Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 130

Chapter 130 Mett Comes 

ឌ៩៤) 

69 

Finished 

Jane greeted Yara politely, then leaned in and whispered close to Ava’s car, “Ava, Mr. Mett’s here.” 

“Granny Yara, I’m stepping away for now. I’ll go with you tomorrow to visit Grandpa.” 

“Go do your thing, sweetheart.” 

Margaret sat on the side, watching the girls walk off with a satisfied smile. “I only have one daughter, Jane. I’ve always felt something missing. But with Ava here, that emptiness feels filled. 

I liked her the second I laid eyes on her. Uncle Patrick really did raise an amazing granddaughter.” 

Yara smiled faintly. Her eyes followed Ava’s silhouette until it disappeared. “If Patrick had a child of his own, he would’ve made one hell of a father.” 

He forgot everything else–forgot who he was–but somehow, he remembered what she once said to him. That man had always been quiet. Never good at showing emotion. If Ava hadn’t shown up today, she would’ve thought he never cared about what she told him back then. 

“Mr. Mett! I’m really glad you came. Thanks for coming to my coming–of–age party.” Ava stepped up to greet him herself. 

Austin smiled and held out a sleek little case. Jane reached out and took it right away. 

“Ava, happy birthday. This is my wife, Josephine Westfield.” 

Ava turned to the elegant woman beside him, lowered her gaze slightly, and said with a polite smile, “Madam Westfield, welcome to my coming–of–age party. I’m so honored you’re here.” 

Josephine waved her hands quickly, clearly flustered. “Ms. Morren, you don’t need to treat me so formally. Really.” 

Ava stayed with them until they reached the main hall, then excused herself. 

Josephine stood frozen under the glittering ceiling, sweat beading on her palms. She tugged her husband’s sleeve and whispered nervously, “Honey, tell me the truth. Did I embarrass you? Do I look okay today?” 

“You look great,” Austin said gently. In his heart, he let out a sigh. No wonder so many people spent their lives chasing money and power. 

Back in the room, Jane popped open the box and saw what was inside. A top–grade emerald bracelet. She sucked in a breath. “Oh my god. He actually pulled it off. This is the closest I’ve ever been to it.” 

1/3 

13:14 Wed, Jan 14 

Chapter 130 Mett Comes 

“Quick, Ava! Put it on!” 

: 

Finished 

Ava took a step back. “No way. Don’t make me wear that. Just put it back, Jane.” 

That bracelet had been borrowed straight from a museum. It was worth more than a private jet. Ava didn’t even want to breathe on it, much less touch it. 

Jane burst out laughing at her reaction. “Ava, you’re acting like it’s cursed! Did you not see how chill Austin was? He just carried it in like it was nothing!” 

Ava gave her a helpless look. “Jane, come on. Knowing what it’s worth, how could I not freak out?” 

Jane tucked it back into the box. “Fine, fine. I’ll put it away.” 

She glanced down at her Holoband. “Dinner’s at four–thirty, so eat fast. Then redo your hair and makeup. Tonight’s the real show. You better look amazing, Ava. You’re not allowed to get overshadowed!” 

Ava honestly didn’t know where Jane’s confidence came from. It was like she thought Ava could outshine the whole room just by standing there. 

“Jane, it’s called genetics. If someone looks better than me, what am I supposed to do? Ask them to wear a trash bag?” 

Jane rolled her eyes and gave her a light flick on the forehead. “You’re missing the point! This is a battlefield. I’m not telling you to compete with everyone. But we sure as hell aren’t losing.” 

She lowered her voice. “Don’t forget. Tylissa’s showing up tonight. And when she does, she’ll suck all the attention the second she walks in. She’s loud, flashy, and impossible to ignore. If she steals the spotlight from you tonight, it’ll set the tone forever.” 

Truth was, Jane couldn’t stand Tylissa. If Ava got overshadowed even once, that girl would use it forever. Every event, every party, she’d keep Ava under her thumb. Jane wasn’t about to let that happen. 

“Jane, you’re seriously overthinking this. She’s her. I’m me. We’re totally different. I’m not playing that game.” 

Jane tapped her forehead again. “It’s not about who’s prettier. It’s about who owns the d*mn room. If she grabs it tonight, it’s hers. And you’ll always be the second choice. You get it now?” 

Ava held her head and groaned. “Okay, okay! I get it! Presence! Got it!”