جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 30

The small jet flew effortlessly as it cut through the San Francisco skyline. Ethan looked out the window, his mind a jumbled mess.Beside him, Mark stood with his arms crossed, his gaze watchful.“You really don't want to see them?” Mark asked."Ethan shook his head slowly."“They're going to bring up Serena, I know it. They don't understand Ava… not yet.”"Mark exhaled“You need to be prepared. They don’t play by anyone’s rules.”His jaw was clenched as“I know. But Ava. she’s different. She's real. I can’t—”“Don’t talk about her here,” Mark said firmly. “Save that for them.”"Yes," replied Ethan, swallowing hardThe estate of Rowan occupied the summit of the hill, and it was opulent and menacing. It had marble floors, reflected starlight from its chandeliers, and a faint aroma of roses and perfume.“Ethan!” The firm yet affectionate voice belonged to a woman in a grand entrance hall.Ethan’s mother, Vanessa Rowan, glided towards him. Her gown sparkled in soft gold.“Mother. Father.

The Rowan estate rose before Ava like a palace in a dream, or a challenge. The high columns, well- manicured grass, and steps that seemed to have no end were all so exciting to Ava.She held her clutch bag tightly and took a deep breath.“Breathe, Ava,” she whispered to herself, “you’ve got this.”Christie had drilled this into her endlessly. Confidence, charm, grace. She could say these words out loud in her sleep, so frequently had she heard them.But now, as the doors opened, and the grandeurr of the mansion engulfed her, doubts began to enter her mind.Ethan's hand slipped into hers, and she felt grounded.‘You’re going to be amazing,’ he said quietly, giving her fingers a squeeze.“I hope so,” murmured Ava.He smiled, smoothing a wisp of hair back behind her ear.“Just be you. That’s more than enough.”Inside, the foyer sparkled with gold and crystal chandeliers. Vanessa Rowan was the first to emerge, looking as poised as ever, her eyes sharp and observant. Howard Rowan brought u

The Rowan mansion is bathed softly in golden light as black luxury cars pulled up into the driveway. The air filled with the smell of roses and wealth, but inside, something else hung in the air, something heavy.Vanessa Rowan stood at the base of the marble staircase, adjusting her necklace, which was pearls. Everything had to be in order tonight.Howard looked at his watch.“She'll be here any minute.”Vanessa nodded.“Good. Serena knows this world. Ava never will.”"Before Howard could say anything, the doorbell rang."The butler opened the door to reveal Serena wearing a smart cream-colored gown with her long hair falling effortlessly down her back and confidence emanating from her very stance.“Mrs. Rowan. Mr. Rowan,” Serena said warmlyVanessa smiled immediately.“Serena, dear. You look stunning.”Serena entered, embracing her gracefully.“Thank you. It’s always an honor to be here.”Howard nodded politely.“Welcome.”Serena's eyes moved subtly around the living room, calculatin

The sun was setting low in the horizon, casting a hue of colors, ranging from pink to gold, in the sky, as Ava stepped onto the soft sand of the hidden beach. The sound of the waves gently touching the sand was calming, an almost meditative effect, yet her heart beat like a drum in her chest.“Wow,” she breathed, soaking it all in. The blue of the ocean, the golden light of the sun setting below the horizon, the caress of the breeze against her hair. In that instant, all her cares—those threats, that manipulative Serena, the pressures of Ethan’s world—seemed a long way off.“Impressive, huh?” Ethan's voice came from behind her.Ava turned around to see him walking barefoot on the sand, hands tucked carelessly in his pockets, a relaxed smile spread across his face. His sleeves were rolled up too, showing off his powerful forearms. Still beautiful enough to dream about, despite everything that had transpired.“You always manage to pick the perfect escape,” she said, smiling shyly.He sh

Ava’s apartment was quiet, the only sound the soft hum of the city outside. She sat at the kitchen table, a cup of tea in her hands, staring at the swirling steam. The past few days had been heavy—laughter and strategy with Christie mixed with the shadow of Serena’s obsession.A knock at the door made her heart skip. She wasn’t expecting anyone.“Coming!” she called, setting down the cup.The door opened to reveal Vanessa Rowan, poised and commanding as always. Her heels clicked softly against the floor as she entered, glancing around the apartment with a hint of disdain.“Ava,” Vanessa said, her tone polite but firm. “We need to talk.”Ava stepped back, confused. “Mrs. Rowan? What are you…?”Vanessa held up a hand. “Please, sit.” She gestured to the couch. Ava obeyed reluctantly.“I won’t beat around the bush,” Vanessa began, her eyes sharp and unwavering. “You need to understand something very clearly. Ethan is my son, and he is not a child who can be swayed lightly. He has responsi