It had been a week since Gwen had broken up with Alexander Lionel Tennyson. During that time, Alex had poured all of his heartbreak into Avalon Groups, pushing the company to new heights. Despite his focus on work, those who loved him—Verdona, Betty Jean Tennyson, Camille Mann, Lucy Mann, and Joel—couldn't forget the fact that he had given his heart to Gwen for ten years, only to be rejected. Their frustration and anger simmered, refusing to fade.
Verdona, unable to contain herself, picked up her phone and called Natalie Tennyson. "I want to meet Gwen for a talk," she demanded.
Natalie, understanding her mother's intensity, agreed and called her daughter. Gwen was in the middle of packing her luggage, Kevin at her side saying goodbye to Ben.
"Has Alex messaged you?" Gwen asked Ben.
Ben shook his head.
Moments later, Gwen's phone rang. It was her mother. "Gwen, your grandmother Verdona wants to meet you."
Gwen hesitated but agreed. Ben, ever curious about his own grandmother, insisted on coming along—and Kevin, not wanting to be left behind, joined them both.
When Gwen returned home, she was greeted by an unexpected sight. Along with her parents were Verdona, Betty Jean Tennyson, Camille Mann, Lucy Mann, and Joel. The tension in the room was palpable.
Ben greeted Joel and Lucy warmly. "Good to see you guys!" he said, nodding to Betty Jean and Camille as well.
Verdona's sharp gaze landed on Gwen. "How are you doing?" she asked calmly, though her tone carried an edge.
"I'm fine, Grandma Verdona," Gwen replied.
Verdona didn't relax. "And your relationship with Alex?"
"We're doing great," Gwen lied smoothly, forcing a smile.
Verdona's eyes narrowed. "Is that true?" she asked, voice rising.
"Yes…" Gwen faltered under Verdona's stare.
"Stop lying to me!" Verdona barked. "How long will you hide the truth?"
Finally, Gwen admitted, "I… I broke up with Alex last week. I love Kevin. The reason… Alex is too good for me, and he wasn't there for me the past four years."
The words barely left her lips when Lucy Mann's fist connected with Gwen's face. Gwen fell back against the wall, stunned. Lucy immediately stepped back, eyes wide. "I… I'm sorry!" she stammered, apologizing to Gwen's parents, who were equally shocked.
Ben's jaw dropped. "Wait… she broke up with Alex?"
Verdona's voice was sharp but calm again. "So, Alex was away from you for four years, and you moved on to love another man?" She let out a humorless laugh and then, as if to test them, asked the room: "Have you heard of Avalon Groups?"
Gwen and Ben answered in unison, "Yes… it's one of the best companies in the world."
Kevin scoffed. "Wrong. Avalon Group isn't just the best in the world—it's the best in the universe. Half of the universe are loyal customers. Many races, including Hybrids and Ma Veedle, support them. Even Vilgax wouldn't dare challenge Avalon Group. And… the chairman? Hidden."
The room went silent. Gwen, Ben, and her parents stared, stunned.
Joel's voice broke through. "Gwen… Ben… Kevin… my brother—Alexander Lionel—is the chairman of Avalon Group."
Gwen's mouth fell open. Ben blinked, speechless. Kevin's face went pale; he felt his legs weaken.
Betty Jean stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "Before we adopted Alex, he had a father. His name… was Morax Nava."
Kevin froze, a cold sweat forming. "You're joking… right?"
Betty Jean, Camille, Lucy, and Joel all stared at him with steely seriousness. Gwen, wide-eyed, asked Kevin, "Did you know who Morax Nava is?"
Kevin's voice trembled. "Morax… Morax Nava… he's the Great Dragon God of the universe. He protected his planet and his people from countless races. He's… worshipped by many like a god."
Shock rippled through Gwen, Ben, and her parents. Kevin… practically peed his pants in fear, his knees buckling.
Betty Jean shook her head slightly, smiling faintly at Gwen. "Good luck with your new life and your love."
Without another word, she, Camille, Lucy, Joel, and Verdona left, leaving Gwen and Kevin stunned, and Ben still processing the revelation.
The truth about Alex—hidden for so long—hung over them like a shadow. He wasn't just the boy Gwen had taken for granted; he was a man who commanded an empire that spanned the universe, with powers and heritage that no ordinary person could comprehend.
And Gwen… she had lost him.