Chapter 3 The arrival...

Ava returned from the market, exhausted but relieved to have completed her errands. She made her way to Madam Pat's office, placing the bags down before giving a detailed account of what she had bought.

Madam Pat gave her a sharp nod. "Good. Now get back to work."

Ava hurried out of the office, grateful that she had managed to avoid another scolding.

By closing time, she was more than ready to go home. But as she approached her apartment, she noticed something strange her door was open.

Again.

Her heart skipped a beat.

Had Nick come back?

Steeling herself, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.

"Surprise!"

Ava nearly jumped out of her skin before she recognized the familiar voice.

"Crystal?!"

Her best friend stood in the middle of the living room, arms outstretched with a wide grin on her face.

Ava's shock turned into delight. "Oh my God! What are you doing here?"

The two women threw themselves into a tight hug, laughing.

"Okay, okay, I can't breathe!" Crystal gasped dramatically, making Ava laugh harder.

"I can't believe you're back so soon," Ava said, still beaming. "I thought you'd be staying longer in your hometown."

Crystal's face twisted into an expression of mock annoyance. "Girl, my mom tricked me into going home just so she could lecture me about marriage! Can you believe that? They practically bored me with wedding talk!"

Ava burst into laughter. "Well... maybe it's time you got married?"

Crystal shot her a deadly glare before grabbing the nearest pillow and hurling it at Ava's head.

The two collapsed into giggles, catching up on everything they had missed.

Later that night, Ava shared the exciting news.

"Guess what?" she said, grinning.

"What?"

"Madam Pat got an invite from the Alexandras, they needs chef's who are going to deliver during their Christmas party, so if madam Pat passes the screening we would be going there"

She told her

Crystal gasped. "WHAT?! You're going to the Novas Estate?"

"Well... I'll be working as a chef, so it's not like I'm going as a guest," Ava clarified.

Crystal waved off her words. "Same difference! That means the Alexandras are coming home! Including him."

Ava raised an eyebrow. "Him?"

Crystal dramatically grabbed Ava's hands. "Tyler Alexandra, of course! The most handsome, dreamy billionaire to ever exist. I heard he smells like vanilla and his voice could melt steel."

Ava rolled her eyes but laughed. "Crystal, you need help."

Crystal grinned mischievously. "If you see him, you better take a picture for me!"

Ava shook her head, amused. "Come on, let's go to bed."

The Next Day – The Alexandras' Screening for Chefs

Madam Pat and the other invited chefs arrived at the Alexandras' estate for their screening. The Nova Estate was massive, an architectural masterpiece that screamed wealth and power.

The process was competitive, with only a select few making it through.

Luckily, Madam Pat was one of them.

When she returned to the restaurant, she was beaming.

Gathering her workers, she divided them into two groups. One team would stay and manage the restaurant, while the other including Ava, Nina, and Lola would accompany her to the Alexandras' mansion.

Ava went home that night feeling both excited and nervous.

Crystal was practically bouncing with excitement when she heard the news.

"Ava, you HAVE to call me when you get there. Even if it's just once!"

Ava laughed. "Alright, alright, I promise."

Crystal dramatically wiped fake tears. "My bestie is going to the land of the rich and famous!"

They spent the night packing, chatting, and giggling like teenagers.

The next morning, Ava and the other chefs arrived at the Nova Estate, staring in awe at the sheer grandeur before them.

The mansion was even more breathtaking up close tall glass walls, golden chandeliers peeking through the windows, and security guards in crisp black suits stationed at every entrance.

For a moment, Ava felt like she had stepped into a whole different world.

Inside, the estate was already buzzing with preparations for the Alexandra family's grand holiday event. The kitchen staff were divided into teams, each assigned a specific type of cuisine.

Ava, Nina, and Lola were placed under Chef T's supervision, preparing both continental and traditional dishes.

"You'll all be expected to maintain the highest level of professionalism," Chef T instructed firmly. "The Alexandras and their guests expect nothing less than perfection."

