**Chapter 36** “Madam Avery hasn’t returned home yet,” Mrs. Cooper said with a hint of concern in her voice as she paced back and forth in the living room. “I’ve been waiting here for hours, and the night has drawn on without a sign of her.” A shadow flickered across Elliot’s gaze, darkening the vibrant blues of his eyes. Anxiety gripped him as troubling thoughts began to churn in his mind. If she hadn’t come home, then where could she possibly be? Had she deceived him about writing her thesis, or was something far more sinister at play? “I’m calling her immediately,” Mrs. Cooper declared, urgency propelling her towards the phone in the living room. At that very moment, far from the comforts of Forrance Villa, Avery found herself ensnared in a web of confusion and fear. The moment she stepped outside, her destiny had changed abruptly. Abducted, she was now trapped in a relentless nightmare as she was bundled into a car, blindfolded, her wrists cruelly bound. An hour had passed in turbulent uncertainty before the vehicle finally came to a stop. She was yanked from the car and thrust into a cold, sterile room before being forcibly seated in a chair. The blindfold slipped away, revealing the sterile whiteness of the walls and the intimidating figure of a man standing before her, his features obscured by a mask. “Apologies, Miss Tate,” he intoned, his voice smooth yet chilling. “We’re simply doing our jobs. I assure you, as long as you cooperate, you won’t come to harm.” Avery cast her gaze around the unfamiliar space, her heart pounding in her chest as the anxiety pooled within her. Her eyes settled on the masked stranger, who wore an unsettling grin but offered no comfort. “I’ll cooperate,” she replied, her voice steady despite the tremor beneath the surface. “However, I won’t engage in anything illegal, even under duress.” His chuckle echoed in the otherwise silent room, dripping with condescension. “A weak little lady like you committing a crime? Hardly!” With that, the man untied her wrists but fastened her to a lie detector machine that loomed ominously beside her. “This is a lie detector,” he informed her. “You must answer my questions truthfully. Misstep here, and you won’t be leaving tonight. Understood?” Avery’s gaze locked onto the machine, her breath slowing as she contemplated her response. Finally, she nodded. “Rest assured, I won’t lie,” she assured him, her tone calm. “Good,” he replied, and the questioning began. “What’s your name?” “Avery Tate,” she stated clearly. “Did your father share the code to the safe with you before his death?” “No,” she answered, precision in her words. The man’s eyes flicked to the monitor, where all indicators hovered within the normal range—affirming her truthfulness. “Why were you at Forrance Villa tonight? Who invited you?” Silence draped over the room, heavy and tense. “What? Are you trying to play games with me?” he snapped, his voice rising sharply. “Just answer the question!” A flicker of amusement danced in Avery’s eyes. “Oh, I didn’t mean to shock you with my answer,” she teased lightly. “Have you heard of the Fosters?” “Who?” he asked, confusion clouding his features. “Elliot Foster,” she stated, gauging his reaction. “Of course! He’s wealthy beyond belief. But what’s he got to do with you?” The man leaned forward, suspicion knotting his brow. “Did he invite you?” Avery merely shook her head. “What about his nephew, Cole Foster? Do you know him?” “What lunacy is this?” he thundered, his patience fraying. “Am I asking you questions, or vice versa? Just answer me! Stop wasting my time!” Frustration was building in the man’s tone, and Avery could sense his mounting fury. “Cole Foster took me there,” she admitted, her voice steady as ever. “What’s your relationship with him?” he pressed, his gaze piercing. “We have what you might call a ‘special relationship.’ We’re adults here, and I’m sure you understand,” she replied with a knowing smile. “Fine!” he snapped, clearly agitated. “Were you the one who opened your father’s safe? This is crucial, so don’t lie! My employer already knows the truth. This machine is merely a backup!” Avery met his furious stare, weighing her decision. “It was me, but everything inside isn’t here with me,” she replied, her expression innocent yet defiant. “Who did you give it to?” he demanded, anger boiling beneath the surface. “I already mentioned him,” Avery said coyly. “Elliot Foster?” he prodded, bewildered. Avery shook her head slowly. “Oh! Your man, Cole Foster?” she nodded, a smirk gracing her lips at the realization of how entangled her life had become with those of the Fosters. The tension in the room escalated as secrets and lies unraveled, giving way to a confrontation that neither of them could predict.