The Return Of the Invincible Heiress
Chapter 190 - 180

Chapter 190: Chapter 180

The man, who had already hidden in the shadows, froze and slowly turned around. He watched as she got up unsteadily, only to fall again. Involuntarily, he took a step toward her, reaching out his hands as if to help.

However, when he reached the boundary where light met darkness, he hesitated and stopped.

A gust of cold wind blew past. Avery trembled and cried even harder. "Can someone help me? My head is so dizzy. Boohoo..."

The area had very few residents, and on this winter night, every home had its doors and windows tightly shut. No one could hear her cries for help.

The man gritted his teeth, pulled out a new mask, and put it on. He hurried over and crouched down to support her. "Where are you hurt? I’ll take you to the clinic right now."

But before he could say anything, Avery grabbed his arm. She looked up at him with a smile and said, "Hey, I caught you."

Surprise flickered in the man’s eyes, quickly followed by nervousness. He glanced left and right, as if contemplating a hasty escape once more.

Avery, sensing his uncertainty, called out, "If you dare to run, I’ll lie here all night! If anything happens to me, it’ll be your fault!"

A few minutes later, Avery and Brandon were seated on the couch in the old residence—one on the left and the other on the right. Avery poured a glass of water and placed it in front of Brandon. She asked, "Brandon, aren’t you in Aeloria? Why are you here?"

The man whom Avery had caught secretly moving into the Carter family’s old residence was her second brother, Brandon Carter. Brandon had said in the group chat that he wouldn’t be able to return to the country until February or March next year at the earliest.

Brandon decided to come clean. He took off his hood, picked up the glass, and emptied it in one gulp. Then, he gave Avery a gentle and gratified smile. "Avery, I’m so happy to see you. I truly am very happy. It’s just that I didn’t want you to see me like this."

Avery blinked and sized him up. "What’s wrong with your appearance? I think you look quite good."

The Carter family had good genes, so the children were all good-looking—Brandon was no exception. He was slim, handsome, and had distinct facial features: shrewd, sharp eyes like an eagle, an aquiline nose, and thin lips. His gaze and tone were gentle now, and he seemed harmless. However, when he hadn’t yet realized the person who’d pounced on him was Avery, his expression had been icy and sinister, emanating a dangerous aura.

Brandon fell silent for a few seconds before spreading his hands with a bitter smile. "I completed my studies early and obtained my bachelor’s degree. I’d planned to secretly return before Advent Sunday to surprise everyone. But on the way to the airport, I was robbed. I lost all my luggage, including my diploma."

Avery sighed. Brandon’s school in Aeloria was prestigious for his major, but the area was infamous for crime. International students were frequent targets—two years ago, an Osceiton student had been shot dead by gangsters for refusing to hand over a laptop. Avery guessed Brandon’s agility might’ve come from surviving such an environment.

The bitter smile on Brandon’s face softened into relief. "Fortunately, I kept my passport, ticket, and ID on me, so I made it back. When I reached Rosemont City, I had nothing. I didn’t want anyone to know, so I emailed the school for a replacement diploma and hid here. I planned to wait for it before going home. I never expected you’d find me." He covered his face. "I’m so embarrassed."

"There’s nothing embarrassing about being robbed," Avery said, patting his shoulder. "It happens to everyone. The family will just be happy you’re back. Why not come home with me?"

Brandon hesitated. "I wanted to earn some money first—buy gifts. I can’t face them empty-handed."

Avery was speechless. ’Is he really this concerned about his image?’ she wondered. Brandon had always been brilliant—top grades, high expectations. Studying abroad alone for years, he’d likely dreamed of a triumphant return. Instead, he’d come back penniless. She understood his shame.

"What job are you doing now?" she asked.

After a pause, Brandon admitted, "Food delivery. It’s almost Christmas—no companies are hiring. I’ll find a proper job after New Year’s."

Seeing his guilt, Avery didn’t push. "I’ll keep this a secret. Let me know when you’re ready to go home; I’ll pick you up." She smiled. "Until then, I’ll bring home-cooked meals. Claire and Arthur are great chefs."

Brandon’s eyes lit up, then dimmed. "No, it’s too far. The weather’s cold—it’d be tiring for you. How about every three days? I’ll reheat the food."

"Tomorrow at 9:30 AM, then," Avery said. "Eat before work."

"Isn’t that too early for you?"

"I’m usually up by seven," she lied. Delivery workers started by ten; she didn’t want to delay him.

"Alright. Thank you, Avery." Brandon removed his glasses, rubbing his nose. "I’m sick of fast food. I’ve missed home cooking so much."

Avery nodded, then shifted topics. "You’ve been following me lately, haven’t you?"

Brandon choked, smiling ruefully. "Couldn’t hide it. I wanted to see you but was too ashamed. So I... watched from a distance." He clasped his hands. "I’m sorry for the bad first impression."

"It’s fine. If it’s you, I don’t mind. You don’t need to hide."

"You’re right," he said melancholically. "Being back feels surreal. I need time to adjust."

Avery sensed there was more to his story but didn’t press. Instead, she asked, "What do you crave most? I’ll have them make it."

Brandon smacked his lips. "Anything home-cooked. No more Aelorish food—ever."

Avery laughed. "Nutritious local dishes, then. Mom’s ratatouille and pancakes, too."

Brandon reached to pat her head but stopped midway. "Avery, thank you. You’re a hundred times better than I imagined."

"Thank you, Brandon."

She didn’t pry about his time abroad or overstay. It was past nine, and the cold night air bit sharply. Yet Brandon insisted on walking her downstairs. As her car drove away, he sighed heavily and trudged back upstairs.