When Avery returned to Rosemont City, the celebration of Advent Sunday was almost over. She had really wanted to co back before Advent Sunday—to celebrate Josie’s fifth birthday and spend the holiday with her entire family. But there was nothing she could do.
The ruin discovered this ti covered a vast area and lay at the bottom of the sea, making research exceptionally challenging. Cracking the prehistoric traps was even more difficult. On top of that, other organizations had insisted on joining after arriving, causing constant disputes along the way. This delayed the research even further.
By the ti the expedition ended, everyone was exhausted, left in a terrible state. Avery herself took a few days to rest before barely regaining her energy. She returned on a private jet, unsure of her exact arrival ti—only that she’d reach ho soti in the afternoon or evening of the 3rd.
At five o’clock, she first returned to her private apartnt at Mid-Level Mountain Garden. On the way, everything seed normal except for the traffic jams and crowds. But as she arrived at the community gates, she sensed sothing was off.
"It feels like soone’s staring at ," she thought.
She slowed the car, rolled down the window, and scanned her surroundings. Since it was a holiday, there were plenty of people, cars, and hidden spots around. The dimming sky didn’t help visibility. After a careful look yielded nothing, she had no choice but to drive into the neighborhood.
Lights were already glowing in the villa’s main building. Faint sounds of the television and cheerful voices spilled out, painting a picture of warmth inside. Avery wasn’t in a hurry to greet anyone. Instead, she parked the car and walked toward the main building.
The door stood open. She stepped into the foyer, changed her shoes, and smiled. "Hi, everybody. I’m back."
The lively living room fell silent—only the television’s murmur remained. Everyone turned to look at her in unison, then stood and rushed over to welco her.
"Avery, you’re back! Have a seat and rest first. Your dad and I will bring out the food. We can start eating shortly."
"Welco back! You’ve been away so long—it must’ve been tough. Let give you a shoulder massage."
"Avery, drink so water."
Josie was the first to dart forward, presenting a large plate of blueberries with both hands. "Have so blueberries, Avery! They’re sweet, tart, and really tasty!"
Avery took the plate with one hand and ruffled Josie’s hair with the other. "I’m sorry I couldn’t make it back for your fifth birthday party."
Josie waved magnanimously. "It’s alright! I’m still young—I’ll have lots more birthdays. Just co to the next one!"
"It’s a deal," Avery said, holding her hand as they walked into the living room. She glanced around. "Is Zayn not back?"
"He could’ve returned before Advent Sunday, but one of the lead actors got injured. The shoot’s delayed by a week."
Avery nodded. "Then we’ll celebrate Christmas together."
Alaric rubbed his neck and sighed. "The whole family’s here except Brandon. If only he could co back for Christmas..."
The lively atmosphere chilled for a few seconds.
Realizing his misstep, Alaric quickly patted his chest and grinned at Avery. "Hey, did you notice anything different when you ca in?"
The family side-eyed him in unison—Here we go again.
Avery played along. "I saw a new car in the garage. Whose is it?"
Alaric blinked. "Take a guess!"
Avery feigned deep thought. "Maria’s workplace is far. Did you buy it for her?"
Maria smirked. "Nope. I haven’t even learned to drive yet."
Unable to contain himself, Alaric burst out laughing, thumping his chest. "It’s mine! My new car!"
Avery arched a brow. "How’d you get it? Win a tennis tournant?"
The car wasn’t bad—worth tens of thousands. Before Alaric could boast, Arthur kicked him in frustration. "Pure dumb luck. A few companies saw him at the club’s networking event and insisted on signing him as their spokesperson in advance..."
Alaric cut in, puffing up. "What can I say? I’m tall, handso, and have a stellar image! The clients said I’d be famous soon and wanted to lock down before my rates skyrocket." He jutted his chin out, awaiting praise. "The club was so thrilled, they gifted the car for training and competitions."
Arthur kicked him again. "You still need results to earn that endorsent money. Otherwise, you’re just broke with a fancy ride."
"Tsk, jealous much?" Alaric stuck out his tongue. "You’re short and petty. Nyah, nyah, nyah!"
The Carter n were all over six feet tall—except Arthur, who stood at exactly five feet ten inches, the shortest of the brothers. Alaric, at six-two, towered over him.
Arthur’s face darkened like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. He rolled up his sleeves. "If I don’t teach you a lesson, you’ll forget you’re the youngest boy here!"
The two tumbled into a wrestling match, earning exasperated headshakes from the family.
When three won gather, it’s chatter. But in this family, two n equal a riot.
Avery turned to Josie. "Did you get a haircut?"
Josie’s previous doll-cut bangs and ear-length hair were now noticeably shorter.
"It’s Sasha’s fault!" Josie’s cheeks puffed in anger. "At the Advent Sunday party, the kids voted my singing the best. Sasha got second place and demanded I give up first. When I refused, she tried to burn my hair with a candle!"
Avery’s frown deepened. "That’s dangerous. Didn’t the teacher stop her?"
Sasha’s reckless and unreasonable, she thought. This could’ve ended badly.
Josie tugged her hair, pouting. "The teacher scolded her, and her butler apologized. But I bet she’ll bully again."
Avery patted her head. "Stay far away from her. If she provokes you, protect yourself first."
Josie nodded. "We were in the sa class, but after she kept bullying , the teacher moved to the Bunny Class. We barely see each other now."
"Do you want to switch schools?" Avery asked.
Josie pondered. "I don’t like Sasha, but I’ve made so many friends. I don’t want to leave them."
Avery understood—frequent moves could disrupt a child’s sense of security. "Alright. If Sasha crosses the line again, tell . I’ll handle her."
To deal with the tough, you need tougher. For the wealthy, you need wealthier. This is my domain.
Just then, Wesley’s voice rang from the kitchen: "Food’s ready! Co and eat!"
Dinner ti. With a feast ahead, nothing else mattered.
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