Chapter 5: Ava’s resolve
Ava deliberately ignored the vibrating phone on her bedside table and left her room furiously. She found her father in the hall, reading the newspaper, a cup of coffee resting on the small table beside him. Pushing away her annoyance, she approached him.
"Good morning, Papa," she greeted him, her face lit up with a bright smile.
"Good morning." Thomas smiled back at her, putting the newspaper aside. "Did you sleep well?"
Ava's smile faltered. The memories of her past life, the nightmares of betrayal and loss kept haunting her, and she couldn't sleep at all. But she quickly composed herself, forcing the smile back onto her face.
"Yes—like a child. I miss being here with you." She sat down beside him, linking her arm through his and leaning gently on his shoulder.
"Stay as long as you want," Thomas said softly, stroking her hair with fatherly affection.
Ava's gaze drifted to the nearly empty coffee cup on the table. Her stomach twisted as she remembered what Dylan had said about slowly poisoning her father in her past life. But in this life, she wouldn't let anyone hurt him. She needed to take control, starting by getting rid of anyone who might be working for Dylan.
"How about I make breakfast for you?" she asked, flashing a charming smile.
Thomas chuckled, clearly pleased. "That's great. I really miss your cooking."
"Okay, I'll prepare your favorite potato pancakes right away." Ava jumped to her feet and went to the kitchen.
A young maid was already preparing toast. Ava stopped in her tracks, her eyes narrowing as she studied the girl. She didn't recognize this maid. Was she new? Or worse, was she Dylan's spy?