NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: CHAPTER 5
"That's right," Cora confirmed. "But after all this time, the medical staff I tracked down couldn't remember if the other baby was a boy or a girl. If you want real answers, you'll have to ask your birth parents."
Avery acknowledged this with a thoughtful hum, emotions churning in her chest.
Cora added, "Both the Carter and Murphy twins were born on the same day. A fire broke out in the hospital early that morning. The staff only managed to save two babies, saying one belonged to the Carters and the other to the Murphys.
"But the truth is, both babies were from the Carter family, and you were handed over to the Murphys as their surviving daughter."
Avery frowned, suspicion creeping into her voice. "That sounds shady. There's a good chance there was arson and child theft involved."
"It's possible," Cora agreed. "The hospital director's wife had suffered a traumatic loss two months before the fire when she gave birth to twins who didn't make it. That loss broke her mentally.
"After the fire, the director paid off both the Carter and Murphy families before moving abroad with his wife. Interestingly, while they were overseas, they had twins again, who came back to the country last year. I've confirmed that those twins are actually Isaac and Regina Murphy's biological children."
Avery's expression cleared as the pieces fell into place. "So, the director and his wife used the fire as cover to steal the Murphy twins and then passed me off as the surviving daughter?"
Cora added, "I questioned the hospital director and his wife privately. He swore on his faith that he didn't start the fire. He claimed that in the chaos, he impulsively took the Murphy twins and told his wife their babies hadn't died. Her mental state improved because of it, and she's fully recovered now."
After a pause, Cora asked, "Do you want more details about the Murphy twins?"
Avery shook her head. "Do they have anything to do with me?"
"No, not directly," Cora answered.
"Then I don't care," Avery said firmly. "My priority is finding out who sent those letters and the real story behind the fire."
"Got it," Cora said. "I'll keep digging until we get to the bottom of this."
"Thanks," Avery said softly. "By the way, any updates on my mentor? Even the slightest clue would help."
Six years ago, Avery's mentor had handed her the reins of V Group, guiding her step by step. In just two years, the mentor transferred control of the medical labs, physics research centers, and an astronomical observatory to her before disappearing from the city without a trace. Despite her mentor's brilliance, Avery couldn't shake the worry that gnawed at her.
After a brief silence, Cora replied, "Nothing new yet, but I'm not giving up."
Avery sighed softly, murmured her thanks, and ended the call.
---
As she approached Viento Court, a massive traffic jam blocked the road ahead. Police cars were scattered across the scene, and Avery could hear loud chanting and see bold banners waving in the air.
Curious, she stepped out of her car and walked toward a pedestrian bridge to get a better view. The banners read:
"Regret buying an apartment in Bard Garden? You'll regret it for the rest of your life!"
"Three years overdue! Families left homeless, kids without schools!"
"Blood, sweat, and tears for mortgage payments… and still no home!"
It was a protest staged by homeowners of a nearby development. Avery watched them with a quiet sigh, feeling sympathy for their struggle. Without lingering, she returned to her car, took a detour through narrow streets, and finally arrived at Viento Court.
---
Viento Court was a quiet, aging community with worn-down six-story buildings. Avery parked at the entrance and found Building No. 6.
Outside, Wesley and Claire Carter were waiting. Wesley wore a black suit and polished shoes, while Claire was dressed in a blue dress and heels. Their attire was slightly outdated but impeccably clean, radiating dignity.
When they saw Avery, their faces lit up with joy and nervousness. They hurried over, stopping a few steps away. Their hands trembled as they reached out but hesitated to touch her.
Wesley stammered, "Avery… is it okay if we call you that?"
Avery smiled warmly. "Of course."
Claire nervously rubbed her hands together. "Avery, we've been so happy ever since we found you! This is the best thing that's happened to us in years. It's just that… our family doesn't have much. We're so sorry."
Avery saw the sincerity in their faces and gently reassured them, "It's okay. I've had a good life so far, and that won't change. You don't need to give me anything or feel bad about it."
After a pause, she added, "If there's something we want but don't have, let's work together to get it."
Her heartfelt words moved Wesley and Claire to tears.
Wesley quickly composed himself and laughed, "The food's ready. Let's head upstairs and talk over lunch, shall we?"
Avery nodded. "Sure."
---
Just as they started to walk, a high-pitched voice rang out behind them, "Avery, wait!"
Avery instinctively turned toward the voice, only to be met with the rapid clicks of cameras as a man and woman frantically snapped photos with their phones.