Chapter 63
With all the gears in motion and the grand plan set in motion, I headed home, eagerly awaiting the unfolding events. It was now up to Ava, the master of deception, to take the stage and perform her part with finesse.
The ingenious scheme involved Ava posing as a friendly acquaintance, pretending to stumble upon Isabella, who was supposedly a stranger in town. Ava would extend a warm hand of friendship, gradually getting closer to Isabella’s inner circle. I held onto hope that Isabella would unwittingly reveal fragments of her mysterious self-a treasure trove of knowledge that had consumed my resources for countless years, even employing the services of a seasoned private investigator.
To ensure our plan’s success, I had to retreat from the scene, vanishing from Isabella’s sight. The slightest hint of my presence could arouse her suspicion and shatter our carefully woven web of deceit.
We arranged to rendezvous again in an hour at a secluded park nestled on the edge of a serene forest. This hidden haven remained largely deserted during this time of day, shielding us from prying eyes. If all went according to plan, Ava would acquire the crucial information I sought before I arrived to collect her, leaving Isabella blissfully unaware of the intricate ploy unfolding around her.
Time flew by in a blink, and with each passing monient, my anxiety grew like a turbulent storm within me. I had been waiting for this moment for what felt like an eternity,
desperately relying on Ava’s success. Every fragment of information held the potential to thwart Isabella’s plans and perhaps even save myself from an impending demise. And so, without warning, the long-awaited hour arrived.
I descended the stairs, my steps resolute, my destination set on the car awaiting me. Yet, amidst my determined stride, a serendipitous encounter halted me in my tracks. There, along the way, stood Lily, a familiar presence.
“Lily,” I called out, my voice echoing through the air.
Her eyes snapped up, startled by my unexpected appearance. Surprise painted her features, only to swiftly transform into a creased brow of concern.
“Miss, surprise to see you at home,” she said.
I strolled towards her, taking a slight detour because, hey, I had some extra time before I hit the road.
“Well, I’m just about to head out. Any progress on the private investigator?” I inquired with a touch of curiosity.
She sighed, furrowing her brow even deeper. “Honestly, not much… I was planning on waiting a little longer before bothering you, but something feels fishy. This guy never takes this long to get back to me.”
I paused, my mind racing. “You reckon he might have pulled a fast one and vanished with the cash, like I suspected?”
She nodded in agreement, her eyes filled with a glimmer of anticipation. “Absolutely. Not only would it validate your theory, but it would also shed light on the situation. However, I’m still awaiting responses from a few other leads, so I can’t
be entirely certain just yet.”
“Damn it,” I muttered through clenched teeth, frustration coursing through my veins. I gave the wall a gentle hit with my fist, expressing my annoyance without causing any real damage.
From the moment I hired him, I knew this outcome was a distinct possibility. It was a gamble I was willing to take. After all, some loyalties are worth more than material wealth. Unfortunately, it appeared that his insatiable greed had clouded his judgment.
However, there was another angle to consider, a tantalizing possibility that lingered in the back of my mind. Perhaps they had been colluding right from the start, working together to deceive and manipulate.
“Track him down,” I commanded with determination. “I don’t care what resources you require; I’m willing to pay any price. If he has indeed vanished, he must possess valuable
information about Isabella. Even if that knowledge stems from striking a deal with her.”
Lily lowered her head in a respectful manner, acknowledging my order. “Certainly, Miss. I will spare no effort in locating him.”
It felt like a blast from the past; Isabella still had her fingers in the puppetry of those around me. Some things just refuse to -change. But as I pondered over it, a lightning bolt of
realization struck me. I had just brought together my dearest comrade… with my arch-nemesis.
But surely Ava wouldn’t… would she? The haunting ache that accompanied thoughts of my former attendant, Zoey, washed
over me. I had cherished her like a mother, yet she ultimately succumbed to Isabella’s seduction, sealing my fate without remorse. It goes to show that sometimes people aren’t who you believe them to be.
I swiftly banished those thoughts from my mind. I could place my trust in Ava, of that I was certain. Plus, there were weightier matters demanding my attention right now. Like rendezvousing with her and delving into the secrets she had uncovered about Isabella.
With no time to waste, I hopped into my ride and cruised back to town, making a beeline for the park.
The journey was a breeze, and as soon as I arrived, I scanned the surroundings without stepping out. The whole place appeared to be deserted, devoid of any sign of Ava.
Rather than rushing into anything, I made up my mind to wait for another thirty minutes. I wanted to give her all the time she required. But as that time ticked away, Ava was still nowhere in sight. It was then that a tinge of worry started creeping in.
The area was massive, so I reckoned she probably hadn’t realized I had arrived yet. Perhaps she was waiting for me in a spot hidden from my view. With a quick glance to ensure no one was around, I swiftly exited the driver’s seat and ventured into the park.
The atmosphere was tranquil. There were no fancy play structures for kids; this place was mostly an assembly of trees and natural beauty. Not that I had any complaints. It provided excellent seclusion when necessary.
After searching for what felt like an eternity, I finally laid eyes
on Ava. She stood there, oblivious to my presence, gazing in the opposite direction from where I had parked. Ah, the classic case of not noticing me at all.
“Ava!” I called out, striding purposefully towards her.
Alas, my voice seemed to dissipate in the air, unheard by her. Determined, I quickened my pace, closing the gap between us. “Hey! Ava! I’ve been waiting on the other side. How did everything go?”
Still, no response. I was now just a stone’s throw away from her, close enough for her to catch my words. She should have heard me by now.
“Ava…?” I uttered, my steps slowing down, a peculiar sensation creeping up within me.
With caution, I moved closer until I stood face to face with her, as if some instinctual part of me sensed that something
