Chapter 4

Ethan grumbled, "Finally," before hanging up on his end.

He was so easily fooled. So self-absorbed.

Ava walked past Chloe and Eleanor, a polite nod her only acknowledgment.

She went to her suite in the main house, the one that always felt more like a gilded cage than a home.

The Ashworths. They' d taken her in, yes.

But they' d also molded her, used her talent to build their boutique agency into a powerhouse.

Ashworth Creatives was her creation, not theirs.

And they were planning to give it to Chloe.

The thought fueled a cold rage.

She picked up her phone and dialed the number Liam had given her for direct contact.

It rang twice.

"Ava. I was wondering when you' d call back."

Liam' s voice, that low, rich sound, was surprisingly soothing.

"Are you ready for your starring role tonight?"

"More than ready," Ava said. "There' s been a change of plans."

Meanwhile, across town, Noah Walker frowned at his older brother.

Liam was packing a surprisingly shabby duffel bag.

"Another one of your 'observational projects,' Liam? What character are you playing this time? Starving artist? Disillusioned poet?"

Liam, or rather, the reclusive indie film director Alistair Finch, merely smiled.

"Something like that, Noah. Just getting a feel for the authentic Hollywood experience."

"Authentic? By living out of a duffel bag? You own three penthouses and a vineyard."

Liam zipped the bag. "Details, details."

His phone buzzed. A message from Ava.

"Change of plans. The performance might need to be... extended. Meet me at my Malibu guesthouse. Address attached."

A slow smile spread across Liam' s face.

Noah watched him, suspicious.

"Who' s that? Don' t tell me you' ve actually found a muse in this town."

Liam' s smile widened. "You could say that."