The Following Day. TONY'S POV.
Tony stepped out of the glass penthouse, the morning sun spilling across the driveway where his navy‑blue Escalade‑V and black McLaren W1 gleamed under the light. A white vintage shirt clung to him, expensive fabric catching the breeze as he moved with deliberate ease. His eyes lingered briefly on the McLaren before shifting to the Escalade. A flick of his wrist, the driver's door swung open, and he slid inside.
The V8 engine roared to life, vibrating through the cabin. His grip tightened on the wheel as he pulled out of the driveway, asphalt stretching ahead, the woods fading behind him.
---
An hour later, the Escalade rolled into the parking lot of Motorcycle Shop. Tony parked, the engine silencing with a low hum. He stepped out, his slide hitting the pavement softly, sunglasses perched above his brow. His stride was confident, unhurried, commanding attention as he entered the shop.
The receptionist at the front counter stood immediately, her professional smile sharp. "Welcome to RideNow Powersports. What do you want?"
"I want a Ducati Superleggera V4 powerbike," Tony said, his brown eyes locking onto hers.
Her brow lifted slightly. "A Ducati Superleggera powerbike?"
"Yeah, you heard me right." His tone was firm, his brow furrowing.
"Okay, sir." She nodded quickly, moving around the counter. "Come with me."
She led the way, Tony following, his gaze sweeping over rows of superbikes lined in gleaming precision. They stopped before a red Ducati Superleggera, its frame sleek, aggressive. A smile tugged at Tony's lips as his eyes traced the machine.
"Is this what you want?" she asked, her brow raised again, a gentle smile on her face.
"Is that hesitation I'm hearing in your voice?" Tony folded his arms across his chest, a slight frown forming.
"I mean no disrespect, sir. I'm just surprised. We rarely have people ask for these bad boys. They're quite expensive." Her hands lifted in a small apologetic gesture.
"How much is it?" Tony scoffed softly, a faint smile curling his lips.
"About 100k, sir." She checked the tablet in her hand, her eyes scanning quickly. "It's 124 thousand."
"Is that what you call expensive?" Tony shook his head, dismissive.
The receptionist smiled faintly, saying nothing more.
Tony slipped his credit card from his pocket, his voice calm. "I'm paying with my card. Can you have the people that will check its condition over here?"
"Yes, sir." She darted away, returning moments later with two men— one in a black suit, the other dressed casually. Both wore smiles as they introduced themselves as the shop manager and service technician.
The bike was tested, its engine growling, its frame flawless. The technician nodded approval. Tony followed the manager back to his office, the transaction finalized, documentation signed. He handed over the delivery address, his tone clipped, decisive.
---
On the drive back, the Escalade's screen chimed softly. A call. The name read: Dad.
Tony pressed the button. "Hey, Dad. What's up?"
"Hey, son. Where are you?" Vincent Blackwood's voice carried through the speakers.
"I'm off campus, but I'm on my way back." Tony's gaze stayed fixed on the road, his tone steady.
"I just called to inform you. We've received an email from Ava. She's ready to move in with you."
The words landed heavy, sharp. Tony's jaw tightened, his grip on the wheel hardening. "Dad, I already told you that bitch is lying. I don't see the need in doing this."
"I've given her my word, and that's final. I'm telling you because, as we speak, her things are being moved into your place."
Tony shook his head, a solid frown hitching across his face. "Dad, she's gonna regret this. I'm gonna make her life miserable."
"I don't care what happens indoors. But outdoors, people must see you as the happy couple." Vincent's response was sharp, unyielding.
"Whatever." Tony sighed, the frown deepening. His finger tapped disconnect, the call ending abruptly.
The silence in the cabin thickened. His grip tightened further on the wheel, knuckles whitening. The Escalade surged forward, campus drawing closer as he drove back home, his mind locked on the promise he had just made— Ava would regret this.