**Chapter 52** The words on the page loomed before Avery, stark and unyielding, yet their meaning danced just beyond her grasp. No matter how fervently she wracked her brain, no semblance of a solution materialized amidst her chaotic thoughts. There it was—one single, devastating command: *Divorce Elliot Foster by the end of the year at all costs.* A tempest brewed within Elliot, his face contorting with a mix of fury and heartbreak. He had been striving to reinvent himself, fervently working to become a better man for her. Yet, here she was, steadfastly plotting her exit, meticulously drafting plans for her liberation just a night prior. She had played him like a fool! While his heart had been warmed by her sweet words and thoughtful gifts, beneath that facade lay the chilling scheming of a cunning serpent. Elliot had once believed that Avery was a breath of fresh air; instead, all he had discovered was her duplicity. With a roar, he slammed the laptop shut, the sound echoing like thunder in the quiet of the room, and stormed out, consumed by a maelstrom of emotions. Inside the sleek, polished walls of Sterling Group, the atmosphere shifted palpably as Elliot entered the executive meeting—his presence casting an ominous shadow. His brows knitted tightly together, and a frosty demeanor seeped from him, as unsettling as a sudden summer storm. The room fell into a tight-lipped silence; the department managers sat stiffly, hardly daring to breathe. The company’s third-quarter results had exceeded all expectations—a triumph for the records—but Elliot’s wrath created an unsettling cloud that left them questioning what could have gone so wrong. Not a word escaped his lips throughout the meeting; he absorbed each department report with an indifference that sent chills down the spines of those around him. Only when the meeting reached its conclusion did Elliot utter the terse command, “Dismissed,” before sweeping out of the room in a blur. Chad, standing in the midst of the tension, contemplated chasing after his boss but was halted by the grip of a concerned manager. “What in the world is wrong with the boss, Mr. Rayner? Is he dissatisfied with our performance? If he is, he could simply share his thoughts, and we’ll do our utmost to meet his expectations!” “Absolutely! It was strange for him to remain silent the entire time. Does he have a new strategy or vision?” The murmurs grew, a knot of anxious speculation forming around Chad. Readjusting his glasses, Chad replied, “The company’s performance this quarter was impressive, so I’m confident Mr. Foster is pleased. However, his current mood stems from personal matters, not work-related issues. Let's focus on our tasks for now!” With that, he made a hasty retreat towards Elliot’s office, swinging the door open without so much as a knock. To his surprise, he found a guest already seated within. “Long time no see, Mr. Tierney,” Chad greeted, still somewhat softened by the unexpected appearance. “Hey, Chad. I just need to borrow your boss for a moment,” Charlie replied, an unassuming smile plastered across his face. Taking the cue, Chad swiftly retreated, shutting the door behind him as silence enveloped the room, leaving Charlie's demeanor abruptly transformed. “I’ve come at my parents’ behest to take Chelsea home, but she’s refusing to budge,” Charlie confessed, urgency creeping into his voice. “You’re the only one she’ll listen to, Elliot.” Without hesitation, Elliot dialed Chelsea’s number, his demeanor as cold as the chill in the autumn air. Chelsea’s voice burst through the line, bright and eager. “Elliot? What’s up?” “Resign and go home with your brother,” he ordered, blunt and unyielding. Confusion flitted across Charlie's face, mirroring his sister's reaction as Chelsea fell silent for a heartbeat before her frustration erupted. “Did Charlie say something? Don’t listen to him! I refuse to go with him!” With a heated click, she hung up the phone. Elliot's icy gaze turned to Charlie, resentment bubbling to the surface. “How many times have I dealt with her insistence over the years? That was the last straw. Don't bring your family troubles to me again!” Feeling the weight of Elliot's displeasure, Charlie hastily stood, brimming with indignation. “Fine, I’m leaving!” He nearly collided with Chad on his way out. “Is there a crisis going on in your company? Elliot's mood is dangerously volatile today.” “Everything is fine. It's Mr. Foster's love life that’s in a tailspin,” Chad replied, a hint of smugness in his tone. Charlie’s interest piqued, brow arched high. “Who’s he seeing? Why didn't I hear about this?” “The one and only—his wife.” “Avery Tate?” “So, you do know about it.” “I heard it from Chelsea. She's always droning on about Elliot whenever we talk. It’s torture,” Charlie remarked, a mix of annoyance and intrigue in his voice. “So, the illustrious Elliot Foster has fallen for a girl fresh out of college? How delightful…” As the air thickened with tension and unspoken secrets, the world outside continued to turn, unaware of the brewing storm within the walls of Sterling Group.