3
725 Words
Ava stood at the spot, the gallery’s electrifying paintings and sculptures fading into the background. Martin took a step closer, he seemed a bit different, as though the weight of his problems had finally cracked his hard shell.
“I didn’t mean to attack you,” Martin said, his voice soft. “But I had no choice.”
“You always have a choice, Martin,” Ava replied, folding her arms.
So, what is this really about? Don’t waste my time.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “I think someone is trying to destroy the Levines Enterprises, Ava. And somehow, you’re caught in the middle.”
Ava raised an eyebrow, “That’s unfeasible. I’ve been out of your business for over a year. I don’t even know what’s happening in your dear kingdom anymore.”
“Exactly,” Martin said, his tone sharpening. “Which makes it all the more disturbing that your name has been coming up in confidential conversations and leaked documents.”
Her stomach twisted. “My name? Leaked where?”
Martin looked around the gallery, his jaw tightening. “Not here. Let’s talk somewhere private.”
Ava hesitated, but curiosity and a nagging thread of unresolved emotion glued her feet to the floor. “Fine,” she said reluctantly. “There’s a café down the street.”
Martin nodded, his expression unclear. “Lead the way.”
___
The walk to the café was uneasy, neither of them saying a word. Martin’s presence drew attention as they strolled through the captivating streets of Evanston. Natives turned their heads, murmuring about the neatly dressed stranger walking behind Ava.
They settled into a coffee table, and Ava ordered her usual Latte, while Martin requested an Americano. The silence stretched between them as they waited for their drinks.
Finally, she broke the silence. “Start talking.”
Martin set his phone down and leaned forward, his hazel eyes holding hers. “Ava, someone’s been disclosing information about key acquisitions, internal strategies, and even my personal finances. The leaks started about six months ago—right around the time our divorce was finalized.”
She burst out. “So, what? You think I’m behind this? That I’ve been trying to ruin you out of some distorted form of revenge?”
“No,” he said quickly, his tone firm. “I know it's not you. But whoever’s behind this is using your name, Ava. They’ve linked you to fake companies, fraudulent transactions… and now, they’ve expanded.”
Ava’s stomach churned. “Expanded how?”
Martin hesitated, his gaze darkening. “Two days ago, I received an anonymous tip that your artwork is being used to launder money.”
Her breath caught in her throat. “What? That’s absurd! I’ve hardly made any sales since I started over here.”
“That’s the point,” Martin said. “They’re using your new start to make the transactions look legit. A small-town artist rebuilding her life—it’s the ideal disguise.”
Ava shook her head. “No, this can’t be. Why would someone use me to launder money?”
Martin reached into his bag and pulled out a file, dropped it on the table. “This whole thing is recorded. Fake invoices, forged sales records, all hitched to your name and work.”
Ava opened the file with shaking hands, her eyes scanned the documents. Her name appeared all over, attached to transactions she’d never had any idea of.
“Oh no… this can’t be,” she whispered.
“We need to act fast, Ava,” Martin said, his voice firm. “And if we don’t figure out who’s behind this, it could ruin you—and me.”
She closed the folder and looked up at him, in anger and fear. “Why should I trust you? When you have lied to me before?”
“I know,” he admitted, his voice filled with regret. “But this time, I’m telling the truth. I need your help to clear both our names.”
Ava stared at him, her mind racing. " Fine" she said finally, her voice firm. “But if you’re lying, Martin, I swear I’ll never forgive you.”
He nodded, his eyes filled with relief. “Thank you, Ava. I promise—I won’t let you down.”
- Writer
