Chapter 4

As Adrian maneuvered their car onto the main road, he shifted to a more relaxed posture, steering with one hand while the other rested on the rim of the open window. A playful smile curled his lips as he skillfully avoided the topic at hand. "Would you take issue with that?" he quipped, attempting to inject some levity into the conversation. "Everyone's entitled to chase after their own slice of happiness and muster the courage for a fresh start. You were the one who reminded me of that when Dad decided to marry Diana again, remember?"

Adrian's early years were marked by tragedy and change; after his mother's untimely death, he was taken in by Beatrice Sterling in White Plains. A young boy in elementary school at the time, he found a new family with his grandmother and Auntie Rose. The trio formed a close-knit household for several years until his father's remarriage prompted his return to the bustling life of the city. Yet, this reunion was short-lived. Adrian soon found himself abroad, leaving high school and his old life behind.

His connection with his grandmother, Beatrice, deepened over time, starkly contrasting the tepid relationship he maintained with his biological father.

Beatrice, not one to mince words, cut through the pleasantries. "Enough with the chitchat," she said, her tone firm. "I want to see for myself who this person is. No more dodging; if you don't bring them to meet me by tomorrow night, I'm going back to White Plains for good. You can spare yourself the pretense of those dutiful visits thereafter."

Her words hung in the air as she turned away, signaling the gravity of her intent.

Adrian glanced at her, the corners of his mouth twitching into a rueful smile. The previous year had been tough; Beatrice was diagnosed with mid-stage pancreatic cancer, and despite the treatments, the outlook was grim. The doctors had eventually recommended palliative care, giving her a little over two years. Miraculously, after Adrian's sudden marriage six months ago, Beatrice seemed rejuvenated. Her health visibly improved, marked by better mobility and appetite.

Marriage, for Adrian, was a pragmatic affair, devoid of romantic expectations. Once committed, he seldom harbored any doubts or regrets.

Contemplating the whirlwind circumstances that led to his nuptials, he softened, "I'll see if my wife's available tonight, alright?"

Ava had just reunited with Doris and Zoe Harper, and the trio made their way to a cozy pizza joint nestled in the heart of New York. As they found their seats, Ava and Zoe exchanged shy glances, a stark contrast to Doris's buoyant energy. Without a moment's hesitation, Doris draped her bag over her chair and dove headfirst into conversation.

"So, tell me everything," she urged with a twinkle in her eye. "What's the story behind your run-in with Brooke Morgan?"

Puzzled, Ava looked to Zoe for some insight. With a knowing smile, Zoe explained, "Brooke Morgan was the one who interviewed you yesterday."

"Wasn't her surname Bennett?" Ava queried, puzzled.

"That's Director Bennett you're thinking of. She was supposed to conduct your interview, but a last-minute issue at an event in Bryant Park pulled her away. Brooke stepped in instead," Zoe clarified.

"Ah," Ava responded, while Doris laughed, "You mean to tell me you clashed with her and didn't even know it?"

A touch embarrassed, Ava conceded, "We had a slight disagreement. I'm not usually confrontational."

"But you are!" Doris exclaimed, her eyes alight with excitement. "Last night, the news broke in our group chat that Brooke Morgan was let go by the big boss himself! I was so thrilled, I nearly cracked open a bottle of champagne."

Doris's enthusiasm was infectious, and Ava couldn't help but laugh. "Was she really that unbearable?"

"It wasn't just me who thought so. Zoe here couldn't stand her either. Remember the company retreat where you both showed up in the same dress? Yours had that vintage flair, and you looked stunning. Brooke couldn't compete, so she spitefully placed you on the edge in the group photo. Then, she completely cropped you out of the event's blog photos—all thirty of them."

Zoe, slightly embarrassed, quickly changed the subject, "Brooke was always too much—bullying her subordinates, stirring up drama, and even once, sending inappropriate messages that got her confronted by a client's wife outside our office."

"She was a manager?" Ava inquired, trying to piece together the hierarchy.

