Chapter 6

"Is that what I am now?" Ava asked, a lightness in her voice she hadn' t felt in ages.

"Among other things," Liam said, his voice a low hum. "Patron of the arts. Director of my destiny. Keeper of my... well, you get the idea."

Ava laughed. Actually laughed.

"You' re ridiculous."

"And you' re intriguing," he countered. "This whole arrangement is rather... stimulating. So, where am I headed, exactly? Besides Malibu."

"The guesthouse on my property. It' s separate from the main house. Very private."

She needed to see him, to solidify this bizarre plan.

"Excellent. I' m just saying goodbye to my... former colleagues."

Ava could hear the smile in his voice. He was enjoying this.

"Right. Your 'struggling actor' life."

"Precisely. One must fully commit to the role."

"Well, your new role comes with perks. A very generous stipend, for starters."

"I live to serve, Boss Lady."

Just then, Ava' s other line beeped. Eleanor Ashworth.

Ava' s good mood vanished.

"I have to take this," she told Liam. "I' ll see you soon."

She switched lines. "Eleanor."

"Ava, darling! Richard and I were just talking. With this marvelous new client you' ve landed, and your engagement to Ethan, we think it' s high time we started planning the wedding! A small, intimate affair, perhaps next month?"

Next month? They were moving fast.

To secure the client through Ava, marry her off, then elevate Chloe.

The engagement party was their chosen stage.

Ava' s mind raced.

This was her opportunity.

"That sounds... wonderful, Eleanor," Ava said, injecting false sweetness into her tone.

"But with the engagement party already planned, isn' t it a bit soon?"

"Nonsense, dear! We' ll make it work. A combined celebration, perhaps! Think of the buzz!"

Ava smiled coldly. Oh, there would be a buzz, alright.

"Let me talk to Ethan," Ava said. "I' m sure he' ll be thrilled."

She would use their own party, their own stage, to bring them down.