The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 668

Chapter 668: Chapter 668 The Other Avery Heiress
“Oh, babe, I knew you could do it,” Athena smirked as she twirled a strand of Hera’s long hair between her fingers.

She stepped back, helping Hera out of the dress, though her mouth never stopped running.

“So, it’s true what they say—when properly loved, a flower blooms even more beautifully,” she mused, eyeing Hera up and down.

“Just look at you! You were already stunning before, but now? Your breasts have gotten fuller, your waist has slimmed down just a bit… You were always sexy, with all the right curves in all the right places, but now? Damn! You’re like a modern-day Marilyn Monroe!”

Grinning mischievously, Athena pinched Hera’s side, testing for any trace of softness. “Seriously, do you even have an ounce of fat on you?” she teased, making Hera blush furiously.

“So, tell me,” Athena began casually, her tone as if they were discussing something mundane, “how was their performance? If you had to grade them, who would be at the top of the ranking and who would be at the bottom? Why don’t you just number them? Number 1 being the best and number 6, well, the worst.”

Her words were so nonchalant, as if discussing a man’s performance in bed was nothing out of the ordinary.

Hera couldn’t help but roll her eyes, having long since gotten used to Athena’s lack of filter.

After all, Athena had always been blunt, unapologetically speaking her mind on any topic, no matter how inappropriate.

But the truth was, Hera couldn’t really rank them, not when each of them had their own unique techniques, and all of them were equally skilled in their own way.

Well, maybe except for Dave—she still had no idea about his performance level.

Even though Athena was her best friend, Hera wasn’t sure if she could openly share all the details. It felt a little too embarrassing.

Not only would she have to reveal her own experiences, but also those of the others, and she felt that what happened behind closed doors should stay there.

It wasn’t just about her privacy; it involved everyone else’s too.

Hera pursed her lips, unsure of how to divert Athena’s attention. Since Athena already knew what was going on, there was no point in denying it.

Athena had an uncanny ability to pick up on gossip and these kinds of things, so lying would be useless.

The only option left was to keep her mouth shut and hope Athena moved on to a different topic.

Seeing the look on Hera’s face, Athena immediately guessed that she was debating whether to share or not, ultimately deciding against it.

Athena couldn’t help but giggle, knowing Hera so well. Hera had always been more conservative and demure, but after Athena came into her life, that all changed.

Over the years, Athena had taught her countless unholy things, shaping her into the bold and confident Hera she was now.

Still, deep down, there was always that shy, easily embarrassed part of Hera that surfaced whenever the conversation turned to anything remotely risqué.

Fortunately, Hera was a natural actress and could mask her feelings, but after more than a decade of friendship, Athena knew her better than anyone, even when Hera tried to hide it.

Athena, sensing Hera’s discomfort, decided to grant her the break she desperately needed and smoothly shifted the topic. “Let’s put that aside for now and talk about your plans.”

“Plans? Plans for what?” Hera asked, exhaling in relief, grateful that Athena had dropped the subject and wasn’t pushing for answers anymore.

Athena smiled as she looked at Hera, her tone light yet filled with excitement. “I’m talking about your upcoming birthday, of course! There’s only a few months left—it’s not even a full six months anymore.”

“Your 20th birthday is coming up, and I know since we just came back from the winter break and got back into the swing of things at university, you’ve been busy like a bee. But you still deserve to celebrate, and I’m hoping this year will be different.”

As Athena finished unzipping the dress, she carefully pulled it down over Hera’s feet, helping her step out.

With a gentle motion, she draped the dress over her arm and hung it back on the rack.

Athena raised an eyebrow, her voice playful but sharp. “You can’t seriously be thinking of celebrating your birthday the same way you did in the past.”

“Those were the years you were pretending to be someone you’re not—pretending to be poor, when we all know that’s not the case. And this year? You finally got rid of Alexi, and stole the male leads from the original female lead—so there’s really no point in hiding who you are anymore.”

She eyed Hera, noticing the distant look in her eyes, as if she had completely forgotten that her 20th birthday was fast approaching.

