PART 2: THE GALA OF DECEPTION
The next night, the estate was filled with light.
Luxury cars lined the driveway.
The charity gala was in full swing.
Serena moved through the crowd, radiating elegance and fake warmth.
She wore a gown that cost more than most people made in a year.
Victor Hayes stood by her side, clutching a glass of champagne.
"Is the transportation ready?" Serena whispered.
"Yes," Victor replied.
"Everything is set for after the toast."
Avery had been locked in the attic all day.
She hadn't eaten.
She hadn't seen the sun.
She was exhausted, terrified, and waiting for her father.
Suddenly, the music stopped.
The heavy front doors opened.
Donovan Mercer strode into the ballroom.
He looked furious.
His suit was rumpled from travel, his eyes burning with intensity.
The room went silent.
Serena turned, her face a mask of practiced surprise.
"Donovan! Darling, we weren't expecting you!"
Donovan didn't stop.
He walked straight toward her.
"Where is she?" he demanded.
"Where is my daughter?"
Serena laughed, a light, tinkling sound.
"Avery is upstairs, sleeping, Donovan. You look exhausted."
"Don't lie to me!" he roared.
"I heard you on the phone!"
Victor moved to intervene, but Donovan shoved him aside.
"You've been stealing from me, Victor."
"And you," Donovan turned back to Serena.
"You’ve been hurting my daughter."
Serena’s smile hardened.
"You have no proof."
"Everything is documented," Donovan said.
"The police are already here."
Outside, the flashing blue lights of cruisers illuminated the windows.
Serena looked at the doors.
She realized her trap had failed.
"Victor, run!" she screamed.
But it was too late.
Officers poured into the room, their weapons drawn.
Victor collapsed, his face buried in his hands.
Donovan didn't wait.
He turned and sprinted toward the stairs.
Avery heard the commotion from the attic.
She pounded on the door.
"Dad!" she screamed.
Donovan hit the door with his shoulder.
It splintered.
He burst into the room and scooped Avery into his arms.
"I told you I'd find my way back," he sobbed.
Avery buried her face in his jacket.
"She locked me in," she whispered.
Donovan looked at her, his eyes cold with fury.
He walked out of the room, Avery safe in his arms.
Downstairs, the authorities were putting Serena in handcuffs.
She screamed, her makeup ruined by tears of rage.
May you like
But Donovan didn't even glance at her.
He walked out into the rain, leaving the deception behind.
