Chapter 212

Ava’s POV

Ricardo’s smile was a thin veil; the glint in his eyes gave him away. “Favorable universe, Ava Pierce, or Blackwood?” He tapped his chin. “Heard things are… frosty with you and His Highness.”

My eyes narrowed. “What are you doing here?”

He leaned back, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Same as you. Flying to Italy.”

“In coach?” I gestured to our cramped surroundings.

He grinned. “Man of the people.” The mocking lilt was unmistakable.

A voice boomed over the intercom: “Attention, passengers, please take your seats.”

Escape was my only thought. Eight hours with Ricardo? Impossible. But escape seemed equally impossible. The announcement repeated, more urgently. A stewardess approached.

“Excuse me, miss, you need to be seated.”

“Can I switch seats?” I asked, scanning the cabin. “Anyone want to trade?”

“I’m afraid not,” the stewardess replied, her smile polite but firm. “But you can try to find someone.”

She moved on. My gaze fell on my mother, a few rows ahead. A sigh escaped me. I turned to Ricardo, his smug smile unwavering. The bastard.

“Fine,” I muttered. “But not a word.”

His grin widened. “As you wish.”

I wanted to strangle him. Instead, I buckled my seatbelt, the click echoing the tension. The engines roared; the plane taxied. Ricardo’s presence felt suffocating, oppressive. His face kept appearing in my peripheral vision.

A memory, repressed, surfaced – a memory involving Grayson and a reckless act. Evelyn Pierce, my mother, was the intended victim.

The plane lifted off. What was he doing here? Coincidence? Or something more? I shifted, trying to escape his gaze, but it followed.

Finally, I broke the silence. “What do you want?”

His grin remained. “What makes you think I want anything?”

“I don’t believe in coincidences.”

“Stalking you now?” He leaned back, hands behind his head.

“Why this flight? A week ago, you told Rickon you were too busy to help with Grayson.”

“I was occupied, but Grayson’s fine, isn’t he?” he said smoothly. “I live in Italy. Returning home.”

“Spare me the act,” I said.

He chuckled. “Don’t be so cold, Ava. You don't want to end up like Grayson, or worse, your parents.”

I ignored him, closing my eyes. He didn’t take the hint.

“Grayson…?” he asked casually.

My jaw clenched. He met my glare, unfazed, but this time, he fell silent.

Then, Isabella’s mind brushed mine. Lilian, I’ll throttle your mother.

I laughed, replying: I survived twenty-five years, you can survive eight hours.

She huffed, disconnecting. Peace. Then Ricardo spoke.

“What about the baby?”

My body froze. “What did you say?”

His amusement was gone, replaced by something unreadable.

“How far along are you?”

My stomach twisted. “What?”

“You’re pregnant, aren’t you?”

“How do you know?”

“I spend a lot of time with women,” he smirked.

A chill went down my spine. “That’s creepy.”

He shrugged. “Yes, I am. Grayson doesn't know, and I’ll keep it that way. Now, be quiet.”

He paused. Hope flickered. Then, he spoke again.

“If I’m quiet, how will I tell you I can save you the trouble of finding your sister? I know where she is.”