Chapter 4 - The Shadow in the House
When Ava managed to sneak back into the estate through the basement utility door, she thought she was safe. She dried her shoes, threw her wet hoodie into the dryer, and crept up the back stairwell toward her bedroom.
As she turned the corner into the upper hallway, she froze.
Standing inside her open bedroom doorway was Marcus. He was holding her leather purse, which he had unzipped.
"Searching my personal belongings, Marcus?" Ava said, her voice dropping into a cold, firm register she didn't know she possessed.
Marcus spun around, his hand instinctively reaching toward the holster beneath his suit jacket before he recognized her. His broad, scarred face remained impassive.
"Mrs. Choi," Marcus said flatly. "You weren't in your room. I searched the grounds when your perimeter sensors registered no activity. I was concerned."
"I was in the basement library reading," Ava lied smoothly, stepping forward and taking her purse directly out of his hands. "I didn't realize I needed your permission to move around my own home."
Marcus’s eyes drifted down to her boots, which were still slightly damp despite her efforts.
"Mr. Choi instructed me to ensure your absolute safety," Marcus said, his tone unyielding. "There are eyes on this house, ma'am. Uncle Arthur's men have been spotted tailing our security perimeter twice this week. If you leave this house without an escort again, I will have to inform Daniel immediately."
"I am aware of the threats, Marcus," Ava replied, placing her purse on her nightstand. "Now please leave my room."
Marcus bowed his head slightly and stepped out into the hallway, closing the door behind him.
Ava locked the door, leaned her back against it, and let out a shuddering breath. She unzipped her jacket, pulled out the white envelope containing the ultrasound photo, and looked around the room for a hiding place.
Her bedroom was spacious, decorated in minimalist slate grays and cream tones. There were few places that were truly secure from a thorough search.
She walked over to the heavy oak bookshelf near the window. Behind a collection of vintage architectural journals, she found a small decorative gap between the backboard and the frame. She slipped the ultrasound photo deep into the gap, sliding the books back into place.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed on the nightstand.
It was a text from an unknown, encrypted number.
I know what you're hiding, little bride. Meet me at the conservatory at Lincoln Park Park in one hour, or Daniel receives a copy of your medical file from West Town Health Clinic.
Ava’s blood ran completely cold.
Someone had followed her to the clinic.
May you like
She stared at the screen, her heart hammering violently against her ribs. The sender wasn't Daniel. Daniel wouldn't send a anonymous, threatening text.
It was Arthur.
