Chapter 219

“You really screwed up,” Isabella’s voice sliced through the night. “And you know it, because you didn't ask for my help.”

I stared at the fountain, hands clenched on my knees, the moonlight rippling the water. Ava had shattered my world, worse than before, worse than anything. This time, I knew the truth. But Damien was still out there, Ava was in danger, and everything was slipping away.

I finally met Isabella’s gaze. “Got something to say? Remind me of my failings? Because I’m not in the mood.”

She looked as drained as I felt, the haunted look mirroring my own. Gone were the days of her annoying snack-munching. Even with Ava, things had felt simpler then.

She sighed, stepping closer. “I promised Lilian I wouldn’t cause a fight, so I’m just leaving this.” She dropped her phone on the fountain’s edge.

“Seriously? You’re not going to check it?”

“If you won’t tell me, I’m not—”

“Oh, for Christ’s sake, Grayson!” Lilian got a text. From Damien. Pictures of all of us. He’s watching. He said one word, and any of us could be a target if Lilian doesn’t meet him alone.

The words slammed into me. I lunged, but Isabella grabbed my arm. “She hasn’t left. She’s inside. Said she’s calling her mother, but she’s going.”

“Where?”

“It’s on my phone. Listen—Damien’s everywhere. Don’t let him know you’re following her. And don’t let her know either.”

My mind raced. Isabella’s voice cut through my haze, sharper now. “This pity party? It stops now. The world needs the Grayson Blackwood who makes people tremble. Snap out of it.”

Her words hit me hard. A switch flipped, a fire reignited. I’d been spiraling, letting emotions control me. No more.

I grabbed her phone, scanning the location: a restaurant. Open space. Public. Damien wanted to talk first. He needed something from Ava. I had time to set a trap.

I dialed my own phone. “Team at this location in thirty minutes. No marked cars. No obvious surveillance. Eyes on every entrance, exit, and face.”

“Understood. How many men?”

“Four inside, two outside, one backup. Someone watching the security feed.”

“Got it.”

I dialed again. “I need a restaurant’s security system tapped. Quietly. I’ll send details. Live feed and access to any other surveillance.”

“Fifteen minutes.”

“Ten.”

I grabbed my jacket and checked my gun. I wouldn’t use it—yet. But I needed to be ready. If Damien thought he was hunting… he was wrong.

I slid into the backseat. “Pull back,” I ordered. “I need a view of the house, but I don’t want to be seen.”

He maneuvered the car. I had a clear sightline of the entrance. I watched, waiting. Ava wouldn’t wait an hour. Damien’s message was a challenge, and Ava hated being cornered.

Seconds ticked by. My fingers tapped my knee, my body humming with a familiar energy. Control. Power.

Then, movement. Ava left the house, glanced around. Even from here, I saw the determination in her, like she was walking to war. She was alone. Ricardo’s lax security was predictable.

A car arrived. Ava got in. I waited, counting my pulse. As the car pulled away, I gave the order: “Wait ten minutes.”

My driver obeyed. I watched from the shadows as Ava approached the restaurant, tense but calm. I knew her too well. She was trying to control it.

My phone rang. “Sir, something’s off. The place is empty.”

Empty? Ava had just walked in. Then, Damien called.