The Accidental heir

Episode4

“I appreciate that,” Ava said smiling. “But I need to prove myself, not just to Sophia, to everyone else, too. I want to show them that I can, and I’m worthy of being with you.”

Peterson’s face softened, and he wrapped Ava in his arms. “You’re already worthy,” he murmured. “You’re smart, lovely, and kind. I’m the fortunate one.”

Ava felt a violent brimming, and was determined not to let him go. She had found Peterson, and she was resolved to make this connection work.

There was something in the calm of him, so that, for a moment, he allowed the world to cover him. Together, she and he could face the rest of it.

Around her, time folded, and hours became a new skin, new set of sheets. Ava had sore feet, a good sign she had spent a productive day. She was happy, and she knew that was true for Peterson, too. They were building a life together. Ava was excited to see what the future would bring.

But in the instances during this time when nothing was problematic, Ava received the most unexpected news. The art studio was in an economic downturn, which called for some attention to be placed toward the future of the studio.

Ava was conflicted. Part of her wished to maintain the studio, while another part knew the reality of the financial drain it represented. It was a tricky situation, and it was clear she would have to talk to Peterson about it.

“Peterson, I have to talk to you about something,” Ava said.

Peterson was concerned when he glimpsed her for the first time when he looked up from his mobile device. “What is it?” he asked, out of attention, yet concern and sensational feelings for Ava pushed him to listen.

Ava said, “It’s the art studio. I’m not sure I’m going to be able to continue to sustain it.”

Peterson’s feelings afflicted passive sorrow, and to help Ava, he enfolded her. “It’s going to be okay. We’ll figure something out to help save it.”

Ava received a sense of calm to assist in solving the problem, where she knew she could rely and count on Peterson no matter the problem.

In hearing Ava’s problem, he was concerned, and this told her she had made the most rational decision in choosing Peterson. He was her most significant mental organ of the body, nearest the heart.

Ava understood that their love had the power to overcome any challenge, as they stood together and embraced.

Ava and Peterson intended to discuss the future of her art studio. As she described the financial issues she was experiencing, Peterson paid close attention.

"I don't want to lose the studio," Ava responded emotionally. "It is part of who I am."

"So I understand," Peterson responded. "We will find a way to make it work. But we must understand the reality of the finances involved. I will need to see the figures."

Ava felt exposed, and unsure. But her instinct to share was justified, so she handed her financials to Peterson, and he examined them.

Peterson identified possible solutions. "We can work within the finances of redevelopment, and of cost recovery, but we will need to be willing to make some trade-offs."

Ava’s heart raced. “What trade-offs,” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Peterson did not dismiss Ava's ideas on potential changes in strategy. “We may want to consider streamlining some of the studio's less profitable programs to focus on more profitable ones. Also, we may want to consider local partnerships to widen exposure and possibly generate some revenue."

“There’re not a lot of options, but I guess it could work for now," Ava said, not fully convinced in spite of having given it some weight.

Peterson, imagining the possibilities of future collaborations, pulled Ava into a hug. “We’ll make it work.”

The restructuring of the studio’s finances and maximizing those operations for revenue generation was an exhilarating experience for Ava and a significant part of her education on the theory and practice of business and finance.

Ava gained a lot from the experience as the studio was flourishing, and her confidence in Peterson, and in the strength of their relationship, grew.

Unfortunately for Ava, things had just started to calm down. "Ava, I have some news," her sister said, excitement bubbling on the other end of the line. "Mom's been offered a job in New York, and we're moving next month."

Petersen had finally started to build a life for Ava, and as the consequence of her sister's news, her first immediate thoughts were about how far he would have to move.

"I'm going to have to think about it," she said, trying to talk herself through the numerous immediate thoughts and emotions.

Ava's deep breaths were mixed in with quiet panic as she inhaled, and with the emotional changes, she had to report to Peterson with a wave of their hands Katie's and her New York news.

Ava had wanted to remove the move Peterson said. And with the smile, she said she would put it there. "Ava, we'll figure out the New York move then."

Ava's racing thoughts were her first attempts to psychologically defend moving to New York as Riley's little sister had to. But she had recently started to build a life with Peterson, and New York would be turning everything exactly the opposite for her.

Recognizing distress in Ava, Peterson took her into his embrace. “We will figure it out,” he reassured her. “We will make it work, no matter what.”

Ava ignored his embrace. All his promises back then had the same tone. But, Peterson focused on his own future, just like he had with every other business deal.

Just then, Peterson's phone rang. When he picked it up, all the blood drained from his face.

Ava felt her heart pick up speed. “What is it?”

“Sophia's threatening to contest the will, and challenge me on the position of CEO at Richmond Enterprises,” Peterson's voice had turned to stone.

Ava's heart sank. “Why?”

“Because,” he said, “like every other wolf in sheep's clothing, Sophia has been trying to take over the business for years.” She had it all planned out, and will stop at nothing to get what she wants.

Ava felt rage boiling in her. She will fight for the future she and Peterson had to lose.

"We'll handle Sophia together," Ava reassured him. "We'll show her we're not backing down."

Peterson's expression softened, and he embraced Ava. "I can always rely on you," he said, appreciation evident in his tone.

But before he and Ava could leave the office, her phone rang. It was her sister, calling to relay that their mother’s new job opportunity was no longer going to be offered.

"What's going on?" Ava inquired, sensing the unease creeping in.

"It looks like the company is connected to Richmond Enterprises," her sister responded. "And they are making sure your mom doesn’t take the job."

Ava'

s gaze shifted to Peterson's, and she realized Sophia was behind this. The game had begun.