The rain started the same night the truth began to bleed.
Ava stood alone in the underground parking lot of Blackwood Tower. The message she received an hour ago still echoed in her mind:
"If you want to know who really destroyed your father… come alone."
No sender name.
No number saved.
Just coordinates.
She should have told Ethan.
But she didn't.
Because if this was about her father's death… she needed answers more than she needed protection.
Her heels echoed against the concrete floor.
Silence.
Too much silence.
Then—
Clap. Clap. Clap.
A slow, mocking applause from the shadows.
"You really are brave… or stupid."
A man stepped forward. Tall. Scar across his jaw. Cold eyes.
Ava's heart dropped.
She recognized him from old photos.
Victor Kane.
Her father's former business partner. The man who disappeared the week the company collapsed.
"You're supposed to be dead," Ava whispered.
Victor smiled. "So was your father."
The words hit like a slap.
Ava's chest tightened. "You ruined him."
Victor laughed softly. "No. Your beloved CEO did."
Her body went cold.
"Ethan Blackwood signed the final document that stripped your father of everything."
Lies.
It had to be lies.
Before she could speak, tires screeched.
Black SUVs surrounded the parking lot.
Doors slammed open.
Men with guns stepped out.
Her breath stopped.
Victor leaned closer. "I didn't call you here to talk."
He grabbed her wrist hard.
"You're my leverage."
Meanwhile…
Ethan stared at Ava's empty office.
Her phone was off.
Her assistant said she left early.
Something felt wrong.
His phone buzzed.
Unknown number.
He answered.
Victor's voice came through.
"She's with me."
Ethan's entire body stiffened.
"If you want her alive, bring the Blackwood inheritance files. Alone."
The line went dead.
For the first time in years… Ethan felt fear.
Not for his company.
Not for money.
For her.
Back at the parking lot…
Victor shoved Ava into one of the SUVs.
She struggled, kicking, hitting, fighting like fire.
One of the men raised his gun.
"Boss, she's trouble."
Victor smirked. "Good. I like trouble."
Ava suddenly remembered the small metal pen Ethan once gave her — "For emergencies," he said jokingly.
It wasn't just a pen.
It had a hidden blade.
Her fingers slowly slid inside her coat pocket.
The car began moving.
Fast.
Her pulse thundered in her ears.
She had one chance.
One.
She pulled the blade out and slashed the arm of the man beside her.
He screamed.
The SUV swerved violently.
Gunshots exploded.
Glass shattered.
The vehicle flipped.
Metal crushed.
Screams.
Smoke.
Silence.
Ethan's car arrived minutes later.
He stepped out.
Rain pouring over him.
His eyes widened.
The SUV was upside down.
Blood staining the marble driveway.
His voice broke for the first time.
"Ava!"
He ran toward the wreckage.
A hand moved under the broken window.
Weak.
Shaking.
Alive.
But then—
A gun clicked behind Ethan's head.
Victor's voice whispered from the darkness.
"You chose the wrong side, Blackwood."