REBORN: MEET MY BROTHERS-Chapter 99: AWARD IV

The familiar black car from the Whitlock’s resident stopped beside Ava and the three guards from earlier arranged Ava’s belongings inside the car.

All Ava did was stand by perplexed as she watched this little drama unfold.

"The driver will take you to a hospital, Miss Ava. Those injuries look severe."

Ava took a quick look at her injured body before turning to Fiddlestick. "What is the meaning of this?"

Fiddlestick studied her face. "There is no meaning to it, Miss Ava..."

"Then why are you helping me? Even worse, why are my belongings parked into their car?"

Fiddlestick cleared his throat softly. "It personally belongs to Old Whitlock, but under instructions, you’ve been permitted to use this car, Miss Ava."

Ava only became more confused. "On whose permissions?"

"Your grandfather." Fiddlestick exhaled softly. "It’s unfortunate I couldn’t talk your father out of this madness, but regardless, this chauffeur can take you anywhere safe."

Ava’s chest tightened. "Why are you helping me?" She felt the need to ask. Fiddlestick was the least person she would’ve expected to help her. He was the Whitlock’s loyal dog, whether it was her previous life or now.

Was this another setup by Matilda to get rid of her for good?

"Old Whitlock will never approve of this," he said bluntly. "Also, it’s a long walk to where you can access a cab. Since I can’t do anything to stop this predicament, the least I can do is try to help out your situation."

Ava sucked in a sharp breath. He was right. It’s a long walk to the estate’s exit. The Whitlock’s never allow mere cabs into their estate, so getting a cab here was impossible. Even if she was skeptical of him, there was no way she could turn down the offer.

"Thank you, Fiddlestick. This means a lot."

For the first time through her existence, Ava noticed the small smile that grew on Fiddlestick’s face. "Not a hassle, Miss Ava. I’m happy I could help."

He helped her to the car and

Ava hit the ground hard. The rough gravel tore into her palms and knees, sending a sharp pain through her body. She shivered from the sting and the feel of the blood from the cut, despite the warmth of the afternoon’s sun on her skin.

From the top of the stairs, Sasha burst into uncontrollable laughter. The laughter was so intense that she covered her mouth and shook her head in delight.

"Oh, this is priceless!" She continued laughing as if she couldn’t get enough of Ava’s confused and battered face as she sat on the harsh floor.

All these while, she thought it would be near impossible to throw her out of the house, or would at least take a hell of a time.

Who knew it would only take a short amount of time? And the best part, she didn’t even have to lift a finger to achieve this.

Matilda also had a small smile on her face. Even if her anger at Ava still lasted, the sight of her sprawled on the floor, humiliated and helpless, was deeply satisfying. But it was not enough. Not yet. Not until there was no trace of her left in the house.

She turned to one of the maids peeking from the side of the hallway. "You..."

The girl visibly flinched. Her heart almost dropped. "M-Ma’am..." She fidgeted as she came out of hiding.

"Where is Fiddlestick?"

"..." The girl’s confused eyes wandered about.

Matilda’s eyes narrowed. "Get Fiddlestick here. Now."

"Yes, my lady." She hurriedly left as fast as she could.

...

Inside the mansion, Fiddlestick walked hurriedly to Gaulin’s study and stopped in front of the door. Just as he lifted his hand to knock, the door swung open before he could.

Gaulin stepped out. The moment he saw Fiddlestick, his brows furrowed even deeper.

"Perfect timing, Sir..."

Gaulin exhaled sharply, already irritated. "If you’re here to plead on Ava’s behalf, save your breath. There’s nothing you can say that will change my decision." He didn’t stop walking. He strode past him without another glance.

Fiddlestick followed.

"With all due respect, Sir, It is not my place to interfere in family matters. But I strongly urge you to reconsider. Your father is already fond of the child. He will not be pleased with this decision of yours."