"Indeed, next to Director Bennett, Brooke was the longest-serving senior account manager we had," Doris chimed in. "She was skilled and worked hard, which is probably why her behavior was overlooked for so long. But this time, the decision came directly from the top. You should have seen how relieved we all were."

"Directly fired?" Ava echoed, surprised. "Is your boss always that... decisive?"

"Absolutely. It just goes to show how determined he was to see her go," Doris said, then, leaning in closer, added a hint of mischief, "So, what exactly is your relationship with Mr. Sterling?"

Ava, caught off guard, hesitated before revealing, "I know him, but I had no idea EchoDigital was his company."

"An ex?" Doris speculated with raised eyebrows. "There must be more to it if our boss took such a drastic step. Zoe even mentioned that he ordered the search for your earring."

"You're reading too much into it. Why would he be interested in someone like me?"

Doris scoffed at the self-doubt, "You're stunning. Have a little faith in yourself. Honestly, I think our boss doesn't even deserve you. Yes, he's attractive, but he's too aloof for my taste. I prefer someone with a warm, sunny disposition."

Ava laughed, touched by Doris's spirited defense but sticking to the essentials, "We met by chance six months ago. Yesterday was only our third encounter. And that earring? It was borrowed from a friend—very important to her. I was desperate, so I reached out to him for help."

Doris looked skeptical, "Really? He doesn't strike me as the type to go out of his way..."

"How much can you know about Mr. Sterling if he's seldom at the office?" Zoe interjected, keen to steer the conversation away from sensitive territory, "Anyway, let's drop it. The pizza's here."

True to form, Doris quickly shifted focus, "Stay put, I'll whip up some cocktails! I found this fantastic recipe online."

Their meal stretched over two hours, filled with laughter and heartfelt conversation. As they prepared to leave, Zoe remembered something important, "Mr. Sterling mentioned your interview yesterday doesn't count. When can you come back for a redo?"

Ava, who had already ordered a ride, paused, "I'm thinking I won't go back."

"Why not?" Doris interjected, surprised. "Our company offers top-notch salaries and benefits. You're underselling yourself elsewhere. Our department would double your earnings."

Throughout the meal, Ava had grown to understand the distinct personalities of her companions—Doris's vivacity and Zoe's contemplative nature. Now, noticing Ava's reluctance, Zoe gently probed, "Have you received other job offers?"

Ava, impressed by Zoe's attentiveness, shared, "You work in HR, so you're likely aware of my situation. My options are limited, but I'm still looking. I haven't hit a dead end yet."

Zoe apologized, "I was aware, but unaware of the Brooke Morgan complication. I'm sorry."

"It's not on you," Ava reassured her, managing a small smile. "Just my luck, I guess."

As they said their goodbyes, Zoe offered one last piece of encouragement, "Our company's promotion system is fair and transparent—a real opportunity for someone with your skills. Think it over and let me know."

"I will, thanks," Ava replied, waving them off. "Text me when you get home."

"You too!" Doris called out as they drove away, "And watch out—don't let a catch like you get snatched up!"

Ava watched the car disappear, her smile slowly fading into the night.

Ava found herself reconsidering her options, a change of heart she hadn't anticipated. Voicing her decision didn't feel beneath her dignity—after all, she prided herself on being ambitious. At this junction, EchoDigital seemed like the only logical choice.

Her thoughts were bolstered by something Zoe Harper had mentioned during dinner—that Adrian Sterling seldom made his way to the office, no more than five times a year. This detail led Ava to believe that her employment at EchoDigital wouldn't encroach upon his space.

While she was lost in contemplation, her phone's ringtone pierced the silence of her purse. Assuming it was the ride-share driver she was waiting for, Ava answered without a glance at the caller ID.

"Hello, I'm at the designated spot. Have you arrived?"

Peering down the street, failing to spot her ride, she was met with an odd quiet from the other end. Glancing down at her phone, Ava's eyes widened at the sight of Adrian Sterling's name on the display.

"Mr. Sterling?" she exclaimed, taken aback. "My apologies, I mistook you for my ride-share driver."

