Chapter 124

Ava’s POV

The room tilted, as if the world had shifted. My heart hammered, each beat an explosion of rage. My wolf snarled, its fury palpable at the thought of my mother’s words. “Signed me over?” I repeated silently, unable to comprehend them. Was I truly hearing this? Was I nothing more than a possession, passed around at her whim?

Grayson wouldn't do that. Where was this even coming from? What kind of twisted game was she playing?

I opened my mouth to protest, to set the record straight, but the words caught in my throat. The silence hung heavy, suffocating, until Isabella's voice cut through.

“What the hell are you talking about? Grayson wouldn't do that!” she spat, her eyes blazing with defiance. “Scratch that—Lilian isn’t a piece of property, and I suggest you leave.”

My mother’s gaze hardened, her lips curling into a sneer. “I see you're still letting disrespectful brats speak on your behalf.”

The words snapped something inside me. Shock and confusion evaporated, replaced by a cold, sharp anger. I unlinked my hand from Isabella's and stalked toward my mother, each step purposeful. “Outside. Now.”

A faint smirk touched my mother's lips before she stepped into the hallway, a few paces behind me. I turned on her, my voice low and filled with anger. “Grayson would never sign me over to you, no matter what twisted reason you’ve concocted. I’m not his property.”

The conviction surprised even me. My voice was steady, clear, and unyielding.

My mother’s smile was infuriatingly calm. “Of course, you’re not. Grayson didn’t sign you over because you've somehow wormed your way into that dark heart of his. The man would move mountains for you. And if it were anyone else, I might be impressed and proud.”

My blood boiled. “Get to the point, Mother.”

She narrowed her eyes, her tone cold, almost dismissive. “You’ve truly lost all respect, do you know that?”

“And you’re wasting my time,” I shot back. “Do you know that?”

She sighed, as if she were enduring some great trial. “As you know, the Pierces throw their annual ball. While you’ve gone out of your way to become someone I hardly recognize, acting recklessly, many are unaware of your recent actions. I’d prefer to keep it that way.”

I folded my arms. “So what? You came here to humiliate me publicly and then expect me to play nice at your precious ball to save face? What kind of twisted logic is that?”

Her eyes flashed. “Watch your tone.”

“No,” I countered, my voice cutting through the tension. “You watch it. I’m not going to any Pierce ball—now or ever again. I was disowned, remember? Let’s keep it that way. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a party to plan.”

I turned to leave, but she grabbed my arm painfully. “You insolent child!”

My wolf surged, my eyes blackening with barely contained rage. “Don’t touch me.”

Her eyes widened. “So it’s true. You do have your wolf.”

I pushed past her, ignoring her as I walked down the hall. But her voice stopped me.

“If there’s one thing you should have learned, Ava, it’s that no matter how far you run, no matter how much power you think you’ve gained, I will always have the ability to make you second-guess yourself. I know exactly what buttons to press to make you fall in line, just like I did just now. I made you, Ava. I molded you. And I can break you with a snap of my fingers.”

I turned slowly, disbelieving. “Do you even hear yourself? What kind of mother says that to her own child?”

She scoffed, a cruel smile tugging at her lips. “I thought you weren’t my child anymore.”

I shook my head, overwhelmed. “I’m done with this. Have a nice life.”

I started to walk away, but her voice followed like a haunting echo.

“I sent that man to get information about Grayson’s company.”

My heart skipped a beat, my blood running cold. I stopped, every muscle tense. “You what?” I choked out, my voice hoarse. “Do you have any idea what Grayson will do to you?”

She waved a hand dismissively. “He already knows. In fact…” She took a step closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “That brings me to the real reason I’m here. I made him an offer when he came to confront me. I told him to break whatever hold he has on you and let you come back to me. And do you know what he did? He refused my offer, but now I see the truth—even if he’d said yes, you still wouldn’t have left him. Grayson Blackwood isn’t the problem. You are. Because you are in love with him.”

My mouth went dry. My breath caught in my throat. For a moment, I struggled to find words.

Her smug smile widened. “Don’t try to deny it, I can see it in your eyes. You might think you’ve changed, but I still know you. I know you better than anyone. And I know you’ll be at that ball. In exchange, I’ll give you the same offer I gave Grayson. I’ll tell you everything I know about the curse hanging over his head.” My world tilted again. Grayson… cursed? Was that even possible?

“I see you didn’t know about it,” she continued, a gleam in her eyes. “I’ve always said the Blackwoods were tainted. The curse is just the beginning. But since I’m feeling generous, I’ll tell you everything I know—if you attend the ball and play the part of the daughter I raised you to be.”

I stood stunned, the words swirling in my head. The curse… what was she talking about?

I was speechless, my mind racing, but her eyes gleamed with satisfaction. She knew she’d won, and she knew I would comply.

“I’ll send you the invitation. Save the date,” she added, her gaze sweeping over my clothes. “And try to look presentable this time.”

She turned and walked away, her footsteps echoing.

I called after her, “I really can’t stand you.”

She didn’t break her stride. “I’ll always be a part of who you are, no matter how much you fight it.”

She disappeared, leaving me with a thousand questions swirling in my head.

Grayson was cursed? He had spoken with her? Did he really know she sent the man? What had happened to our promises of no more secrets?

I pulled out my phone and dialed Grayson, but it went straight to voicemail. Frustration flared, and I tried again—same result. My mind spun when Isabella's voice broke through my thoughts.

“Lilian, are you okay?”

I turned to face her, wondering if she’d overheard anything, but her concerned expression told me she hadn’t.

I shook my head, forcing a smile. “Yes, I’m fine. I think. I just… I need to find Grayson. Now.”

Her eyes narrowed. “He really offered you up as property?”

I sighed, feeling the weight of everything. “No, Bels, but I need to speak with him. Now.”

She nodded. “Okay. I’ll stop the preparations. I know I’ve been making decisions without consulting you, but you don’t look like you’re in the mood for a celebration. I’ll put everything on hold.”

I gave her a grateful look. “Thank you. I really have to go.”

Just as I was about to leave, my phone beeped. It was a text from my mother. She had just crossed a new level of pettiness.

“What is it?” Isabella asked.

“My mother just sent me the date for the Pierce annual ball—May 15th.”

Isabella shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. You weren’t going to attend anyway, right?”

I glared at the message. She knew exactly what she was doing. May 15th was my birthday. Her fixing the ball on that day was not coincidental. There was a reason.

“Lilian?”

I snapped my head up, looking at Isabella, and then beyond her, noticing the decorations. It clicked. How to emerge as the winner of whatever game she was playing.

I didn’t know if I should believe her about the curse, but even if there was a possibility it was true, and she wanted me at the ball to get information, then so be it.

Isabella spoke again, “Okay, now you are just scaring me.”

I looked at her. “I have to find Grayson, but in the meantime, I need you to make some changes. Don’t stop the preparations. I need them to be more… suiting.”

Isabella blinked. “Suiting for what?”

A small smile curved my lips. “For a ball.” I straightened, my resolve hardening. “This year, I’m throwing the Pierce annual ball.”

Chapter 125