A fate for love

Chapter 31: The next heir

Ava practically bounced as she reached Riley, eyes wide with admiration. "Oh my gosh, I can't believe it's really you! Riley! The Riley!" she gushed, her excitement bubbling over. "You're my absolute favorite! That interview you did last year with the minister? It was legendary! You're, like, my role model!"

Riley, caught off guard, turned to face Ava, her lips curling into a forced but kind smile. There was something unreadable in her eyes, like she was far away in her thoughts, but Ava didn't notice, too starstruck to pick up on anything but her own excitement. "Oh, thank you," Riley said softly, her voice polished as always. "I'm glad my work could inspire someone like you."

Ava beamed, barely containing her enthusiasm. "You've inspired everyone! You stood up for the truth in that interview, and ever since, I've wanted to be just like you! I want to make a difference, like you do."

Riley's smile tightened ever so slightly, though her eyes remained distant, as if her thoughts were elsewhere. She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and looked down at the eager girl in front of her. "That's really sweet of you, dear," she said, her voice holding a note of warmth despite the tension beneath it. 

"But remember, it's a tough road, full of challenges. You've got to stay focused, work hard, and study diligently if you really want to make an impact."

Ava practically glowed under the praise, nodding eagerly. "I will! I promise! Um... Can I—can I take a picture with you? Please?"

Riley hesitated for a moment, glancing at her phone as if expecting something. Then, with a nod, she agreed. "Of course."

Ava quickly pulled out her phone, beaming as she snapped a selfie with her idol. It was a moment she'd remember forever. As they both looked at the camera, Ava could barely contain her joy, already imagining the photo framed and placed on her wall.

Just as they finished, Riley's phone rang. Her smile faded slightly as she glanced at the screen. "I'm sorry, I have to take this," she said, her voice soft but distracted.

"Of course! Thank you so much!" Ava replied, watching in awe as Riley stepped away, her phone pressed to her ear. Riley gave her a small nod before walking toward her car, slipping into the back seat with a graceful yet hurried movement.

As Riley's car pulled away, Ava stood frozen in place, still processing the surreal moment. She stared at the retreating vehicle, her mind swirling with thoughts. "Wait a second," she muttered to herself. "Why did she come to our neighborhood? And... didn't she retire few days ago?" 

Shaking her head, Ava dismissed the thoughts with a laugh. "What matters is that I finally met my idol!" she squealed, hugging her phone close. "Maybe the universe wanted to cheer me up after all... oh! I know now why I didn't get selected for the contest!" She twirled around with glee, feeling as though the stars had aligned just for this moment.

Her happy thoughts were interrupted by a distant voice. "Ava! What are you doing there? Come home quick, I made your favorite hotpot!" Her father's call echoed down the street.

Ava grinned, her heart full, and skipped toward her house, a spring in her step. "Coming, Dad!" she called back, tucking her phone safely in her pocket. Nothing could dampen her mood now—not when she'd just met the one person who inspired her the most.

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Kevin's Point Of View

Kevin stepped into the airport, glancing around until he spotted Lucas. His older half-brother had a natural air of ease, the kind that always drew attention, and today was no different. Lucas caught sight of Kevin almost immediately, his face lighting up in a wide, genuine smile as he made his way over, his secretary trailing behind.