Chapter 283

Ava's POV The moment we hit the coastal highway, I knew exactly where Joseph was taking me. My heart fluttered with excitement as I caught glimpses of the sparkling blue water between buildings. "You're taking me to the beach, aren't you?" I asked, unable to contain my smile. Joseph's lips quirked upward. "Maybe. Or maybe I'm taking you to the airport for a surprise trip to Antarctica." I playfully smacked his arm. "Just tell me!" "And ruin the surprise? Not a chance." His eyes sparkled with mischief as he turned up the music, some upbeat pop song that had me dancing in my seat. For the ride, we chatted about everything—my first week at Thorne Enterprises, the apartment Mom and I had chosen, and how Linda had become increasingly hostile as the week progressed. "You should tell Draven," Joseph said, his jaw tightening. "That behavior is unacceptable." "I can handle her," I insisted. "I don't want to seem like I'm complaining during my first week." "There's a difference between complaini