The Return Of the Invincible Heiress
Chapter 185

Chapter 185: Chapter 185

Avery exclaimed when she saw the message, thinking, ’Alexander is actually a Scorpio? No wonder! She replied with a smile: "Of course I have to be free. Do you want me to go to Valemont City to celebrate with you?"

At the same time, she wondered what gift she should give Alexander. She thought, ’Alexander lacks nothing. What could I give him that would make him both happy and impressed? How about... I cook him dinner myself? No, no, that won’t work! She shook her head repeatedly. She was used to eating good food—she didn’t even want to eat what she made herself—so she thought she had better not make things difficult for Alexander.

Alexander replied quickly: "I’ll go to Rosemont City. I’ll be there around seven in the evening. I’ll contact you then."

Avery smiled. "Okay. I’ll wait for you."

Then, all she could think about was getting off work as soon as possible and rushing to Rosemont City. Her mind was filled with thoughts about what gift to give as well as what to wear tonight, eagerly waiting for the sun to set.

But no matter how carefully one planned, unexpected events could still occur that disrupted those plans.

At half past four in the afternoon—almost time to get off work—Alexander received a call from home.

"Today is your 23rd birthday. We’ve prepared a feast for you. Your grandpa and all your uncles are here. You must come home for dinner."

Alexander said indifferently, "You know I don’t celebrate my birthday, so why waste your time?"

He rarely went back to that house. Occasionally, he only returned to see Nicolas. He had not celebrated his birthday for fifteen years—not since something had happened to his mother at his birthday party in that very house.

After a moment of silence, Nicolas said, "Your grandpa is over ninety. He said this might be the last time he attends the birthday party of the younger generation. Several uncles have come back from abroad just for this. You at least need to show some respect to the elders, right?"

Alexander remained cold. "I won’t return."

Nicolas sighed. "Consider this a plea from me. Just come back this once." He paused. "It’s been so many years. It’s time for you to let go."

Alexander said, "If there’s nothing else, I’m hanging up."

Nicolas’s tone became unyielding. "I’ve already sent someone to pick you up. They’re waiting downstairs and on the rooftop. You have to come back tonight." With that, he hung up.

Alexander called Louis expressionlessly on the intercom and relayed Nicolas’s order, asking him to check immediately.

Soon, Louis returned and said sympathetically, "There are people watching all the exits of the building, including the rooftop and the elevators on this floor. If you want to leave, you’ll have to fight your way out."

Alexander leaned against the edge of his desk, crossed his arms, and stared out the window, thinking, ’Should I do it for real and fight my way out?’

Meanwhile, in Rosemont City, Avery was picking out clothes when her phone suddenly rang. One of her secret phone numbers received an overseas call. She immediately answered.

"Hello?"

The voice on the other end sounded antsy. "Franco, is that you?"

Avery replied, "It’s me."

The person continued, "We found a hidden prehistoric human ruin in a hollow cave over 600 feet deep underwater, which may contain extremely important clues about prehistoric civilization. But the ruin has many traps. There are inscriptions in prehistoric writing on the traps that we can’t decipher. We can only determine that they are warnings, and we’re afraid to force our way in. We have no choice but to reach out to you for help."

Avery said, "I understand. I’ll set off tomorrow."

The other person insisted, "It will be too late if you leave tomorrow. We’ve studied the weather conditions in the area, and a strong typhoon is brewing. Huge sea currents will start passing through here tomorrow afternoon and won’t subside until the typhoon is over, making it impossible for us to go underwater during this period. Plus, this news has spread. Archaeologists, official organizations, and even military forces from around the world are sending people here. You must leave tonight to reach the ruin before the currents arrive."

Avery said without hesitation, "Alright. I’ll set off now."

She hung up, dialed another number, and arranged for Rufus to immediately prepare a private jet. Then, she drove to her private apartment, changed into her traveling clothes, and packed her emergency suitcase and backpack. She got into the car sent by Rufus and headed to the private airport.

On the way, she sent a message to her family group chat:

"I’m going on a business trip tonight to attend a very important scientific research activity. I don’t know when I’ll be back, and I might be unreachable. Don’t contact me for the time being, and don’t worry about me."

