Lady Virelia Nightbane

The Su Group, now part of Ava's family empire, was one of the most powerful business entities in Riverdale. Although it appeared to be an independent company, everyone in the industry knew it was just one of many branches under Ava's family influence.

Its main business?

Real estate.

And because the Ava family had such strength, half the homes in Riverdale were developed by Su Group.

That morning, beneath the glass skyscraper that housed Su Group's headquarters, a convoy of luxury vehicles pulled up one after another. The building loomed above like a monument of wealth and legacy.

Zhulan, Ava's assistant and driver, stepped out of the front seat and rounded the vehicle to open the door for Ava Carter.

Before she could reach it, someone gently pushed her aside.

Startled, she turned—and found Leo, already standing there with the door open.

"Miss, watch your step," he said respectfully, holding out his hand.

"Thank you," Ava replied, gracefully placing her hand in his and stepping out of the car.

As she raised her eyes to the towering structure before her, a mixture of nostalgia and pain flickered across her face.

In her previous life, she had been headstrong, convinced of her invincibility. That pride led her into conflict with her parents. As a result, they had blocked her from inheriting the deeper aspects of the family's business empire. Instead, they threw this branch—Su Group—into her lap. She was forced to manage it alongside her cousin, Sophia.

But Sophia had been utterly incompetent, and within months, she dragged the company into losses amounting to tens of billions.

The most infuriating part?

Everyone blamed Ava.

Not one person believed Sophia was at fault. Her image had been destroyed.

In my past life, I was reckless and hated. This time, I just want to live with dignity. And do things right.

Leo gestured to Ryan to park the car and then scanned the area in front of the building.

No one had come down to greet them.

He frowned slightly and lowered his voice to Ava. "Miss, I already informed the group that you'd be arriving today."

"I know," she replied softly, eyes still on the building. "Let's go inside."

She expected this reaction.

The entire group had already pledged loyalty to Sophia.

"Understood," Leo said. But his thoughts raced.

In the original story, Ava was ostracized by everyone. They all sided with Sophia. If I can help her change that... if I can unite this group under Ava... then she'll start trusting me more. Maybe even depending on me.

---

Top Floor – Su Group

The thick scent of cigar smoke filled the room. In a luxurious leather chair, a middle-aged man lounged like a king. Greg Mason, the acting general manager of Su Group, puffed slowly on a cigar as one of his subordinates entered.

"Boss, Ava Carter just arrived. She's in the lobby with her assistant and another guy."

Greg didn't even turn his head. "And? I didn't tell you to greet her."

"No sir. She's just sitting there now."

"Good," Greg scoffed. "She's nothing but a disgraced heiress trying to claw her way back in. The one we follow is Sophia, not her. Don't forget who signs our checks."

"Yes, boss."

The subordinate, a smug-faced man named Eric Shaw, grinned. "Want me to go down and show her who's boss?"

Greg gave a low, satisfied chuckle. "Heh. Eric, you're a piece of work. Go ahead and have some fun. Be rude. Be sly. Don't worry—I'll take the heat."

"And remember…" he added, tapping ash into a crystal tray, "Sophia has our backs."

---

Lobby – Su Group

Ava sat calmly on one of the modern leather couches in the lobby. Her posture was composed, her expression cool. Despite the lack of welcome, she showed no irritation.

No one from the company had appeared.

She wasn't surprised.

Sophia has already poisoned this place. They won't acknowledge me unless I force them to.

In her past life, she had responded with fury. She had used iron-fisted tactics to punish anyone who ignored her authority. And it worked... on the surface.

Beneath it? They all reported to Sophia in secret.

That strategy had backfired spectacularly.

This time, she needed to win hearts — not just force compliance.

Suddenly, a loud, theatrical laugh rang across the lobby.

"Hahaha! Miss Ava! My deepest apologies!"

All heads turned.

Eric Shaw, thin, wiry, and oozing sarcasm, strode forward, flanked by a squad of "security guards" who looked more like street thugs than professionals.

Leo frowned. "They're just hired muscle," he whispered. "Not real guards."

Zhulan leaned toward Ava. "Miss, they received your notice hours ago. This is staged."

Ava nodded slightly. "I know. But if I respond emotionally, I'll lose credibility."

Eric arrived with a greasy smile and extended his hand in mock sincerity. "So sorry we weren't prepared. Things are chaotic around here, you understand. Real estate... deadlines... clients. Everyone's just been swamped."

"But we all know you're here to take charge," he continued, his eyes glinting. "Is there something I can help with, Miss Ava?"

Ava met his gaze calmly. "Tell me—how many employees does the Su Group currently have?"

Eric's smirk twitched. "That's... ah... a hard one. I don't really have the exact number right now."

"Then tell me," Ava continued, voice cool, "where's your direct superior? Where's Mr. Mason?"

"Oh, that..." Eric scratched his head, chuckling nervously. "No clue. He's a busy man, you know. I wouldn't know where he is at any given time."

"Look, Miss Ava," he went on, holding up his hands, "I'm just middle management. I don't have access to that kind of info."

Unbelievable, Ava thought. They're not even trying to hide the disrespect anymore.

But she didn't react.

She clenched her fists tightly. She couldn't afford to let them provoke her.

They wanted her to explode. To lash out and prove she was hot-headed. Just like last time.

But this time... I won't give them what they want.

Across from her, Eric was silently enjoying the show.

Come on. Yell. Scream. Throw a chair. Let's see the "villain" in you. That'll send the whole group back into Sophia's arms.

Then, a roar cut through the air.

"What the hell is the point of keeping a loser like you around?!"

Everyone turned in shock.

Leo was storming forward, his expression thunderous.

Ava's heart jumped. "Leo, stop!"

Eric turned, startled. "Who the hell are you—"

SLAP!

Leo's hand struck Eric across the face with a brutal crack.

Eric collapsed to the floor, his cheek red and swelling rapidly.

The guards flinched but didn't move.

"You can't answer a simple question. You don't know where your boss is. What kind of sorry excuse for a manager are you?" Leo spat. "If you don't even know your own chain of command, then you're not qualified to wear that name tag."

A hush fell over the lobby.

Ava stood, stunned, staring at Leo.

He stepped in. He broke the tension I couldn't.

Eric moaned on the ground, completely humiliated.

For the first time, the fake guards looked unsure. The staff walking past slowed down. People stared.

The message was loud and clear:

Ava Carter wasn't here alone. And she would no longer be ignored.

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