"That's right! I'll do anything as long as it's for the money!" Avery yelled as her voice trembled and a flush colored her cheeks. "Mind your own business!"A savage fury rose in Elliot's eyes."Clear the place!"At his order, his bodyguards instantly kicked out everyone from the restaurant, including Norman who slumped on the floor.In an instant, Avery and Elliot were the only two people left in the grand restaurant.Avery shoved at Elliot's chest and snapped, "Elliot Foster, you scoundrel! You're such a jerk!"Despite all of her efforts, Elliot did not budge."Weren't you willing to sell your body? Let me help you with that!"With his large hand, Elliot tried to tear her blouse.The color vanished from Avery's face."Don't touch me! Elliot! Please don't touch me!" she begged."If other people can touch you, then why can't I?! Is it because I didn't pay you?"Elliot had completely lost his reason.He took his wallet out of his pocket, pulled out all of the cash from it,
At the Lynch Mansion, Tammy took out a t-shirt for Avery."What on earth happened to you? How did you manage to fall and rip the buttons of your blouse off?" Tammy looked at her all suspiciously and guessed, "Avery, did you get into a fight with someone?"Avery replied as she put on the shirt, "Yeah, you guessed it.""And you lost right? You look terrible. Shall I hire you a bodyguard?" Tammy said as she poured Avery a glass of water. "You are now worth 100 million dollars. It’s essential to have one. Look at Elliot, he has a bunch of bodyguards following him around. I heard they are all extremely well trained…"Avery smiled wryly and said, “If that’s the case, I don’t need to hire anyone else.”Tammy asked, “Why?” and as she asked the question, she understood. "Is he out of his mind? Why he finds trouble with you?"Avery took a sip of the water and placed down her glass."Thanks for the shirt. I'm heading back to the office now." Mike had called her to get some updates on the d
Elliot opened the bag and found his shirt and cash inside.He shoved the bag, and it fell to the ground. "Get rid of it!" exclaimed Elliot coldly."Alright," said Chad as he picked it up and walked out the door.At the mall, Mike was flinging multiple pieces of clothing at Avery for her to try on. "You got to try it on for you know if it fits," said Mike as he pushed her into the fitting room."You've such a good boyfriend, Miss. It's rare to have an attentive man!" The salesperson grinned as she said to Avery, "Do you need my assistance?"Avery shook her head vigorously, "I can manage."Mike and Avery spent the entire afternoon walking the length and stretch of the mall. Soon the boot of the car was filled with shopping bags. Mike had not only bought clothes for Avery, but he had bought some for Hayden, Layla, Laura, and himself as well. Avery decided not to go shopping with Mike in the future. She took Mike to a random restaurant because she was so famished at this poin
Chad's face turned hot. 'Didn't Elliot say he was not going to come today? Why had Elliot suddenly appeared? Did his words not mean anything?' huffed Chad silently to himself. Both Ben and Chad dashed toward Elliot as they tried to ask him their questions.Elliot answered, "I just happen to be around the corner, so I thought I'd drop by and check the party out.""I thought you'd be too chickened to come!" Mike walked toward Elliot and pulled him toward the bar. "Today, we are gathered here to celebrate Avery's birthday. Rule number one, no yelling is allowed, and secondly, no fighting. Let's all drink!"Mike handed Elliot an empty glass before proceeding to fill it with liquor. Avery was stunned. Did they really intend to start drinking before they had dinner? She saw a group of men staring at Elliot. They were led by Mike, who in turn, was flanked by the managers.She realized what was happening! As she made to approach them, Tammy stopped her. "Let them be!" She pulled Avery
Avery had flipped open the album to find that it was filled with photos taken during their college years. It was a precious gift. "We are best friends, that's how! Other than my own photos, the rest of them are mostly yours," Tammy said as she looked at Avery lovingly. "A toast to a friendship that lasts forever!"Avery raised her glass and cheered, "Friendship forever!" She took a sip and placed the glass down.Someone patted her shoulder. It was Ben looking red in the face. "Come sit with us, Miss Tate!" Ben pointed at the table next to hers and said, "Tell your staff to behave themselves, any minute now and we will be hammered." Ben looked rather pitiful. "You're kidding Ben, you are a master at drinking!" teased Tammy.Ben sighed and said, "That was all in the past. I'm getting older now…"Avery got up and followed Ben to the table that was not far away. Ben signaled her to sit where Mike had once sat. The seat was next to Elliot's. She glanced over at Elliot and saw him st
Elliot suddenly held Avery's hand. She released her grip on her phone, and he instantly released her hand. Ben was right, he was directing the speech toward her. The managers’ jaws dropped.Oh shit! Was something about to happen? Avery's face burned, and she took a gulp of the juice that she had filled her glass with.Fortunately, today was only her birthday celebration and not her actual birthday. 'Getting a lecture on my birthday celebration, what a treat!' thought Avery sarcastically. Elliot went on and on about his secrets of success while raising his glass from time to time and drinking with everyone.He did not seem to have forgotten that today was her birthday celebration.Avery had two plates of pasta and a plate of fresh fruits. An hour later, and he was still droning on. She propped her head up with her hand as she gazed at him. Elliot cleared his throat and turned to her, "Avery, did you understand what I just said?""Let's drink!" Avery looked down as she helped hers
"Have some water, Elliot!" Zoe said as she propped him up on the pillow and placed the bottle of water against his lips. "You must be feeling lousy. Here, drink and you will feel better."Back in the hall, Avery felt a lot soberer. However, she now felt a lot worse than she had when she was drunk. She knew she could no longer allow herself to be entangled with Elliot. Nothing good would come out of it. "Zoe was such a snob!" Tammy walked over to Avery and comforted her, "Don't pay attention to what she said. She should take a good look at herself in the mirror." Avery took her purse and prepared to leave as she said, "I'm only mad at myself.""You didn't do anything wrong," Tammy said."I'm being ridiculous," Avery muttered to herself. "I keep imagining that we still have a chance together… Tammy, please give it to me if I see him in the future!" Tammy nodded, as she wanted the best for her friend. "I'll get you home!" Tammy held her up and said, "Don't worry about the rest of
Avery felt a sharp pain in her nose as Elliot crushed her to his chest. She looked around the room with her watery eyes. Her nose was still smarting. 'Where was Zoe? Why was Elliot alone in the room? Wasn't she supposed to be taking care of her drunk boyfriend?' wondered Avery. She pushed him, but Elliot embraced her tighter than before."Don't leave me, Avery…" He carried her, "I miss you so much… I've missed you every day…" Elliot murmured those words to her as he carried her over to the bed. Avery's heart ached as she watched him. He was completely drunk! They said drunk words were sober thoughts.Did it mean he had a place for her in his heart?He pressed her into the bed as he stared lovingly into her eyes. "Let go of me, Elliot Foster!" whispered Avery as she cupped his face with her hands. "Shea is crying because she needs you. Mrs. Cooper called me, and she wants you—" He silenced her with a kiss. Did he just ignore the part where she mentioned Shea? Did he not car