Everyone in the family was stunned. Though they couldn’t bear to part with Avery, they had grown used to her elusiveness. All they could do was wish her well, remind her to take care of herself, and hope she returned soon.

Avery then sent Alexander the same message, apologizing to him.

As soon as she sent it, she received a call from the dean of the history department at Rosemont University.

"Franco, Joy—a freshman in the archaeology program—heard that you’re going to the newly discovered underwater prehistoric ruin for research. She’s very eager to join you to learn. She mentioned that her diving skills are excellent, she has a diving certification, and she can fully fund this expedition. Can you take her along to have a look?"

Avery said without hesitation, "No." After hanging up the phone, she lifted her chin and snorted, thinking, So what if you’re rich? Does Franco lack this bit of money? I’m just not going to take Joy along.

But why was Joy so interested in prehistoric civilization? Was she also after the legendary ancient "treasure"? Had Joy specifically come to the history department at Rosemont University to get close to Franco for the legendary prehistoric "treasure"? If that was Joy’s true motive, Avery really needed to guard against her.

Yawning, Avery closed her eyes, refusing to think further. Underwater archaeology was incredibly demanding—and dangerous. She had to take advantage of the time before the dive to rest and recharge.

Meanwhile, Joy had already received a reply from the dean. Her delicate, flawless face turned cold, though her voice remained gentle. "Okay, thank you for helping me ask Franco," she said sweetly. "I’ll work harder to convince him to accept me soon."

The dean’s voice was filled with regret. "You’re already outstanding, but Franco never takes on students. You’re young—just wait. There will be opportunities."

Though Joy frequently skipped classes, her grades were impeccable. She aced every quiz, test, and midterm, leaving her classmates in awe. Once, a student indignantly asked why Joy faced no consequences for her absences.

The teachers replied, "Joy masters in a week what takes others a month. She doesn’t need to attend every class. If you could perform like her, we’d grant you the same freedom."

The explanation silenced complaints. Joy was brilliant, pleasant, and easygoing, so the dean was eager to help her. Unfortunately, Franco’s standards were impossibly high, and his elusive nature made persuasion futile.

After thanking the dean, Joy hung up. She closed her eyes, tapping her fingers lightly on the table. Waiting won’t work. I need a more proactive approach.

She opened her eyes, swiftly hacking into the dean’s phone to retrieve Franco’s number. She intended to investigate his background, weaknesses, and habits—but the number was heavily encrypted. She nearly triggered his anti-intrusion virus before giving up.

Franco is impressive, she mused.

Just then, her phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, she frowned—disgust flickering across her face—but answered in cheerful Maiselish. "Dad!"

A rough male voice barked, "Franco is inspecting the new prehistoric ruins. Did you convince him to take you?"

Joy was prepared. Injecting guilt into her tone, she said, "Dad, I’m sorry. Franco said I’m too inexperienced for such risks. He’ll reconsider later."

"Useless!" the man snapped. "You’re a genius, yet you fail at this? Disappointing."

Joy’s face remained blank, but her voice was submissive. "You’re right. I’ll do better."

"Remember," he growled, "if you don’t deliver within a year, I’ll divorce your mother. Two years, and your engagement—and status—are gone."

Calmly, Joy replied, "Don’t worry. I’ll succeed."

"Hmph. Our family has many geniuses. You’re replaceable." A shrill woman’s laughter crackled through the phone before he hung up.

Joy tossed her phone aside, smiling coldly. "I won’t give you the chance to divorce..." Only she knew what that meant.

Alexander received Avery’s message. Though regretful, he wasn’t disappointed. We have time. Many birthdays ahead.

He replied:

[I wish you all the best, Miss Carter. I’ll wait for your return.]

Standing, he brushed his collar—a ritual before battle. "Louis, we’re returning to the Moran residence."

By 7 p.m., he arrived at the estate. The autumn night was dark, but the grand hall blazed with light, a testament to the family’s wealth.

Servants lined up, relieved their masters’ tempers would cool. Guests and family rose, greeting him with smiles.

Yet the moment Alexander saw them, his smile froze. Anabel? So this is why Father insisted I come.

Ice flashed in his eyes, gone in an instant. "Grandfather, Father, Uncles... welcome," he said smoothly.

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