Chapter 4 The Return

Cordavia Country.

Five Years Later.

"Hey! Briella, do you even have a conscience? I'm the godmother of your two kids, remember!"

Briella lounged on the sofa, her dark eyes as quiet and deep as a midnight sea, fringed with a hazy elegance.

Long hair flowed down her shoulders, smooth and lustrous in natural waves.

Every glance from her seemed like ripples across still water-gentle, captivating, impossible to look away from.

Even Audrey, who saw her every day, couldn't help but admire her again in silence.

"Exactly," Briella said with a nod, "That's why you need to take even better care of them."

Audrey was holding one child in each arm, her head nearly bursting with exasperation.

"Okay, okay! I brought you a car full of gifts this time-go open them!"

Two soft, squishy bundles cheered in unison, "Thank you, Godmom!"

They bolted outside in excitement to tear into the presents.

Only then did Audrey let out a long sigh and plop down next to Briella, glaring at her.

"You-you're always slacking! Can't you take more responsibility for the company? And what about your new designs? You said they're launching next month!"

Briella dramatically collapsed onto Audrey's shoulder. "Ugh, don't push me! I've been busy with Jules's new drug research and Steven's tech testing. My head's killing me! And now you want to drain me dry too?"

Audrey: "..."

'Does she really think I still fall for this crap? How many times has she pulled this act over the years?'

"Don't try that nonsense with me. I'm not buying it!"

She pushed Briella's head away without a shred of mercy, her whole posture screaming, No manuscript, no escape.

"Fine, fine! I'll send it to you tonight!" Briella glared, her stunning eyes sparkling with mischief.

Audrey instantly dropped the act and looped her arm around Briella's pale one with a bright smile.

"I knew you'd come through for me, Briella!"

Briella sighed and rubbed her temples. "Can you change your face any faster?"

"When the boss commands, how could this humble employee dare disobey?" Audrey raised a brow playfully.

"..."

Briella stood and pulled a document from the drawer, handing it to her.

"I'm heading back to Avenlith. You'll need to handle things here like always."

Audrey sat up straight, face tense, not even reaching for the papers.

"You're not joking, are you? Isn't Avenlith your emotional landmine? For all these years, even hearing the name changes your face."

Briella lowered her eyes, hiding the cold glint that briefly flickered there. Her lips curled into a faint, devastating smile.

"I told you before-I'm going back to settle the score."

"...Alright then. I'll have Preston get things ready in Avenlith. Handle your business and come back soon."

Audrey took the folder and placed it on the table, then clasped Briella's hand tightly.

June.

At 11 a.m., a private jet touched down smoothly at Avenlith International Airport.

"Mommy, this place is kinda nice."

"Yeah! I like it just as much as my brother does!"

Briella pushed a white suitcase with one hand, holding the hand of a stoic little boy with the other. Her more cheerful twin was perched on top of the suitcase, beaming.

"Alright, when Mommy's free, we'll go sightseeing together."

People passing by couldn't help but stare in awe. That family was just too good-looking.

"Miss McKenna!"

Briella looked up and smiled when she saw Preston approaching in a tailored suit.

"It's been a while, Preston."

"Hi, Uncle Preston!"

"Hello, Uncle Preston."

Preston pinched the smiling child on the suitcase. "Still the happy one, huh?"

Then he glanced at the other one. "Still the cold one, I see."

Behind his sunglasses, a trace of amusement flickered in his eyes.

"Alright, let's go," Briella said, her tone calm.

Preston nodded, took the suitcase from her, and scooped up the little one into the car.

People nearby couldn't stop murmuring in amazement. That's gotta be a stretch limo, right? So rich!

...

The corridor in the hotel gleamed with chandeliers and marble floors.

"Miss McKenna, you'll be staying in the presidential suite at the Avenlith Grand Hotel for now," Preston said respectfully.

Briella took off her sunglasses and waved him off. "Don't bother looking for a place. This is fine. Also, stop calling me Miss McKenna. It's inconvenient."

Preston blinked, but nodded. "Got it. Skye... if you need anything, just call."

"Will do. Thanks."

After watching him leave via the elevator, Briella wheeled the suitcase into the room.

"Mommy, I'm hungry!"

She squatted down and pulled both kids into her arms. "Alright, I'll call room service. You two be good and unpack, okay?"

She got up and placed the order.

As she watched the twins run around the suitcase, her phone buzzed. She walked to the window and answered.

"You get there safely?"

"All good, don't worry."

A sharp voice came from the other end. "Tch, you're even more out of control overseas. Listen to how you talk to me now!"

Briella chuckled, "Audrey... how old are you again?"

"Hmph! Whatever! I've got another meeting. Take care of er.yourself and the kids!"

"Yeah, yeah, go work."

She shook her head and ended the call.

Soft daylight bathed her face, her lashes casting shadows on skin as smooth and pale as polished jade.

"Mommy! Someone's at the door! It must be the food!"

"All you think about is eating, huh?"

Briella walked over and flicked the little one's forehead. "And what kind of tone was that with your sister?"

The boy drooped his head. "I was wrong..."

After unpacking, the two little ones were clearly struggling with jet lag. They barely made it to bedtime before crashing right into bed after their bath.

Briella sat at the edge of the bed, her damp hair still clinging to her shoulders. She leaned down and gently kissed each of their foreheads.

"Goodnight, Moa. Goodnight, Koa."

***