"My father is in the hospital," Gaulin said coldly. "And I can’t visit him because Ava — of all people — is his legal guardian and she has refused to get it revoked. No child of mine will disrespect me under my roof!"

"Maybe, you and Miss Ava can come to an understanding. She is, afterall, your—" Gaulin stopped abruptly and spun to face him. Because of the frown on his face, Fiddlestick refrained from completing the sentence.

"What is this?! You’re now going to against me?"

"Not at all, Sir." Fiddlestick exhaled softly. "I’m only making suggestions I feel will benefit everyone in the household."

Gaulin scoffed in his face. "Look, you may have served this household for many years, but that doesn’t give you the right to question my decisions or chip in your useless opinions. If I wanted them, I would have asked. Don’t forget your place here."

Fiddlestick stared at Gaulin’s stern face for a moment before he lowered his eyes. "Of course, Sir."

He kept his eyes lowered until Gaulin turned away. This decision was going to cause future problems, he could feel it, this is why he was trying to stop this whole thing from escalating further.

The maid from earlier finally caught sight of Fiddlestick. "Sir!" She called out desperately as she swiftly approached him. "Lady Matilda is looking for you."

Fiddlestick frowned, already knowing the reason.

"She’s just—"

"I know just where to find her, thank you." With that, he walked away from her and headed for the Manor’s exit.

Every member of the family was standing outside, and immediately Fiddlestick got there, their eyes all fell on him.

"Fiddlestick, get security to escort her off the property. And make sure not a single one of her things are left behind. I don’t want a trace of her here."

Fiddlestick was shocked at Jerome’s order. He stared at Gaulin for a moment, hoping he would snap out of this madness, but when he said nothing and simply turned away, he nodded hesitantly at the order. "Yes, Sir Jerome."

A couple of guards appeared few minutes later and picked Ava from the floor, along her properties that were scattered on the floor.

Ava barely stopped herself from trembling from the pain she felt everywhere, but she still couldn’t believe what was happening right now.

After everything she’d done to make them know they can’t mess with her, she couldn’t believe they’d foolishly treat her this way. Were they thinking she wasn’t going to do anything about this?

"Can you see you’re not so high and mighty when you’re not under my roof?" Gaulin sneered from above the stairs. "Going against me will be your greatest regret, Ava. I’ll make sure of it."

He looked at the security holding Ava’s arm roughly. "She’s no longer welcomed her. Under no circumstances should she be allowed into this property."

"Yes, Sir," the guards said in unison, bowing curtly.

Gaulin turned away, but stopped when he remembered something. He turned slowly to face Ava once more. "Be ready to face me in court. That guardianship will be revoked whether or not you want it to." He walked into the mansion.

Sasha wiped the tears of laughter from her eyes. "You shouldn’t have tried to challenge Father while he was being so civilized, Ava. Now look, you’ve incured his wrath. I hope in the future you learn from this."

"This is the only way to teach people like this to know their place," Noah said angrily before turning away as well.

"What are you still waiting for? Get moving." Jerome ordered the guards who immediately nodded and turned on their heels, dragging Ava out of the property.

He watched as her feet dragged behind them with satisfaction, before he walked back to the mansion.

Since Sasha didn’t believe this was happening, she continued watching Ava in amusement until she was no longer in sight.

Matilda was also rooted at the top of the stairs, but when Ava disappeared, she turned to her daughter beaming in delight. She placed a hand on her shoulder. "Let’s go inside, darling. There’s nothing further to see. She’s finally out of here."

"It was entertaining." Sasha let out another giggle, shaking her head. "Did you see the disbelief on her face? She thought she had a chance against us."

Matilda chuckled softly. "Arrogance has a way of blinding fools."

...

The guards shoved Ava roughly to the empty streets when they got to the gate. Her scattered belongings were also tossed to the floor beside her.

Ava bit back a moan as her buttocks collided with the harsh floor once more. Yet, even with the pain, she still couldn’t believe this was happening. A little annoyance flared at her chest.