Chapter 130

Ava’s POV

Why did the universe hate me? It was a serious, valid question, because there was no other reason for all this to be happening again. As I sat tapping my legs anxiously, a wave of unsettling déjà vu washed over me. Grayson was missing again. This time, it wasn't a car crash; it was worse—a plane crash.

Liam paced, frantically making phone calls, trying to piece together what had happened. In the corner of the office, Elaine sat rigidly, glaring at me as if this was somehow my fault. At least Monica wasn't here…

But, as if the universe had read my thoughts, the door opened and Monica entered, her presence like a storm cloud darkening the already dismal room. I fought back a groan of frustration.

Her sharp eyes flickered to me before settling on Elaine. "Any news yet?"

Elaine, without breaking her gaze, replied, "I don't know. Maybe you should ask Ava."

I blinked, incredulous. "Ask me? Why? What have I done wrong now?"

Elaine leaned forward, her tone icy. "The better question is, what haven't you done wrong? Ever since you came into Grayson's life, it's been nothing but drama, chaos, and endless problems. Sure, he was cruel before, but I'd take that version of him any day over this—over all of this. This is the second time he's gone missing, and I'm sure the only reason he was on that flight to Italy was to deal with something related to you. In case no one has told you, or you're too blind to see it, you are the problem, Ava."

Her words hit like a slap. I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came out. Part of me wanted to fight back, but another part knew she wasn't entirely wrong.

Grayson's life before me had been clear-cut, however ruthless. He'd been the all-powerful, untouchable Alpha King. But ever since fate threw us together, chaos had followed. From the endless drama with my father, to Dylan, to my mother, to my attempts to uncover secrets of his past—it all traced back to me.

"Don't listen to her. This isn't your fault," my wolf's voice echoed softly in my mind. But I didn't believe her.

My phone vibrated in my pocket. Grateful for the distraction, I glanced down to see my mother's name flashing on the screen. Normally, I would have ignored her, but I needed an excuse to escape the suffocating tension.

Without a word, I left the office, brushing past Liam. Outside, I answered the call.

Before I could speak, my mother's sharp voice cut through. "You are really pushing it, Ava. Really, really pushing it."

"Do you think I'm the reason bad things happen to people?" The question slipped out. I hadn't planned to ask her, but there it was.

There was a pause, then her voice, colder than before: "Why are you asking me that? And why would you expect me to have the answer?"

Of course, Evelyn couldn't even pretend to be a mother for five seconds. Anger bubbled up, and I snapped, "Why did you call me?"

"Because I just got word that your insolent friend is telling people you're hosting the Pierce Ball this year at that vile estate you've chosen to stay in."

I ran a hand through my hair, frustration mounting. With everything going on—Grayson missing, the curse weighing on me—this felt irrelevant. But since Evelyn brought it up, I wasn't letting it slide.

"First of all, Mother, my best friend's name is Isabella. And yes, we'll be hosting the ball at Grayson's estate. You wanted me to attend, and I will. You never said I couldn't choose the venue. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have more pressing matters to deal with."

I started to end the call, but she stopped me. "You really have become something else." There was a hint of something in her tone—awe? I couldn't tell, and I didn't care.

"I'm ending the call."

"Who's to say I won't just throw the ball myself?"

I sighed. "Then go ahead. We'll see whose event they attend." I ended the call.

For a moment, I stood in the quiet hallway, unwilling to return to the office. Elaine's words echoed in my mind, her accusations striking deeper than I wanted to admit.

The door opened, and Liam stepped out. "Can you come back inside?"

I sighed and nodded, following him back in. I avoided looking at Elaine and Monica as Liam spoke.

"They've pinpointed the area where Grayson's plane went down. Rescue teams are being sent," he said, his gaze flicking to me. "I'm confident they'll find him."

"What's to say he survived the crash?" Monica asked bluntly.

"He survived it," Elaine and I said simultaneously. The unison startled me. I glanced at her, catching a flicker of conviction in her eyes before she rolled them and looked away.

Liam's voice broke the silence. "I'll keep you all updated. For now, I have a lot to coordinate." He kissed Elaine's forehead, and I watched her soften, reminding me of the girl in the old photograph.

I couldn't stay. Without another word, I left.

My head pounded; my thoughts spun. Worry gnawed at me, but deep down, I knew Grayson was alive. I just didn't know how long that would last.

I needed to focus on what I could control. I needed to get back to Isabella and ensure the ball preparations were moving along. It would give me something to do, something to distract me.

I stood in the hallway, trying to steady my thoughts. The tension from the office lingered, like a storm brewing inside me. My head pounded, but I refused to let anyone see how shaken I was.

The office door opened, and Elaine and Monica stepped out, their eyes on me.

Elaine's gaze was sharp and unyielding as she tilted her head. "Why are you still standing here?"

I narrowed my eyes, exhausted from the constant attacks. "I'm not in the mood for this, Elaine. You don't own this hallway. This is Grayson's company, and in case you've forgotten, I'm married to him."

Monica smirked, stepping forward. "You've really placed yourself high on that horse, haven't you? And, of course, you refuse to climb down." Her voice was mocking, her gaze piercing.

Elaine laughed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Don't worry. She'll be thrown off that horse soon enough."

They exchanged a look before starting to walk away. Elaine stopped, glancing back over her shoulder.

"I hear you're throwing a ball," she said, her tone light but edged.

I straightened. "Yes, I am."

She smiled faintly, a dangerous glint in her eyes. "Good. That'll be very interesting."

Monica muttered something I couldn't catch. I focused on Elaine as she stepped closer, her voice dropping.

"Oh, and happy birthday in advance," she said casually, her smile widening.

The words struck me like a slap. My breath hitched. It was exactly what Crystal had said.

Elaine leaned in, her voice a near-whisper.

"Don't worry, Ava," she said, her tone soft but cutting. "This will be a birthday you'll NEVER forget."

The final "色" appears to be an extraneous character and has been removed.