“Who runs the company day to day?”
“The board. And the CEO. Until I turn eighteen.”

Edward nodded.
“But major decisions?”
“I have final say.”

Ava stared at her small hands.
“Can I… fire the CEO?”

Edward and Marianne exchanged a look.

“Yes,” Edward said quietly. “Any time.”

Ava hesitated.
“Does he know that?”

“No,” Edward replied. “He thinks you’re just a child in the way.”

That night was the annual charity gala her parents never missed.

Ava chose the navy dress her mother bought the year before.

The folder rested on her lap in the car—proof of who she was.

“I’m terrified,” Ava whispered.

“Good,” Marianne said softly. “That means you understand how important this is.”

Back in the present, Ava was still on her knees.

More bills hit her face.

Lauren laughed lightly.
“Daniel, should we call child services? This girl is clearly delusional.”

No one intervened.

They just recorded.

Until a security guard stepped forward nervously.

“She’s just a child—”

“If you don’t remove her,” Daniel snapped, “you’re fired.”

The guard approached Ava.

“Miss… please come with me.”

“Don’t touch me!” Ava cried.

The livestream exploded—20,000… 30,000 viewers.

Then suddenly, a woman pushed through the crowd.

It was Marianne.