Chapter seven

Immediately Ava stepped inside the villa, Lucian completely disappeared from sight.

She stood quietly in the grand living room, taking in every detail of the luxurious interior. The entire place radiated quiet elegance.

As she was still looking around, a middle-aged woman wearing an apron walked into the living room.

Lucas immediately stepped forward. “This is Susu,” he introduced. “She’s the head chef.”

He then turned to the woman.

“And this is Ava Richmond. She’s Boss’s guest and will be living with us from now on.”

Susu smiled warmly. “Welcome, Miss Ava.”

Ava returned the smile with a small nod. “Thank you.”

It was such a simple greeting, yet somehow it eased the heaviness in her heart. Ever since everything had fallen apart, people had either looked at her with contempt or pity. This was the first genuine smile anyone had shown her, and she appreciated it more than she could express.

“I’ll show you to your room,” Lucas said before turning toward the staircase. Ava quietly followed behind him.

After climbing to the second floor, Lucas stopped in front of one of the doors and pushed it open. “This will be your room, Miss Ava.”

Ava stepped inside, and her eyes widened slightly.

The bedroom was nearly twice the size of the one she had occupied in the Richmond mansion. A king-sized bed stood at the center of the room, facing a spacious sitting area furnished with elegant sofas. There was a walk-in closet, a luxurious bathroom complete with a large soaking tub, and a private balcony overlooking the estate.

For a moment, she simply stood there, taking it all in. “Thank you,” she said sincerely.

Lucas gave a polite nod. “What would you like for dinner? I can ask Susu to prepare anything you want.”

Ava gently shook her head. “No need to trouble her. I have no appetite.”

Lucas didn’t insist. Instead, he said, “Is there anything else you’d like to know?”

Ava looked around the room once more before turning back to him. “Is there anything I need to know?”

Lucas nodded.“There is one rule you should always remember if you wish to avoid getting into trouble.”

Ava waited quietly. “Don’t wander into restricted areas.”

She nodded slowly. “I understand.” the reality truly settled in. She was no longer living as Ava Richmond, the billionaire’s daughter. She was now living beneath another man’s roof, bound by a contract she had signed with her own hand.

“I’ll leave you to rest.” With a slight bow, Lucas quietly excused himself.

After he left, Ava walked onto the balcony. A cool breeze brushed against her face as she gazed across the enormous estate.

The villa was peaceful, almost unnaturally so. In the distance, she could see armed guards patrolling the grounds with disciplined precision, a constant reminder that this place was unlike anywhere she had ever lived.

She wrapped her arms around herself and remained there for a while, allowing the cool wind to clear the chaos in her mind.

Eventually, exhaustion won. She returned to her room, sat on the edge of the bed, and before she knew it, sleep claimed her once again.

The following morning, Ava was awakened by a knock on her bedroom door. She slowly climbed out of bed and opened it.

“Good morning, Miss Richmond,” Lucas greeted with a polite smile. “Boss asked me to bring these to you.” He clapped his hands.

Immediately, a group of maids walked into the room carrying elegant luxury boxes of different sizes. One after another, they carefully placed them on the bed before opening each one.

One after another, the boxes revealed designer dresses, luxury handbags, elegant heels, jewelry, perfumes, cosmetics, and silk scarves.

Within minutes, the once-empty walk-in closet was filled from top to bottom. Ava stood there in stunned silence. Every item was from the latest collections. Some were even limited editions that were nearly impossible to purchase, regardless of wealth.

Not long ago, she would have been overjoyed. But now…She merely looked at them quietly.

She had once believed luxury defined happiness. Then, in the span of a single day, she had lost everything she owned.

Now she understood something she never had before. Material things could disappear overnight. She was grateful for Lucian’s generosity, but she no longer attached her heart to expensive possessions.

Because she knew that if Lucian wished it, everything before her could disappear just as quickly.

“Thank you”.she said softly. The maids bowed respectfully before leaving the room in an orderly line.

Lucas remained behind. “Boss is waiting downstairs. He’d like to see you, Miss Richmond.”

Ava nodded. “I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

Lucas gave a slight bow before quietly closing the door behind him.

Ava freshened up, changed out of her nightwear, and chose a simple outfit from the new once that had been prepared for her. A few minutes later, she made her way downstairs.

The moment she entered the living room, she found Lucian sitting comfortably on the sofa.

He was dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, one leg crossed over the other as he calmly sipped his coffee. His expression remained as unreadable as ever.

“Good morning, Lucian,” Ava greeted politely as she approached.

Without looking up, Lucian reached for a document lying beside him and tossed it onto the coffee table in front of her.

“Sign it.”

Ava picked up the document and began reading. The moment she saw the title, her eyes widened. It was a share transfer agreement.

She quickly flipped through the remaining pages before looking back at him in confusion.

Lucian calmly set down his coffee. “I purchased those shares yesterday,” he said. “I’m transferring fifty percent of NexaTech to you.”

Ava stared at him in disbelief. “NexaTech…”

She knew the company. It had spent the last ten years building its reputation and was now one of the fastest-growing technology companies in the country.

She looked back at the agreement. “You’re giving me fifty percent ownership just like that?”

“I’m honoring my side of the contract.” His voice remained calm. “It may not be as powerful as the Lyon Group yet, but it has enough potential to become a worthy rival.”

Ava lowered her gaze to the agreement once more. Yesterday, she had signed away her freedom without knowing what kind of future awaited her. She had even feared that she might have placed herself in the hands of another monster.

Yet this man was giving her something she never expected. Without another word, she accepted the pen and signed the agreement.

After handing it back, she looked at him sincerely. “Thank you, Lucian.”

Lucian accepted the document with a slight nod. “Owning fifty percent of the company doesn’t automatically make you its CEO.”

His eyes finally met hers. “The board won’t hand you that position willingly.” Ava listened attentively.

“You’ll earn that seat yourself, I won't interfere.” Said Lucian.

A small smile appeared on Ava’s face. “Don’t worry”. She held his gaze confidently. “I won’t let your investment go to waste.”

Lucian said nothing. Instead, he picked up a sleek car key and a brand-new mobile phone from the table before placing both in front of her.

“The car outside is yours.” He paused.

“Drive yourself to work. The villa’s drivers have other assignments.

Ava accepted both items. “Thank you.” She turned to leave.

“Wait.” She stopped and looked back.

Lucian’s gaze remained fixed on her. “Your curfew is nine o’clock.” His voice was calm, but it carried unmistakable authority.

“Be home before then.” Ava nodded.

For a brief moment, Lucian looked at her without saying another word. He picked up his coffee once again, silently dismissing her.