Chapter 48

They exchanged a few more pleasantries before ending the call. Ava stared at her phone, a whirlwind of thoughts clouding her mind. Hunter's words sounded genuine, his concern seemed sincere, yet she couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling from earlier that day.

Meanwhile, from his office, Alex monitored the conversation from a safe distance. His jaw tensed as he observed Hunter's seemingly innocent conversation with Ava. He knew the facade Hunter was putting on, and the danger that lurked beneath his amiable tone.

" We need to stay one step ahead " Alex muttered to Black who was standing before him " Make sure Ava knows not to trust anything Hunter says "

Black nodded in acknowledgment and reached for his phone to discreetly alert Ava, cautioning her about the potential danger, without disclosing too much information.

Back in the mansion, Ava's phone buzzed with a text message. She glanced at the screen to see a message from an unknown number " Hi Miss Ava, it's Black. Be cautious. Don't trust Hunter. Stay safe "

As she processed the warning, her phone pinged again. This time, it was Hunter, sending the details for their supposed lunch meeting the next day. Her hand trembled slightly as she read the message, uncertainty clouding her thoughts.

Ava knew she needed to make a decision. Trusting her instincts, she reached out to Alex, the one person she felt she could rely on in this dangerous situation.

After the call with Hunter, Ava went to the kitchen to see Maggie, the elderly cook who had been a constant and comforting presence in her life since she came to work in the mansion. Maggie, with her warm and wise demeanor, was bustling around, preparing a late evening snack.

" Ava, dear, is everything alright? " Maggie asked, her kind eyes noticing the unease etched on Ava's face.

Ava hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to share with Maggie. She trusted her like a second mother, but she didn't want to worry her unnecessarily. " Um, yeah, it's just... Hunter called "

Maggie paused mid-stir, a frown etching onto her face. " That boy again?! I've always had a bad feeling about him, you know. He's trouble, that one "

Ava smiled mischievously " Last time I checked Maggie, you were so eager for me to go on a date with him "

Maggie's eyes widened as she immediately disagreed " That's because I initially thought he was a good guy! " She defended herself and Ava laughed, feeling better all of a sudden.

Ava raised her hands in surrender, while still laughing " Okay ma'am, okay ma'am " And she laughed some more.

" You know he's very dangerous to be with, right? And how did he sound when he called? "

Ava sighed, relieved that Maggie seemed to share her concerns. " Yeah, I know. It's just that... he sounded so normal, like nothing's wrong "

Maggie turned off the cooker and sat down across from Ava, her expression turning serious. " Listen, child, sometimes the ones who seem the most harmless are the ones hiding the most danger. Trust your instincts, but also listen to what Alex says. He cares about you, and he wouldn't warn you for no reason "

Ava nodded, grateful for Maggie's advice. " I know, it's just... everything happened so fast today. I never expected something like this "

Maggie placed a reassuring hand on Ava's, her touch a comforting gesture. " Life has a way of throwing us curve balls when we least expect it. But you're smart, dear. You'll figure this out. Just be careful "

As if on cue, Ava's phone vibrated again, signaling another incoming message. She glanced at it and saw Alex's name flashing on the screen. With a sense of relief, she opened the message.

"Stay put. Don't leave the house, I'll explain everything when I come home. Trust me " - Alex

Ava's heart skipped a beat. She knew Alex wouldn't make such a request lightly. Maggie peered over, concern etched in her features " Is that from Alex, dear? "

Ava nodded, feeling a mix of anxiety and gratitude. " Yeah, he told me to stay here and not go anywhere, not that I have anywhere else to go Said he'd explain everything when he comes back from work " She shrugged, feeling a wave of tiredness washed through her.

Maggie nodded approvingly. " Good. You listen to him, Ava. He's a good man. He'll keep you safe "

Just then, a knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Ava's heart leaped to her throat, but Maggie motioned for her to stay put and cautiously approached the door. She peered through the peephole and relaxed, recognizing the gardener, Dave.

" It's alright, dear. It's Dave " Maggie said, opening the door to allow Dave inside. Ava exhaled a sigh of relief as she saw it was just Dave.

Dave nodded respectfully at Maggie and waved at Ava " Hi Ava, I just came to check up on you, are you okay? "

Ava nodded and smiled " Hello Dave, I'm great thanks "

Dave searched her face thoroughly " You're really okay, Ava? "

Ava nodded again " I am fine Dave, you don't have to worry about me, huh? "

Dave nodded, not knowing what else to say as he stood there awkwardly. Maggie engaged him in a polite conversation but it was obvious that he wasn't interested in any conversation as his eyes never wavered from Ava. He said his byes shortly after and left.

Maggie squeezed Ava's hand gently before retiring to her room, leaving Ava alone with her thoughts. Ava spent some time alone in the kitchen before she retired to her own room too.

There, she laid in bed but didn't sleep immediately so she decided to read a book which was unsuccessful because a minute later, she dropped it with a sigh. She couldn't read when she was tangled in a web of emotions.

" Ugh! " She muttered irritatedly and forced herself to sleep.