"I’ve wanted to do this for a long time," Sasha admitted. "But Athena wouldn’t let me. She insisted on keeping a low profile for your sake, especially after you got involved with that Alexi boy. She told me his family was like vampires—bloodsuckers who wouldn’t let you go if they found out you had a powerful backer. She made me wait for the right time to recognize you as my goddaughter."


    As she spoke, Sasha ran her fingers through Hera’s soft locks, her expression filled with worry and sorrow. She knew what this girl had endured, and her heart ached for her.


    "Hehehe! But wasn’t I right?" Athena giggled. "Look at that bastard—an absolute disgrace to humanity! He thought he could climb the socialdder, secure his career and love life, and still keep Hera as a mistress? Seriously, he was way too full of himself."


    She huffed, cing her hands on her hips. "Good thing I trained Hera well! She dumped his sorry ass. And now? She’s got men practically orbiting her, ready to do her bidding."


    With a smug grin, Athena puffed out her chest, waiting expectantly for her mother to shower her with praise.


    "Language, sweetheart," Sasha said elegantly, casting a sidelong nce at her daughter.


    Though her tone carried the weight of a reprimand, the unmistakable pride in her eyes told a different story—one that practically screamed, ’<i>Job well done!’</i>


    Hera couldn’t help but chuckle openly. It was clear now—Sasha was just like Athena. The only difference was that she had refined her mischief, hiding it beneath a veil of poise and maturity befitting her influential position.


    Sasha turned her gaze back to Hera and added warmly, "Anyway, I’ve always considered you my youngest daughter, so from now on, just call me Mom."


    She smiled. "Your uncle is just as thrilled to recognize you as his daughter. Honestly, who wouldn’t be proud to have someone as outstanding, beautiful, and kind-hearted as you?"


    Her open praise made Hera’s cheeks flush with embarrassment.


    Meanwhile, Athena didn’t feel the least bit sidelined or jealous. As a mature woman, she understood that Hera had always longed for parental figures she could call <i>Mom</i> and <i>Dad.</i> Sure, her grandfather adored her, but having parents—having that <i>specific</i> kind of love—was something entirely different.


    As Hera’s best friend, Athena never wanted her to miss out on the love of a parent. That’s why she always mentioned Hera to her own parents during their calls, subtly nting the idea in their hearts. She had hoped they woulde to see Hera as part of the family, like an adopted daughter—and sure enough, they did.


    It wasn’t even difficult. Hera was naturally kind and gentle, yet strong when needed and fiercely goal-oriented. Athena never had to worry about the kind of petty drama often found in novels—where an adopted child would try to steal a family’s love. That was never a concern.


    If anything, recognizing Hera as their adopted daughter felt more like <i>their</i> gain. Hera was the heiress of the Avery Consortium—she had wealth, influence, and power—while all they could offer her was familial love. In a way, Athena felt like <i>she</i> was the one benefiting from their friendship, and for a time, she worried that Hera might see it that way too.


    Fortunately, neither of them thought that way. Their bond was real, built on trust, not status or advantage.


    Hera nodded. "Alright, I’ll listen to Mom and Sister’s arrangement," she said softly, her face growing noticeably warmer.


    She felt a little shy calling Sasha <i>Mom</i> and Athena <i>Sister.</i> Even though, in their hearts, they had already treated each other as family, saying it out loud made it feel even more real. The warmth in her chest grew, and she felt the sting of tears threatening to spill again—this time, out of pure happiness.


    Seeing this, Sasha and Athena pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her close as if to reassure her that she truly belonged.


    "Oh? So you all went ahead and talked about it without me?" Sasha’s husband stepped inside, a wide grin on his face.


    He had to step out earlier to handle some business and, unfortunately, wasn’t there to wee Hera when she arrived. But as soon as he was done, he hurried back—only to walk in on this heartwarming moment.


    Seeing the bond between them filled him with joy. He and Sasha had always doted on their children, especially Athena, their youngest. She had spent years away from home just to apany her best friend, a sacrifice they deeply admired. It was only natural that they cherished her even more.


    And now, seeing Hera officially weed into their family, he couldn’t be happier.


    Behind him, his son followed, handing his coat to the housekeeper as he walked toward the living room with a warm smile.


    "Wee to the family, little sister," he said gently, settling beside his mother. His gaze rested on Hera, filled with the warmth and affection of a doting older brother.


    "Alright, how about we hear our little sister call her dad and brother?" Athena teased, her mischievous eyes glinting with excitement.


    She was truly happy. After all, she had been by Hera’s side through everything—witnessing her struggles, her relentless efforts to protect those she loved, and the loneliness she carried. Hera had always longed for the love of a mother and father, but fate had been cruel, taking them from her too soon. Her grandfather, though caring, was often too busy to fill that void.


    Athena had wanted to do this for a long time, to give Hera the family she deserved. But circumstances held her back—if Alexi had caught wind of it, escaping his grasp and his morally corrupt family would have been even more difficult. Now, finally, the timing was right.


    The five of them enjoyed a pleasant chat until lunch was ready in the dining room. As they made their way over, Athena clung to Hera’s arm, grinning from ear to ear. Hera couldn’t help but smile, her heart overflowing with warmth. Even now, she still couldn’t believe the Lowery family had weed her so wholeheartedly. The overwhelming joy and excitement made her heart tremble with happiness.


    Lunch went by smoothly, filled withughter and lighthearted conversation. Afterward, Hera and Athena set off for the fashion show venue, while Sasha, her husband, and their son headed to the banquet hall first to oversee the final arrangements. Once everything was in ce, they would make their way to the venue to watch Athena and Hera take the stage together.


    "Babe, this car is absolutely superb!" Athena eximed as she drove Hera’s car, her face lit up with excitement. She was clearly thrilled by the day’s events, her joy radiating through every word.


    Hera, sitting beside her, simply smiled in silence. She couldn’t find the right words—her heart was still soaring, lost in the overwhelming happiness of the moment.


    The two drove infortable silence, a quiet understanding passing between them. There was no need for words; the warmth of their shared joy spoke louder than anything they could say.