CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-ONE - The Prodigal Daughter's Reluctant Return

Ava Hart was in the middle of reviewing quarterly reports when her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, frowning at the unfamiliar number. After a moment's hesitation, she answered. "Hello, Ava Hart speaking." "Ava! It's your cousin Tiffany. Remember me?" Ava blinked, trying to place the voice. "Tiffany... Oh! Aunt Mildred's daughter, right?" "The one and only!" Tiffany's laugh crackled through the phone. "Listen, I'm calling about the family reunion next weekend. You're coming, right?" Ava's stomach dropped. She'd completely forgotten about the reunion. "Oh, I'm not sure if I can make it. Work's been pretty hectic lately and-" "Nonsense!" Tiffany cut her off. "You have to come. Grandma Beatrice is insisting. She says if you don't show up, she's writing you out of her will and leaving your share to her cat, Mr. Whiskers." Ava sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Tiffany, Grandma doesn't even have a cat." "Well, she's threatening to get one just so she can leave it your