The Return Of the Invincible Heiress

Harry held a lot of sway and pretty much ran the show for V Group's operations in the West End. If he wanted to cut ties with the Murphy Group, he could do it with a snap of his fingers.

Isaac's eyes went wide in shock as he listened to Regina. "Avery wouldn't really be that heartless, would she? We raised her for 18 years and never treated her badly. Does she really need to take it this far?"

Regina scoffed. "We're both women,I know exactly what she's up to. Remember how she took off that night without a word? She didn't even take her belongings or the farewell gifts we offered. She's obviously holding a grudge. If she gets the chance, she'll definitely try to screw us over."

Andrew jumped in. "If Avery's behind this, everything makes sense." He speculated without a second thought, "She knew we wouldn't let her stay, so she must've cozied up to Harry in secret. After she left that night, she probably ran straight to him, and now he's messing with our contract with V Group to get back at us."

Despite her satisfaction with their own theories, Zoe pretended to defend Avery, playing the concerned card. "But Avery's only 18. She couldn't possibly be that calculating"

"Zoe, you're too d***n naive!" Regina cut her off. "I don't believe in coincidences. This whole V Group mess has her fingerprints all over it! I regret every single thing we did for her in the past 18 years."

Finally, Micah, who'd been silently observing the drama, couldn't hold back any longer. "Mr. Murphy, we finally got a chance to speak with Mr. Freeman. Shouldn't you go talk to him? If he leaves, who knows when you'll get another shot?"

Micah didn't give a d**n about the Murphy family's squabbles. His only concern was keeping his cushy setup secure by salvaging the V Group contract.

Micah's words snapped the family back to reality, reminding Isaac why they were standing outside V Group's office in the first place.

"I'll go see Mr. Freeman," Isaac decided.

After a brief pause, Regina added, "I'm coming too. I need to see what the hell's really going on between that ungrateful brat and Mr. Freeman."

Curious about Avery's connection with Harry, Andrew and Zoe decided to tag along.

The building's security was tight, but the guards, who recognized the Murphys from their frequent visits to V Group, let them in after a quick check-in. The group made their way to the second floor and stood outside V Group's office, pressing the doorbell.

Inside, Avery was reviewing the contract between V Group and Hard Property, discussing upcoming reforms and restructuring with Harry. Normally, she wouldn't bother with these details, but since it involved her family's future at Bard Garden, she felt the need to handle it personally.

When the doorbell rang, they saw it was the Murphys and chose to ignore it.

Isaac kept pressing the doorbell outside, growing more anxious with each unanswered ring.

"Maybe the doorbell's broken? Maybe they can't hear it inside," he guessed.

"Broken? Bit!" Regina fumed. "That ungrateful little bh knows we're here and is making us wait on purpose."

Isaac hushed her. "If they're inside, stop cursing. It's not gonna help if they hear you."

"Like I give a damn!" Regina snapped. "We raised Avery for 18 years. Everyone knows what we've done for her! If she doesn't show us some respect, I'll make sure the whole city knows just how ungrateful she is!"

Isaac quickly intervened. "Let's not go that far..."

While they squabbled outside, Avery closed the files and turned to Harry.

"My dad used to hold a high position in a state-owned enterprise. I'll talk to him tomorrow and see if he can take on a role at Hard Property."

Harry whistled softly. "A man who raised a daughter like you must be something special. I'll save the best spots for him."

Avery stood up. "Those pests outside aren't leaving. Let's sneak out the back."

"Alright." Harry agreed, playfully ruffling her hair. "It's been a while since we had a meal together. How about dinner?"

Avery shook her head. "I've got other things to deal with tonight. I can't be out and about."

Harry sighed, pretending to pout. "I'm family too, you know. You can't just ditch me now that you've got someone new."

Avery laughed. "You're almost 30. Stop pouting."

They slipped out through the back of the building. Instead of heading to his Ferrari, Harry flagged down a cab and personally escorted Avery to her neighborhood, only leaving after watching her safely enter.

Meanwhile, the Murphy family stood foolishly outside the office. They waited until their bodies ached and darkness fell. When a patrolling security guard finally noticed them, they realized the office had been closed for hours.

Exhausted and starving, Isaac and Regina were nearly in tears, wondering why.

At 11:00 AM, Avery texted Wesley:

Hey Dad, I'm free today and planning to drop by Vlento Court around noon. Does that work for you?

Wesley replied almost instantly with a bunch of big smiley emojis:

Of course it works! You're always welcome here! I'll have your mom pick up some extra groceries. Is there anything special you want to eat?

Avery thought for a moment before responding:

It's pretty hot today, so I'd love something light and homey.

The drive to Vlento Court would take about an hour, which she figured was just enough time to keep her mom from going too crazy in the kitchen.

After a brief pause, Wesley messaged back:

Sounds great! Your mom suggested making some light and tasty dishes. If there's anything you don't like, we can always throw together something else.

Avery replied:

Thanks, Dad! On my way now!

Meanwhile, the Carter household was buzzing with excitement—and a touch of panic. Arthur was pacing back and forth, running his hands through his hair.

"Oh shit, Avery's coming! What the hell do I do? Maria, Josie, do I look okay today?" he asked, glancing at his sisters. "Is my hair decent? Do I have any stubble?"