In the original novel, Hera never even reached her 20th birthday—she died far too early.

She never got to experience the life of an heiress, quickly giving up her inheritance to Alexi, only for it to be used against her and her grandfather, ultimately leading to their deaths.

As she reflected, it struck her just how far she had come.

She had been so wrapped up in her plans, preoccupied with her grandfather’s wellbeing, strategizing how to take Alice’s female lead halo, and maneuvering her way into the good graces of the male leads, that she had completely forgotten about her upcoming birthday.

“I still don’t have any plans,” Hera said nonchalantly. “Maybe we could just have a small banquet with my closest family—grandpa, you, your mom and dad, and your uncle?”

Athena’s eyes widened in disbelief. “What the hell are you talking about? You’re treating this so casually! Don’t tell me you’re still unsure about celebrating your 20th birthday?!”

“Where’s the strong Hera I know?” Her voice was sharp, her playful, mischievous smile gone, replaced by a look of genuine anger and hurt. Her lips were pressed into a tight line, and her eyes reflected a deep disappointment.

“Shouldn’t you make a grand entrance and reveal yourself to the world as the true heiress of the Avery family?” Athena suggested, her tone laced with both amusement and exasperation.

“In novels, that’s how they usually face-slap their enemies and exes.” She sighed helplessly, giving Hera a look that blended concern and disbelief.

“But if I just reveal myself now, all of my family’s enemies will learn of my existence, and if I make too much of a splash, it’ll undo all the years of my grandfather’s careful work to keep me hidden and safe,” Hera explained helplessly, her expression tight with frustration.

“I’m still just a newbie actress, with nothing concrete to show. If I expose myself too soon, I’ll just be a target—mocked and undermined by their petty schemes.”

“Every move I make would be scrutinized, and they’d be looking for any weakness to attack from every angle.”

Her voice softened as she continued, her concern clear. “It’s not that I’m afraid… It’s just that all the hard work my grandfather put in would go to waste if I revealed myself without proving my strength first.”

“That’s why I’ve been trying to lay low, to make sure they don’t think they can just walk all over me because I’m young.”

Hearing Hera’s explanation, Athena paused, her expression softening as she realized that being the heiress of the Avery family didn’t guarantee an easy, smooth life.

It wasn’t as simple as just stepping into the spotlight and watching everything fall into place.

Now, Athena understood the weight of being heir to such a powerful family and how challenging it was for Hera.

She stepped closer to Hera, pulling her into a hug. “So, what’s your plan now?” Athena asked gently, her voice full of understanding and support.

“You know you can’t keep hiding your identity forever,” Athena said, her voice tinged with frustration.

“While that fake heiress is out there, taking advantage of your life, living it up with all the luxuries at her fingertips, you’re stuck playing this hard role. It’s just not fair.” She paused, looking at Hera with a mix of concern and determination.

“You deserve to live your truth, not let someone else enjoy what was meant for you.”

Hera rolled her eyes, letting out a soft snort. “What are you talking about, living a good life? Sure, on the surface, it looks perfect.”

“She gets to wear designer clothes, live in a mansion, drive luxury cars, and have bodyguards like any true heiress should. But behind closed doors, it’s a whole different story.”

“She’s dealing with the constant scrutiny of everyone around her, the overwhelming pressure from adults and peers, and the fake smiles from people who aren’t even genuine.”

“Worst of all, she’s constantly being hunted by assassins, with her life always at risk. And she can’t even complain about it.” Hera’s voice, though tinged with bitterness, held a deeper truth.

It was as if she was speaking from experience, not out of spite, but from understanding the hidden struggles of someone in her position.

Years ago, when Hera and the other girl were still young, the old master Avery had taken the girl in, caring for her as his own.

However, they were kept apart, and raised in different environments, each with their own separate lives.

When the girl grew older, the old master Avery approached her with an offer.

He asked if she wanted to continue living in the Avery estate, to be raised and sponsored by the family.

After all, with her parents gone, along with the Avery couple, there was no one left to care for her—both of her parents had been orphans as well.