Chapter 6
Avery narrowed her eyes, a cold smirk playing on her lips as she watched the scene unfold in front of her. The man taking pictures was Lucas Harper, and beside him stood Zoe Murray—her defeated rival. There was another man with them, someone Avery didn't recognize, but he had the same smug look on his face.
Avery stepped calmly to the side, positioning herself protectively in front of Claire.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice steady, without a hint of fear.
Zoe flashed a bright but fake smile. "Avery, we've known each other for years. Now that you've finally found your birth parents, I just had to come to congratulate you in person."
Avery's smile was faint, unreadable. She knew the gossip about her not being the Murphy family's real daughter had spread like wildfire, and all those who envied her or hated her were eagerly waiting to see her fall. Zoe, who had always seen her as competition, was no different—ready to strike now that Avery's shield of privilege had fallen.
But Avery kept quiet, letting them make their move first.
Wesley, unaware of their true intentions, greeted them warmly. "So, you're Avery's friends! We've prepared lunch. Why don't you come up and join us?"
"Dad, I'm not close with them," Avery interrupted, her smile unchanged. "They've just been bugging me, so don't feel like you have to entertain them."
Wesley's smile faded, and he turned to Zoe and the others with a cold glare. "If Avery doesn't want to see you, then I'd appreciate it if you left."
Avery added calmly, "Dad, Mom, please head upstairs first. I'll take care of this and join you soon."
Wesley's face grew serious. "No, you and your mother should go home first. I'll handle this."