THE BILLIONAIRE'S HIDDEN DAUGHTER

Chapter 7: Ashfold Estate

The convoy of black SUVs sped through the quiet streets before stopping in front of a pair of enormous iron gates.

The gates slowly opened, revealing a breathtaking estate that stretched farther than Ava's eyes could see.

Towering fountains sparkled beneath golden lights.

Perfectly trimmed gardens lined the long driveway.

Luxury cars worth millions were parked outside an elegant mansion that looked more like a royal palace than a family home.

Ava stared through the window in complete disbelief.

"This... this is where my father lives?"

William smiled.

"Welcome to Ashford Estate."

The convoy came to a stop.

Before Ava could open the door, two maids hurried over and bowed respectfully.

"Welcome home, Miss Ashford."

The words caught Ava off guard.

Home.

No one had ever called a place like this her home.

Grace gently squeezed her hand.

"You deserve to be happy, sweetheart."

As they stepped inside, Ava was greeted by crystal chandeliers, polished marble floors, and a grand staircase that curved toward the second floor.

Portraits of the Ashford family hung on the walls.

One large painting showed Adrian standing proudly beside Victoria and Lucas.

Ava noticed immediately that she wasn't in any of the family portraits.

A strange feeling settled in her heart.

William noticed her expression.

"Don't worry."

"There will soon be a new portrait."

Just then, a middle-aged woman dressed in a black uniform approached.

She bowed politely.

"My name is Martha."

"I've managed this estate for over twenty years."

"I've prepared your room."

Ava smiled nervously.

"Thank you."

Martha led Ava and Grace upstairs.

When the bedroom door opened, Ava gasped.

The room was bigger than her entire apartment.

A king-sized bed sat beneath a beautiful chandelier.

Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the gardens.

A walk-in closet was already filled with elegant clothes, handbags, shoes, and jewelry.

"I... I can't accept all this," Ava whispered.

Martha smiled warmly.

"Mr. Ashford personally selected everything."

"He said his daughter deserved the very best."

Tears filled Ava's eyes once again.

She had spent years wondering if her father had ever thought about her.

Now she realized he had never stopped.

Suddenly, a loud voice echoed from downstairs.

"So the lost princess has finally arrived."

Ava turned toward the hallway.

Lucas sighed.

"I knew this was coming."

They walked downstairs to find a young woman leaning against the staircase with a mocking smile.

She looked to be about twenty-four years old, dressed in designer clothes and expensive jewelry.

She slowly looked Ava up and down.

"So this is Ava."

"You don't look like an Ashford."

Victoria appeared beside her daughter with a satisfied smile.

"Emily, mind your manners."

Emily laughed.

"I'm only telling the truth."

She stepped closer until she stood face-to-face with Ava.

"You may have Father's blood..."

"But don't expect us to welcome you."

"This house already has an heiress."

"And it isn't you."

The room became silent.

Before Ava could answer, Lucas stepped forward.

"Emily."

"That's enough."

Emily rolled her eyes.

"What?"

"I'm just making sure she understands her place."

Lucas's expression turned cold.

"No."

"You're trying to scare her."

"And I won't allow it."

Emily smirked.

"We'll see how long she lasts."

She turned and walked away.

Ava watched her disappear up the staircase.

William quietly walked over.

"I hoped your first night here would be peaceful."

"It seems that won't be possible."

Ava forced a smile.

"I've survived worse."

William nodded thoughtfully.

"I believe you."

"But remember this..."

He lowered his voice.

"In this house, the biggest smiles often hide the darkest secrets."