The Return Of the Invincible Heiress
Chapter 204

Chapter 204: Chapter 204

After the car disappeared from her sight, Avery went upstairs. She took the small box out from under the bed and opened it. There was nothing inside. She sighed softly, put the box back, and called the "Good Samaritan."

"The photos of Zilvia have all been destroyed. You can cancel this number. Don’t provoke the Carter family anymore."

As soon as Avery finished speaking, the other party hung up.

An hour later, she returned to the villa. When she called the number again, she received a reply: "Sorry, the number you’ve dialed is not in service."

So she told her mother, "I contacted the person when I found the photos, but the number has become unavailable."

Claire had been pacing the living room for two hours. She had even mopped the floors upstairs and downstairs, but nothing could ease her anxiety. After Avery’s update, she was dumbfounded.

"H-How could this be...?" She picked up her phone with trembling fingers and dialed the number again. As expected, the response was the same: "Sorry, the number you’ve dialed is not in service."

Unwilling to give up, she borrowed another phone and called repeatedly—each attempt yielded the same result.

"How could this be?" She dropped onto the sofa in a daze, tears rolling down her cheeks. "I haven’t heard from Zilvia in so many years. I thought there was finally a glimmer of hope..."

As Claire wept, the rest of the family comforted her—only Avery stood quietly aside.

Ten minutes later, the door burst open, and Alaric rushed in like a bull. While kicking off his shoes, he yelped, "Wow, it’s freezing outside! If I’d known earlier, I’d have worn more layers!"

"Mom, what’s for lunch? I’m starving." Oblivious to the tense atmosphere, he hugged his shoulders and dashed into the kitchen. Rummaging for food, he chattered, "Mom, it’s Christmas Eve in two days. Aren’t we visiting Grandpa and Grandma to ask where they want to spend Christmas?"

Because of Zilvia, the elderly couple had never celebrated Christmas in the city. If that remained the case this year, the Carters needed to prepare in advance.

Alaric’s words snapped Claire out of her grief. She wiped her tears and forced a smile. "Yes, I almost forgot. You all go ahead and eat. Then we’ll head to the hospital together."

Relieved, the family hurried through a meal of leftovers and two hastily made dishes before leaving in two cars.

The elderly had been hospitalized for months and were recovering well. Frona, with special glasses, could now see within a 30-foot radius, while Cade, though still partially paralyzed, could walk with a cane.

Their faces lit up when the family arrived, their spirits lifting visibly. Yet no one dared mention Christmas—until Avery finally asked, "Grandpa, Grandma, would you prefer to celebrate in Rosemont City or the countryside this year?"

The cheerful ward fell silent.

The elderly exchanged glances, sorrow flickering in their eyes before they smiled.

Cade waved a hand and said haltingly, "After so many years in the countryside, it’s time for a change. Let’s celebrate in the city."

Grandma nodded. "Our new villa is beautiful. Of course, we’ll spend Christmas there—and every year after."

The younger siblings nearly cheered. Alaric, without thinking, blurted, "Grandpa, Grandma, can we have fireworks this year?"

The room froze. Zilvia had vanished on Christmas—fireworks were a painful reminder.

Realizing his mistake, Alaric slapped his mouth shut. But the elders only laughed.

"Of course! We’re celebrating Avery’s homecoming, Zayn’s return, Brandon’s recovery, and our family’s new beginning!" Cade declared. "Hang the stockings, decorate the tree, and prepare gifts—make it perfect!"

The family swallowed lumps in their throats. The elders’ acceptance meant they could finally bear their grief.

Avery nodded silently. Despite losing three sons and a granddaughter, their resilience was extraordinary.

She added, "Grandma Murphy is recovering well and could join us for a few days. Would that be alright?"

The elders beamed. "We’d be honored! She’s family now. Make sure she enjoys every moment."

Claire immediately took notes on Grandma Murphy’s preferences, despite Avery’s insistence that she was low-maintenance.

The group split up: Alaric, Josie, and Avery went to fetch Grandma Murphy, while the others handled the elders’ discharge.

At the hospital, Alaric and Josie’s antics had Grandma Murphy in stitches. Later, she took Avery’s hand, eyes brimming.

"Avery, I know Isaac and Regina failed you. I feared no one would care for you after I’m gone. When Lucas visited, promising to love you, I believed him—but I misjudged him, just as I misjudged my own son."

She squeezed Avery’s hand. "Yet my one true judgment was you. You’re the greatest blessing of my life."

Avery listened, her eyes misting and her throat tightening with emotion. Holding her grandmother’s hands gently, she said, "Grandma, having you in my life has been the biggest blessing. Without you, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Don’t worry about anything—I’m grown up now. I can take care of myself, and I can take care of you too. There’s nothing for you to fear."

Her grandmother gave a soft laugh. "You’re such a smart girl and have a wonderful family. I know you’re going to be just fine. I’m really at peace."

"I love you, Grandma," Avery whispered, hugging her gently so her grandmother wouldn’t see the tears forming in her eyes.

That evening, the three elderly family members were driven back to the villa, and the rest of the Carter family returned as well. In the kitchen, Claire, Jaden, and Wesley—the best cooks in the family—were busy making dinner, while Zayn and Arthur helped. Everyone else was occupied, either caring for the elders or keeping them entertained.

After dinner, the whole family gathered in the living room to take a group photo, ensuring Avery’s grandmother was included. Afterward, they settled into a cozy evening—some watching TV, others playing games, working out, reading, or chatting.

At some point, Avery remembered something. "Some of the people from my lab can’t go home for Christmas. They were thinking of spending it here with us. Is that okay?"

Claire lit up with a smile. "Of course! How many are coming? What do they like to eat? I’ll make extra food."

Avery thought for a moment. "Probably about ten. Trust me, they’ll love whatever you cook. Just do the usual—no need for anything special."

"Perfect!" Claire nodded, glancing around the house. "We have plenty of space. They can stay with us."

When the rest of the family heard that some of Avery’s lab colleagues—who were rumored to be able to create anything, like Doraemon’s magical gadgets—would be spending Christmas with them, they grew curious. Everyone was eager to meet these fascinating people.