Meanwhile, in Emerald City

Tyler stood in his penthouse, finishing the last of his packing.

His personal assistant, Leo, was sorting through final details.

"Sir, we'll be leaving at 9 AM sharp. I've arranged for security to be on standby."

Tyler nodded, barely paying attention as he responded to emails.

Just then, his phone rang.

He glanced at the screen.

Derek.

With a sigh, he answered. "Derek."

"BROTHER!" Derek's loud, carefree voice boomed through the phone.

Tyler sighed. "What do you want?"

"Why so cold, bro? I just wanted to check in on you."

"Derek."

"Fine, fine, I just wanted to know if you're really coming home for the holidays."

"I'll be there tomorrow," Tyler replied.

"Great! Jasmine and Adriana are already on their way. You know how they get when they don't get what they want," Derek chuckled.

Tyler clenched his jaw. He knew all too well.

"I'll see you tomorrow."

He hung up.

Taking a deep breath, he stared out of his penthouse window, overlooking the city lights.

Avalon.

A place filled with love, betrayal, and ghosts of the past.

And now, he was returning.

The Next Day – Arrival at the Alexandras' Estate

The Nova Estate was buzzing with activity. Servants rushed around, finalizing preparations for the Alexandra children's homecoming.

Mrs. Felicia Alexandra, the elegant matriarch, gave instructions to the staff.

At noon, the arrivals began.

First, Jasmine and Adriana.

Both women were gorgeous and ruthlessly sophisticated. Dressed in designer outfits, they entered the mansion with their foreign friends, immediately taking over the space with their loud laughter and expensive perfumes.

"Mom, you look stunning, as always," Adriana cooed.

"Yes, Dad must be taking extra good care of you," Jasmine added with a teasing wink.

Mrs. Felicia laughed, hugging her daughters warmly.

Next, Derek.

The reckless, handsome, wild-child of the family strutted into the estate like he owned it. Women especially the staff openly swooned.

Adriana squealed when she saw him. "Derek! Look at you, looking all... well, the same!"

Derek smirked. "Miss me?"

Then, finally...

Tyler arrived.

The moment he stepped out of his sleek black car, the air shifted.

He moved with effortless grace, dressed in a tailored black suit that hugged his athletic build perfectly. His dark eyes held a quiet depth, his lips curved into a soft, charming smile. His presence alone commanded attention.

Lisa, Adriana's friend, visibly gasped.

"Oh my God," she whispered. "He's even more perfect in person."

Tyler removed his sunglasses, his gaze scanning the estate.

His mother's face lit up with joy. Of all her children, she loved Tyler the most.

"Tyler, my dear!" she gushed, embracing him warmly.

Tyler chuckled, kissing her forehead. "It's good to see you, Mom."

His father, Mr. Alexandra, stepped forward, shaking his son's hand firmly. "Welcome home, son."

Tyler nodded. "It's good to be back."

Meanwhile, in the staff quarters, Ava and her coworkers were being briefed.

Mona rushed in, breathless.

"You won't believe who just arrived!" she gushed.

Ava looked up. "Who?"

"The Alexandra heir Tyler. And let me tell you, he's even more gorgeous in real life."

"What" Nina gasped

Ava simply shook her head.

Crystal would die if she heard this.

Ava and the other chefs had barely finished setting up when linda, one of the staffs, rushed in, her face lit up with excitement.

"Everyone, we need to be in the main hall! The Alexandras are about to introduce themselves."

Nina's eyes widened. "Wait, wait. You mean Tyler Alexandra is going to be there?"

Mona nodded eagerly. "Of course! He has arrived ."

"Did you see him?" Lola asked

Mona sighed dreamily. "Ladies, he is even more gorgeous in person. Tall, elegant, soft-spoken... and those eyes my God."

Ava rolled her eyes as the girls practically swooned.

Crystal would lose her mind if she were here.