right, this could be his chance to replace him.

Descending to the lobby, Liam spotted Alexander first. The man sat by the floor-to-ceiling windows, his presence commanding despite his silence. His assistant stood beside him, delivering a report while Alexander listened, his Bluetooth headset still in place.

Darby Construction’s executives hurried to greet him. As soon as Alexander ended his call and removed his headset, the CEO approached with forced enthusiasm.

"Mr. Vanderbilt, what a surprise! You should’ve informed us of your visit."

Alexander barely acknowledged him. His expression remained unreadable, his posture as relaxed as it was imposing. The CEO led him and the Vanderbilt executives toward the lower levels for a site tour, but his mind remained preoccupied with Ava.

Meanwhile, Liam hurried outside, just as Ava arrived. She had just stepped onto the staircase when he intercepted her.

"Ava," he greeted, forcing a casual tone.

She nodded, though her face was taut with irritation. "Liam, how did you know I was coming to Darby Construction?"

Gesturing toward a seating area near the windows, he suggested, "Let’s sit over there. I’ll explain."

Ava hesitated. Something about this seemed off. Nevertheless, she followed him, maintaining a composed and professional posture.

Liam, meanwhile, suddenly felt inadequate in her presence. Seeing Ava in a work environment, exuding authority, made his own position feel embarrassingly small.

"Ava, are you planning to negotiate compensation with Darby Construction?"

Ava’s lips curved into a mirthless smile. "Are you representing them now, Liam?" Her voice carried an edge, cool and unyielding. "I may have hired you, but when it comes to my work, I won’t be lenient—no matter who pleads on your behalf. I suggest you remember your place."

Liam swallowed hard. He had underestimated her. His earlier confidence crumbled under the weight of her words.

"Ava, I’m not here as their representative," he admitted. "The CEO is currently occupied with other VIPs. He won’t be able to meet you right away, so I thought I’d keep you company in the meantime."

To salvage the situation, he hurried to the front desk and ordered tea and snacks, his demeanor growing more deferential.

"After half an hour, I’ll take you up," he promised.

Ava, though skeptical, decided not to escalate the situation. Given that he was Tom’s friend and Rachel still had feelings for Tom, she opted for diplomacy.

"Fine," she said simply.

She retrieved her laptop, intending to make adjustments to her design. Liam wisely refrained from interrupting, simply refilling her tea whenever the cup emptied.

As she immersed herself in her work, time slipped by unnoticed. Meanwhile, downstairs, Alexander’s meeting concluded.

As he and the Darby Construction executives stepped into the lobby, his gaze instinctively landed on the seating area by the windows.

There she was.

Ava sat across from another man, her laptop open, deep in concentration. The man—Liam—poured her tea, their interaction smooth, familiar.

Alexander’s steps faltered for the briefest moment before he resumed walking. His expression didn’t change, but the temperature in the room seemed to drop.

The CEO of Darby Construction, oblivious to the shift in Alexander’s demeanor, continued speaking.

After Alexander departed, the CEO, relieved, wiped his forehead and hurried toward Ava.

"Ava, I hope you’re well," he greeted, forcing a pleasant smile.

Ava shut her laptop. The CEO glanced at Liam approvingly before dismissing him. "Go back to your department."

Liam, catching the satisfaction in the CEO’s eyes, knew his promotion was secured. His chest swelled with pride as he walked away.

Ava, meanwhile, wasted no time. Once inside the executive office, she laid out her conditions—three precise demands. The CEO, knowing better than to push back, agreed to them all without hesitation.

"Ava, I must admit, when the project manager first called me about this issue, I was already anxious. Darby Construction has maintained a stellar reputation for years. We’ve already dismissed the responsible party, and we sincerely hope this won’t impact our future collaboration."

Ava studied him for a moment before extending her hand.

"A pleasant cooperation," she said.

The CEO eagerly shook her hand. He instructed his assistant to escort her out before sinking into his leather chair with a heavy sigh.

First Alexander. Then Ava. Two people with such commanding presences—it had been an exhausting day.

When his assistant returned, he spoke thoughtfully. "That young employee, Liam Norton. He handled today well. Transfer Stephen’s position to him. Stephen’s done nothing but pander for years. Today, he even let his subordinate outshine him."

And so, when Stephen received his dismissal notice from HR, fury consumed him.

Liam had stolen his spot.

Glaring at the smug expression on Liam’s face, Stephen gritted his teeth and spat, "Just you wait."

That night, drowning his frustration in alcohol, he muttered bitterly to his drinking companions.

"He’s just using Ava to climb up. That lackey’s got nothing on me... Liam Norton, that bastard..."

At that moment, Alexander and Hugo entered the bar.

Hugo, nearly colliding with Stephen, caught the name being slurred in drunken frustration. "Xander, did I hear that right? Did he just mention Ava?"