Fell for the Alpha-less Queen

Chapter 520 The Road Back

He stood there for a long time without moving.

Inheriting the Coldfang Mercenaries-this was his responsibility, not his choice.

At last, he walked forward. One of the attendants stepped out and opened the car

door for him.

"Mr. Avery, Mr. Xavier is here as well."

Avery got into the car and saw his father seated in the back-his presence sharp,

commanding, and suffocating.

Avery frowned. "What? You're that afraid I'll run off, so you came here yourself?"

"You were crying," Xavier Marson said flatly. It wasn't a question-it was a

statement.

Avery didn't respond.

+8 Pearls

It wouldn't matter what he said. His father would never understand. In Xavier's

world, there was only strength, only the Coldfang Mercenaries.

He'd already agreed to return and take over the mercenaries. That was enough.

There was no need to say anything else.

"Avery, I gave you five years. During those five years, you did what you loved.

Now it's time to come back. So you can't blame me."

As a father, giving him five years-that was already a rare kindness.

"I understand. Let's go." Avery closed his eyes, exhaustion weighing down his

voice.

He understood his duty. He knew Xavier had held out for five long years. Even if it

wasn't what he wanted, he couldn't live selfishly anymore...

Xavier opened his mouth to say something more, but when he saw the fatigue

etched into Avery's face, he fell silent.

"Let's go," he finally told the driver.

Back on the stage, Steven was still standing there, unwilling to leave.

This was the stage he loved most in the world.

He would've done anything for this stage.

But tonight... it was all over.

"Steven, it's time to go," Tessa said gently. Landon was still waiting for her down

below, but she couldn't leave Steven alone.

He'd worked so hard for this concert, rehearsing nonstop, never once

complaining.

Even tonight, he had stayed calm and composed.

But it was that composure that worried her most. That's why she had stayednoveldrama

behind.

11:29 Tue, 1 Jul

Chapter 520 The Road Back

Steven nodded.

"Tessa, you go on ahead. Don't worry about me-I'm fine."

He really was fine. Or at least, that's what he told himself.

"I'll take you back. Don't overthink things."

Suddenly, Steven crouched down and kissed the stage.

Tessa's heart sank at the sight.

Steven finally stepped down and walked to her side.

In her eyes, he saw worry.

Steven smiled.

"Alright, stop worrying. I'm really okay. I just... can't bear to let go, that's all. You

know how much I love Avery Band."

Tessa was younger than him, yet she always ended up being the one to worry.

"Okay. As long as you're alright. Avery's biggest concern right now is probably

you, so you have to take care of yourself."

"Yeah. Don't worry. I promise not to be a burden."

Tessa brought Steven to meet up with Landon.

Once they were in the car, Steven didn't say a word.

He was unusually quiet the whole ride.

When they arrived back at the Avery Band villa, Steven got out of the car.

"Tessa, you've had a long day. Go get some rest."

"You too. Don't overthink things-get a good night's sleep."

Steven nodded and turned to go inside.

"Landon, you've had a long day too," Tessa said softly. He'd been there the entire

time.

Landon took her hand in his.

"Compared to you? I'm not tired at all." He had only been sitting there-how could

that be hausting? "Let's head home."

"Yeah."

After everything tonight, Tessa was truly worn out. For now, she didn't feel like

talking at all.