Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 76

Chapter 76 When Power Meets Reality 

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Jolene was a clear example. Because she was an elemental power Awakened woman, her status allowed her to bully others outside without worrying about legal consequences. Still, when she faced someone stronger, she could only shrink back into a corner. 

When personal interests were on the line, she was the one abandoned, even though she was awakened. This was reality. If someone didn’t deserve their position, backlash would come sooner or later. 

“What are you thinking about, Ava?” Jane noticed her serious expression. It was clear that Ava wasn’t paying attention to the discussion around them. 

Ava snapped back to her senses and looked at Jane. “Nothing.” 

The discussion continued. 

Ava spoke up. “Great–uncle Jonathan, please listen to me” 

The room fell quiet. 

Everyone looked at her as she met Jonathan’s gaze with steady eyes. “I think that since this is fate’s gift to me, I should accept it. In the past, Grandpa wanted to protect me, so he didn’t want others to know my secret. But things are different now. I’m already in this position, right in the middle of the storm. I should go with the flow. At least this proves my value. I don’t want to keep hiding anymore. I want to live openly and honestly.” 

Elias smiled with relief. “You’re still young, but you see things clearly. We support you. Don’t worry. No matter what people say outside, we’re confident we can protect you.” 

Ava was approved for discharge. Before she even left the hospital, the police came to take statements. After that, she left with her family. She thought her matched partners would go their own ways. She didn’t expect them to follow her back to the Morren Residence. 

She was shocked, but she didn’t say anything. She chose to sit with Jane. Jane drove, and there were only the two of them in the car. 

As Jane started the car, she said, “Your situation is blowing up online. This will probably enter the legal process soon. Even if Jolene uses money and connections, she likely won’t escape punishment.” 

Ava didn’t feel curious at all about Jolene’s sentence. She spoke calmly. “I trust the law will give me justice and make the fairest ruling.” 

Jane was startled by her calm tone. “Why do you look so unaffected? She provoked you first and even tried to kill you.” 

Jolene had clearly used elemental power on Ava on purpose. As an Awakened, she knew how deadly it was to an ordinary woman. She still did it anyway. Her motive was clearly to kill her. 

Ava rested her head against the window and watched birds flash past outside. “I know. I also know she’ll be punished.” 

“I’m just thinking. As a so–called noble awakened woman, she hunted men, only to be abandoned by her own husband in the end. Jane, awakened women are worshiped. Men chase them and want to marry them. But look at what happens. When her existence clashes with someone else’s interests, she’s still the one thrown away. 

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Chapter 76 When Power Meets Reality 

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“In this era, are awakened women really admired for their abilities? Or is it more about men wanting to possess and dominate them? I feel confused.” 

“Ava, why are you thinking this way? Isn’t all of this Jolene’s own doing? She was awakened, but she acted arrogantly everywhere and never tried to better herself Jane was startled by how sharp Ava’s thinking had become. “Awakened or not, some people choose to depend on others, and some choose to work for themselves. Those are personal choices. People have to ake responsibility for what they choose.” 

“Yes, people do need to take responsibility for their choices. I just realized today that some of my old beliefs were naive and ridiculous.” 

Jane switched on autopilot and turned to look at her. “Ava, I don’t know why you’re thinking this way. I just hope you don’t let Jolene’s case affect you negatively. Try to be more optimistic. The world isn’t that terrible. You’re also a very rare elemental power user now. If you’re worried those men might treat you the same way in the future, I really don’t think that’ll happen. 

“Do you know what forced matching is? It means your genes chose them. It isn’t just a simple match. In other words, your genes chose before your mind did. Whether you accept it or not, Ava, this is a fundamental biological instinct. It isn’t something to be ashamed of. 

“There are plenty of men in this world. If one doesn’t behave, then replace him with one who does.” Jane paused, then added, “Since ancient times, reproduction has depended on women. Society needs women. We’re just making a few more choices than before. Humans have been away from ancient Terran for tens of thousands of years. Historical records say monogamy was once common there. That clearly doesn’t fit our current reality, so there’s no need for you to dwell on it. 

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