Chapter 55

Sophia and Vivi moved their investigation inside, spreading documents across the study desk. Bank statements, property records, and social media screenshots painted a disturbing picture of Ava's past.

"Three different cities, three wealthy families," Sophia pointed at the timeline she'd constructed. "Each time she got close to the son, then things fell apart."

Vivi leaned closer to examine a photo. "The Hendersons lost everything?"

"Bankruptcy within six months of her arrival. The son signed over power of attorney, thinking he was helping with a business venture." Sophia pulled up another file. "Same with the Pratts. And the Whitfields."

The sound of laughter drifted through the window. Ava and Damien were still at the pool house, their silhouettes visible through the gauzy curtains.

"We need to move faster," Vivi said, her fingers curling into fists. "Before she gets her hooks in deeper."

"I have someone tracking the offshore accounts now. If we can prove she's the one behind the shell companies..." Sophia's phone buzzed with a message. "Speaking of which."

They bent over the screen together, reading the latest intel. With each line, the knot in Vivi's stomach grew tighter. The amounts being moved through the accounts were staggering.

"The Blackwood fortune would be her biggest score yet," Sophia said quietly.

Vivi watched as Ava emerged from the pool house, adjusting her dress with practiced grace. Even from this distance, there was something calculated about her movements, like an actor hitting their marks.

"I won't let her destroy this family," Vivi said. The words surprised her - when had she started thinking of the Blackwoods as her family rather than just a marriage of convenience?

Sophia gathered the papers into a neat stack. "We'll stop her. But we have to be smart about it."

Vivi and Sophia continued their research late into the night. The study filled with the soft glow of laptop screens and rustling papers as they dug deeper into Ava's past.

"Look at this," Sophia pointed to her screen. "Three months before the Henderson collapse, Ava convinced their son to invest in a tech startup. The company existed on paper only."

"Classic pump and dump," Vivi muttered, rubbing her tired eyes. "She's been perfecting this scheme."

The grandfather clock in the hall chimed midnight. Through the window, they could see Damien's bedroom light still on, a harsh reminder of what was at stake.

"The timing's too perfect," Sophia said. "She showed up right when the media started sniffing around our family troubles. Like she was waiting for a vulnerability."

Vivi's phone lit up with a text from Reginald: "Coming home tomorrow afternoon. Board meeting ran long."

"At least that gives us more time," Sophia said, peering at the message. "We need concrete proof before we can warn Damien or Father."

They heard the click of heels in the hallway. Both women quickly gathered the papers, shoving them into folders just as Ava appeared in the doorway.

"Working late?" Ava's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Don't let me interrupt."

"Just catching up on some charity foundation work," Vivi replied smoothly.

"How... noble." Ava's gaze swept over the desk before she turned away. "Don't stay up too late. Damien and I have exciting plans for tomorrow."

After her footsteps faded, Sophia and Vivi exchanged looks.

"She's suspicious," Sophia whispered.

"Let her be," Vivi said. "We just need to work faster."

Sophia pulled out another folder from her bag. "I've been tracking her financials. There's a pattern - she targets wealthy families during times of crisis or scandal. The Hendersons weren't her first mark."

"What happened to the others?" Vivi leaned forward, studying the documents spread across the desk.

"Three families lost everything. Each time, she dated the son or heir, gained their trust, then..." Sophia's voice trailed off.

"Then convinced them to make terrible investment decisions," Vivi finished. She massaged her temples, feeling a headache building. "But why target us now? The scandal's almost contained."

"Maybe that's not her endgame this time." Sophia shuffled through more papers. "The other families were wealthy, but none had the reach or influence of the Blackwoods. We're talking about billions in assets, not millions."

"And Damien has access to quite a bit of it," Vivi added. Her chest tightened at the thought of him being manipulated.

"Exactly. Plus, with Father's recent health issues..." Sophia paused, choosing her words carefully. "The timing couldn't be better for someone looking to take advantage."

"We need to tell Damien." Vivi stood up, but Sophia caught her arm.

"He won't believe us without proof. You know how stubborn he can be, especially now that..." Sophia gave her a meaningful look.

Vivi sank back into her chair. "You're right. He'd probably think I'm just jealous or trying to sabotage his relationship."

"Which is exactly what Ava would want him to think." Sophia started organizing their research into neat piles. "We need something concrete. Bank statements, recordings, anything that shows her true intentions."

….

Ava knocked on Damien's door, her heart pounding with anticipation. She knew he was hers, but the challenge of seducing him away from Vivi was irresistible.

When Damien opened the door, she wasted no time. Stepping inside, she backed him against the door, her lips seeking his. Their kiss was fierce and hungry. Ava moaned into his mouth, her hands pulling at his shirt.

Breaking the kiss, she looked into his eyes, her breath coming in short gasps. "I want you," she whispered, her voice thick with desire.

Then, without another word, she pushed him back toward the bed. With a swish of her skirt, she positioned herself at the edge, slowly lifting her legs, one at a time, until she was sitting on the bed, her legs spread wide, revealing her wet core.

Damien's breath quickened at the explicit invitation. "You're insatiable," he growled, his voice husky with need.

"Only for you," she purred, her fingers trailing down her body to tease her sensitive nub. "But you already know that."

His eyes darkened, and he stepped forward, his hands reaching for the buttons of his shirt.

"No," she said, stopping him with a hand on his chest. "Let me."

Slowly, her fingers worked the buttons free, revealing his muscular chest. She leaned forward, her lips brushing his skin as she undid the last button. Then, with deliberate slowness, she trailed kisses down his chest, savoring the taste of him.

Damien's hands tangled in her hair, guiding her lower, his breath hitching as her lips reached the waistband of his pants. With deft fingers, she unbuttoned and unzipped his pants, freeing his hardness.

"Fuck me," she demanded, her eyes burning with desire. "Take what's yours."