CHAPTER 5

As they drove into Erickson's villa, Ava was mesmerized by the view of the house. There was a lavender garden with butterflies around it. Ava felt so mesmerized by it and looked closer as the driver parked the car in the parking lot. She wondered if it was a coincidence because she loved lavender so much. And she noticed the butterflies were bred because they were about the same colour and size range. Maybe this was being bred in remembrance of someone because she knew Erickson wasn't such a softie to breed such lovely things.

Looking over at the penthouse, every structure was done to taste and looked exquisite.

Someone called her attention, and she turned. From the person's outfit and appearance, he looked like a butler. He gave her a fatherly smile and said, "Ma'am, your room is at the left side at the hallway. Anything that isn't to your taste, let me know."

Ava offered a small smile and walked upstairs. After all this chaos, threats, and the rest, she needed to rest. She already concluded that she would stay with Erickson for the period of the contract. Her brother was of paramount importance to her, and for her, his surgery comes first. She couldn't bring herself to be lonely in this world. And thinking about this, she needed to investigate her father's death since she was closer to the Blackwoods. She needed to get close to Richard Blackwood to understand him and the transactions between him and her father because her father's suicide stemmed from this project.

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BACK AT CITY HOSPITAL

In Anthony's office, Old Blackwood called Erickson aside. "You fool! How could you go into such a relationship with a goddamn White? Didn't you know about our past issues?"

Erickson rubbed the bridge of his nose. He was so exhausted. He had just returned from a video conference addressing his executives and investors and had contacted the day's news to block the circulating information on the media. Right now, he couldn't afford the stock dropping any further.

"Grandfather, can you give me time?" Erickson said. "It seems to me that this whole thing was orchestrated. I and Kate didn't have such a relationship, and we haven't been in much contact after the breakup."

He paused, choosing his next words carefully. "And even if all these voice notes were real, doesn't it seem so smooth and planned to you?"

Old Blackwood didn't say a word. Erickson knew this action. His grandfather was giving what he said a thorough thinking. Erickson knew his grandfather was a wise man and always thought things through. If not, he wouldn't have been able to rule the Blackwood family for so long.

After a while, Old Blackwood looked at Erickson with a stern expression. "I give you two weeks to resolve this issue. The Blackwood stock price shouldn't go any lower. If not, you are giving the Whites an avenue to strike."

Outside the hospital, the Whites had gone home, giving Erickson enough time to think. Just then, he received a mail from his private investigator. As he was about to open the file, he received a message from Dr. Carson, the head surgeon for Liam's surgery. Liam's surgery was scheduled for tomorrow by 10 am.

A small smile played on his lips. Then he thought about that stubborn little girl. He wondered how she was doing at the penthouse.

"Even in scandal, you still have the mind to smile?" a voice dripping with sarcasm said.

Erickson looked up. Richard stood there, his arms crossed, a sneer on his face.

"What do you want, Richard?" Erickson asked coldly.

"I heard about the board meeting," Richard said, stepping closer. "The investors are panicking. The stock keeps falling. And I heard some board members are already calling for a new CEO."

Erickson's jaw tightened. "That won't happen."

"Won't it?" Richard smiled. "You're the one who brought this scandal on the family. You're the one who dated a White. You're the one whose ex-girlfriend killed herself at your wedding. The board doesn't trust you anymore."

"Get out of my face, Richard."

"Or what? You'll kill me too?" Richard laughed. "Just like you killed Kate?"

Erickson's fists clenched, but he held himself back. He wouldn't give Richard the satisfaction of losing control.

Richard leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "This is just the beginning, Erickson. By the time I'm done with you, you'll have nothing. No company. No money. No family. And that little wife of yours? She'll leave you too. Just like everyone else."

He turned and walked away, his laughter echoing down the hallway.

Erickson stood there, his blood boiling. He wanted to punch something. He wanted to scream. But he didn't. He wouldn't give Richard that power over him.

Instead, he pulled out his phone and called his driver.

"Take me home. Now."