**Chapter 46** Avery's heart raced as she stood in the dimly lit concert hall, her mind spinning with confusion and apprehension. "No idea," the bodyguard shrugged dismissively, as if his job was merely a mundane event rather than the twisting drama she was caught in. Taking a moment to gather herself, Avery inhaled deeply, her eyes scanning the vast expanse of the hall. If her memory served her, this was indeed the recital that Tammy had excitedly invited her to earlier—a recital she had flatly rejected. Yet here she was, defying her own instincts, finally in attendance, but not as she had envisioned. Instead of enjoying the night with her friend, she was seated uncomfortably beside Elliot. The thought of running into Tammy sent a shiver of dread through her. The idea of explaining her presence here, especially with Elliot, filled her with anxiety. She could almost feel the heat rising in her cheeks at the potential embarrassment. What were the odds they could sit far apart in such a sprawling venue? Chad, Elliot's ever-watchful guardian, had reserved an entire row at the front for them, practically making Elliot's presence impossible to ignore. As she entered, her gaze was drawn to him. He sat there, radiating an air of commanding authority, his posture rigidly upright. The glow of his phone screen illuminated his sharp features, but anyone could see he was a world away from her. Frozen in place, it felt as if her feet were cemented to the floor. The stark contrast of Elliot's aloof confidence made her feel small. Why had he invited her to this recital? Had he already forgotten how he had belittled her relationship with Cole just the night before? His derisive remarks about art still echoed in her mind. “What are you standing around for? Move!” snapped the bodyguard, his voice jolting her back to reality. “I’m a little cold… Could I borrow your jacket?” Avery ventured, gesturing towards the bodyguard’s sleek black suit. His expression hardened as he unbuttoned his jacket, revealing a disturbing arsenal of weapons glinting beneath the fabric. A wave of unease washed over her, churning her insides. She needed to escape the unsettling atmosphere and hurried over to Elliot’s side, her heart racing. After a moment of hesitation, she opted to sit two seats away from him, hoping the distance would shield her from awkwardness. Elliot’s gaze flickered to the empty space between them, his brows knitting together in a frown. "Is she avoiding me?" he thought. “It’s a little warm in here…” she explained, her words coming out strained and unconvincing. The bodyguard beside Elliot was unrelenting. "What are you playing at? Didn't you just say you were cold?!" Avery inhaled deeply, the frustration bubbling up within her. “Why do you talk so much? I thought bodyguards were meant to be quiet! Just focus on protecting your boss, will you?” The bodyguard gaped, caught off guard by her audacity. With a fierce glare, Elliot interjected, “Sit further away.” Instantly, the bodyguard, recognizing the authority in Elliot’s voice, complied and shifted down the row, leaving Avery to savor the momentary reprieve. As the tension in her chest began to ease, a spark of inspiration ignited within her. She swiftly removed her coat, folding it delicately and laying it across the seat between her and Elliot. With a quick flick of her wrist, she freed her hair from its ponytail, letting it cascade down, partially obscuring her face. This was her plan—to remain hidden and hope that Tammy would not spot her. Elliot’s gaze bore into her, cool and calculating. Was she trying to captivate him with a glimpse of her figure? Had she released her hair to allure him somehow? It was clear to him that she was playing a game. “Avery…” he began, determination in his tone. “Don’t talk to me!” she interjected sharply, her voice a hiss as she shielded herself with her hair. “My friends are here too. I don’t want them to know I’m here!” The muscles in Elliot’s jaw tightened, his lips pressing into a tight line. The calm glint in his eyes had disappeared, replaced by a tempest of emotions brewing just beneath the surface. The night had only just begun, and the intricate dance between them was poised to unfold.