She Turned Her Grief Into Wings novel Chapter 77

Xenia's flight was scheduled to land at 2:30 PM, but Shera left the house an hour and a half early.

With a Bluetooth earpiece in one ear and one hand resting on the steering wheel, she was deeply engrossed in a conversation with a client about the intricate details of a custom design.

Normally, she didn't need to communicate with clients directly, but Zena had insisted that this particular woman specifically requested a one-on-one consultation with Shera. Apparently, the woman had become quite fond of her after the social media incident, admiring her "all-or-nothing" courage. As a self-proclaimed fan, she had made a special trip all the way from Port City.

All-or-nothing courage...

Hearing this "fan's" evaluation, Shera's eyelid had twitched violently. She had felt so embarrassed she practically wanted to claw at the walls. But out of respect for a client who was flying in just to see her, she ultimately agreed.

A chaotic mix of English and Chinese poured through the earpiece. The woman mentioned she was coming to the mainland in a few days to meet someone and hoped to grab a meal with Shera to chat face-to-face.

Unable to decline such persistent enthusiasm, Shera reluctantly agreed.

The woman had asked for her messaging app contact, and Shera tapped her screen, accepting the friend request.

She sent a polite greeting and then put her phone away.

The traffic jam ahead finally cleared up. By the time Shera reached the airport, Xenia was just getting off the plane.

She waited by the arrivals gate for about ten minutes before catching sight of a tall, familiar figure.

Xenia was dressed in a sleek black halter jumpsuit, strutting in high heels. Her jaw-length bob was sharply parted and tucked behind her ears, accentuating the sharp, striking lines of her face. With sunglasses perched on her head, she exuded a fierce, unapproachable aura.

But the moment she spotted Shera behind the barrier, her intimidating expression melted completely.

"Baby! Baby!"

Dragging her suitcase behind her, she practically skipped toward Shera, using a sickly-sweet tone that gave Shera goosebumps.

Before Shera could even reach for her suitcase, Xenia pulled her into a bone-crushing hug. "I missed you so much, Shera!"

Just seconds ago, she had looked like a high-fashion mob boss; now, she was clinging to her like a teary-eyed toddler. Her emotional display honestly made Shera feel a bit sentimental too.

"Alright, alright, let's keep it together."

Shera genuinely thought she and Yara Yorke would get along spectacularly.

Halfway home, Rhys called. He told her he'd be back next week, asked how she had been, and even offered to accompany her when she formally visited Felipa. Shera declined, and after exchanging a few more warm reminders, she hung up.

Shera kept her eyes on the road, perfectly composed, while Xenia shot her a deeply suspicious, teasing look.

"Wow. Some people are just way too devoted. All these years later, and he's still playing the deeply affectionate protector."

Seeing right through her, Shera flashed a fake smile. "Don't even start. It is never going to happen."

She truly couldn't muster up any feelings beyond familial love for Rhys. They had practically shared a crib growing up. The thought of suddenly shifting that dynamic into a romantic relationship felt utterly bizarre to Shera.

Weird. Incredibly weird.

They hadn't seen each other for years, and now he was suddenly trying to turn this into some awkward romance.