There was a brief pause before Adrian replied, his tone lacking any expected irritation. "Which intersection are you at?"

Puzzled, Ava inquired, "Did you need something?"

"Yes," Adrian hesitated for a moment before asking, "Do you need me to pick you up?"

Ava, checking the time and hesitating, wondered, "Can't we handle this over the phone?"

Following a brief silence, Adrian questioned, "Have you secured a job yet?"

"Not as of yet."

"Then you're currently unemployed," Adrian remarked casually, as if stating a simple fact, "Is your time really that valuable?"

...

Wanting to cut the conversation short, Ava inquired about his ETA. Nearly dozing off under a streetlamp thirty minutes later, her attention was grabbed by the sight of a Maybach pulling up in front of her.

Adrian, half his face visible through the rolled-down passenger window, signaled to her. "Get in, I can't stay parked here."

Once inside and buckled up, Ava didn't beat around the bush. "What was it you needed to discuss?"

Adrian, dressed in a casual white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and the top few buttons undone, exuded a relaxed vibe. The faint scent of tobacco and alcohol suggested he'd come from a gathering. With a laid-back air, he asked, "Are you available tomorrow evening?"

"Do you have something planned?" Ava turned to face him, recalling a clause in their agreement that demanded a week's notice for any mutual engagements.

Adrian, eyes fixed forward, responded nonchalantly, "Is that the case?"

Initially disinclined to refuse, Ava's memory of their detailed contract and her subsequent surprise resurfaced, along with a hint of irritation. The clause, seemingly Adrian's creation, appeared to be a method of controlling her.

"Is this typical for you, Mr. Sterling?" she challenged, her voice carrying a sharper edge, "To follow the contract only when it benefits you?"

The car fell into a heavy silence, the noise from outside fading, leaving only the sound of tires crunching against gravel.

At a stoplight, Adrian turned to look at her, his features illuminated by the streetlights, creating a play of light and shadow. "Seems like you've got some grievances against the wealthy," he observed with a hint of amusement.

Ava, maintaining her composure, replied simply, "I'm only speaking to the facts."

"Really? No inner monologue casting me as the villainous capitalist?" Adrian prodded lightly.

"I would never," Ava responded tersely.

Dropping the playful tone, Adrian adopted a more serious demeanor. "Let's stick to the facts then. I apologize for the oversight. It's crucial, and I hope you can make it tomorrow evening. If not, we can reschedule. I'm not intending to breach our agreement, but you're welcome to propose a form of compensation."

Caught off guard by his candidness, Ava took a moment before suggesting, "Since you've broken the contract once, allow me the same courtesy. Let's call it even."

As the traffic light turned green, Adrian shifted his gaze back to the road. "I'm listening."

"I recall your offer to reschedule my interview with HR at your company," Ava ventured, seizing the opportunity, "I was too quick to refuse last time, but I've changed my mind."

Adrian spared her a glance, recalling her previous firm stance. "Changed your mind in just a day?"

Ava, feeling her pride sting, pressed on, "Is it possible or not?"

"No."

Her surprise quickly turning into irritation, Ava braced herself to respond, but Adrian continued, "That doesn't constitute a breach. You're simply pursuing an interview, not seeking special treatment. It doesn't equate to an even exchange."

Feeling somewhat mocked, Ava retorted, "You have a unique sense of humor, Mr. Sterling."

"Perhaps," Adrian acknowledged with a half-smile, guiding the car into an unfamiliar upscale residential area.

As they approached the gate, Ava queried, "What's the plan now?"

Waiting for the gate to open, Adrian glanced over at her. "You'll join my family for dinner here tomorrow. Familiarize yourself with the surroundings to avoid any appearance of it being your first visit."

They entered one of New York's most exclusive and costly neighborhoods.

"This is..."

Before Ava could finish her thought, the doorman greeted them warmly, "Good evening, Mr. Sterling. Welcome home!"

Acknowledging the doorman with a nod, Adrian then turned to Ava, his tone clear and composed, "This is your husband's home."