**Chapter 26: Kill Him?** Avery’s brow furrowed, a storm of emotions swirling within her. Despite the depth of her hatred for Elliot, the mere thought of extinguishing his life struck her as unfathomable. The child she once carried in her womb may have been lost, but that would never justify taking another's life. Could she truly bring herself to kill him? Cole, sensing her hesitation, leaned in closer, his voice low and serious. “My uncle is away on a business trip right now. Just think about it. Avery, if you can kill Elliot, I’ll marry you immediately. Anything you desire is yours. I've already talked to my parents about us—they are completely supportive.” His earnest expression was unyielding, and for a fleeting moment, memories of their past romance flickered in her mind. She had always longed for the approval of his family, but now, that desire felt like ash in her mouth. “What if I fail?” Avery countered sharply. “If he discovers my intentions, do you truly think he would let me live? Cole, you’ve always been a coward, and here you are, proving it again. If you want him dead, then you do it yourself. If you're too afraid to deal with the aftermath of failure, then don’t play with fire!” Cole’s face froze, shock splashed across his features. He hadn’t expected her to turn him down so resolutely. “It won’t fail,” he insisted, desperation creeping into his tone. “We can poison him! You just need to slip him something, and everything will be smooth sailing from there. My grandma will certainly break down, and my dad will handle the fallout…” Avery scoffed, cutting through his plans like a knife. “If it’s such a foolproof plan, why don’t you carry it out yourself? He comes to the old house every week. You could do it then.” Cole fell silent, taken aback. “Avery, you apparently haven’t been hurt enough yet," she said, piercing him with her gaze. "Elliot is your uncle. How could you plot against your own blood?” “Oh, please,” he scoffed with an air of indignation. “I may see him as my uncle, but he certainly doesn’t view me as a nephew.” “Isn’t that because you bribed his lawyer during his illness, and he later found out? You deserve his wrath!” Avery shot back, her own indignation rising. “While I despise him for his ruthlessness, I haven’t lost my lucidity.” With that, Avery stood, determination swelling within her to leave this conversation behind. “Avery! Please, don’t go! Let’s have a meal together! It doesn’t matter if you stand by my side,” Cole pleaded, his voice thick with desperation. “Our family’s relationship with my uncle is beyond repair. Even if I don't act first, he will crush me regardless.” Avery sensed the dark undertones in his plea—an insidious plot simmering underneath. “Are you actually planning to poison your uncle?” she demanded, sinking back into her seat, her heart thudding uncomfortably. “If you don’t assist me, I might reconsider how to handle things," he stated. “I could devise a method that carries less risk of being uncovered.” Her curiosity piqued, Avery pressed on, “When do you intend to carry out this scheme?” Cole, feigning innocence, mirrored her curiosity with trepidation. “Avery, you won’t breathe a word of this to my uncle, will you? Do you wish for my demise?” “Flattery won’t get you far. Do you think Elliot cares for me anymore?” “Oh… I haven’t settled on a specific date yet. It all depends; he hasn't returned yet. We’ll reassess once he’s back,” Cole divulged, his words dripping with the insubstantiality of a plan yet to solidify. After they finished lunch, a driver arrived to whisk Cole away. Alone once more, Avery made her way to the hospital where she had previously filed documentation. The institution bore responsibilities she intended to confront; she needed answers regarding the unauthorized disclosure of her private information. “Miss Tate, I assure you, I didn’t disclose your details,” the doctor, who had previously helped her, claimed nonchalantly. “No one came asking for your information. Perhaps you should inquire elsewhere?” Avery’s patience had reached its limit. “If you don’t assist me in identifying the source, I’ll take both you and this hospital to court. We live in a society governed by law, and I believe the law will deliver justice. If it fails me, I won’t hesitate to expose everything to the media…” “Hey! There’s no need to be so hasty!” the doctor retorted, a flicker of panic evident in his eyes. What a tangled web the day had woven. Avery could feel the shadows creeping closer, but one thing was certain: she would not be a pawn in a game she didn't choose to play.