Across Distant Horizons (In Love With An Heiress Book 2)

Avery sat alone, staring blankly at the remnants of last night's takeout, guilt pressing on her like a weight she could hardly bear. She hadn't slept; images of MJ's face, of the pain she was enduring, haunted her mind. The door clicked open, and Juniper walked in, her expression unreadable.

Without a word, Juniper crossed the room, studying her lovers worn expression. Finally, she broke the silence. "Avery... do you realize what's happening today?"

Avery looked up, eyes dull. "Allyson's wedding," she murmured, the words landing with finality.

Juniper's jaw clenched. "That's right. And she's only doing it because Sawyer is threatening MJ's life. She had no choice, Avery. None of us do... unless we stop him."

Avery buried her face in her hands, her voice thick with regret. "I've made everything worse, June. I betrayed her... I betrayed them all."

Juniper sat beside her, her voice quiet but firm. "Then let's fix it. But we can't do it alone. We need the others, Avery."

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They made their way to Serena's penthouse, where the rest of the group was waiting. But as Avery stepped through the door with Juniper, the room fell silent, eyes narrowing with resentment and suspicion.

Gale was the first to speak, her tone like ice. "Why are you here, Avery?"

Avery swallowed, her shoulders dropping under the weight of their stares. "I'm here because... because I know I've messed up. And I'm sorry," she said, her voice breaking. "I... I thought I was protecting Allyson, protecting all of you... but I was wrong."

Macy folded her arms, unimpressed. "Words won't undo what you did. MJ is paying the price for your so-called protection."

Juniper stepped forward, casting a pleading look at the group. "Please, hear us out. Avery made a mistake, but she's here to help now. We have a plan to get MJ out—if you'll help us."

Jeserey crossed her arms, her eyes sharp and wary. "How can we trust either of you? Especially after what you did?"

Avery's gaze dropped to the floor. "I don't deserve your trust. I know that. But... I need to make this right. Sawyer is forcing Allyson to marry his daughter today, and MJ's life is in danger. Please... let me help bring her back."

Stella's hardened expression softened, if only slightly. She shared a look with Cali, who gave a small nod. "Fine," Serena finally said, her tone grudging. "But if you mess this up again, Avery, that's it. We're done."

As the others reluctantly agreed, a sense of determination filled the room, stronger than any doubts.

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They piled into two cars, Avery driving the first one with Juniper in the passenger seat, while Macy took the wheel of the second car, everyone tense and silent as they sped toward the warehouse. Gale looked over to Cali beside her, worry etched in her face. "You really think this plan will work?"

"It has to," Cali replied quietly, glancing back at Jeserey, who was studying the building's layout on her phone. "Once we're in, Jeserey can disable the security. The rest is up to us."

In the front car, Juniper cast a glance at Avery. "You know Sawyer better than anyone here. Are you sure he'll have her there?"

Avery nodded, her voice steely. "That's where he keeps everything hidden. MJ... she'll be there. He wants Allyson to think there's no way out."

When they arrived, the group split into positions, each friend tense but determined. Jeserey quickly accessed the security feed, her fingers flying over her tablet, whispering, "We're clear. Go."

They moved in, silent and focused, navigating through the dim hallways, until finally, they found Sawyer's office door. Avery held up a hand, signaling them to wait, and listened.

Inside, Sawyer's voice was a cold whisper, "You really think she cares enough to come for you, MJ? Allyson has already moved on—why hold onto something that doesn't exist?"

From behind the door, they heard MJ's voice, strained but defiant. "Because you're wrong, Sawyer. She's stronger than you'll ever be."

Avery looked at her friends, her eyes fierce. "Now."

They burst into the room, Sawyer's face twisting into shock and rage. Before he could react, Juniper pinned him back, while the others untied MJ. As they moved quickly out of the building, MJ looked over at Avery, her voice shaking. "I didn't think... I didn't think you'd come."

Avery's voice broke. "I'll never make that mistake again."