### Chapter 60 “Is Avery really worth that much?” Jun asked, his voice thick with disbelief. “She’s worth every single penny, because she’s my wife,” Elliot retorted, an icy glare piercing through the air between them. “If she weren’t married to me, Charlie Tierney wouldn’t even bat an eye at her.” Jun’s confusion deepened, swirling within him like a storm that refused to settle. “If he’s willing to offer her the money, then why not let him? It’s just him tossing around free cash!” Jun argued, trying to make sense of Elliot's turmoil. “She’s my wife!” Elliot snapped, the sharpness of his words slicing through the tension in the room. “Oh, I see… So what’s your plan? Increase our offer? Because if we don’t, she will certainly lean towards Tierney’s deal.” Jun deduced, skeptical of the situation. “Not necessarily,” Elliot replied, but the uncertainty in his voice was palpable. “Then why the frustration? What’s got you so worked up?” Jun prodded, keenly aware of the tumult swirling within Elliot. Elliot’s mind raced with thoughts of Tate Industries, the burden it placed on Avery’s shoulders. She was still entrenched in her studies, juggling college life while completely unprepared for the daunting responsibilities of running a business. Selling the company, paying off the debt, and giving Avery a fresh start seemed like the wisest choice. It was a choice born out of careful consideration, yet Avery remained unaware of the sacrifices he was making for her well-being. In truth, if she accepted Charlie’s investment, it would mean relinquishing control, allowing someone else to dictate the company’s future. “I admire you, Jun. You’re fortunate enough to remain devoid of love, so you’re shielded from heartbreak,” Elliot joked, albeit the underlying tension betrayed the humor. “I just started dating someone!” Jun exclaimed, a spark of excitement igniting his tone. “Met her through a blind date, and our fathers are acquainted, so it’s practically a sure thing!” “That’s great news. Once you’re settled, I’d like to meet her,” Elliot replied, hoping it would distract him from the turmoil of his own heart. “Absolutely!” Jun responded cheerfully, then added with a teasing tone, “But you really should talk to Avery about all this. She has her own opinions, you know.” “Just go be with your girlfriend!” Elliot snapped, frustration surging as the very mention of Avery’s name sent a pang of annoyance through him. He was all too aware of Avery’s strong-willed nature, which often made it impossible for him to convey his thoughts without butting heads. Meanwhile, Avery sat in a cozy café, pouring her heart out to Tammy over the phone. “Whether it’s Mr. Z, Jun Hertz, or Charlie Tierney… something feels off about all of them,” she rambled, her voice filled with suspicion. “Jun claimed he was broke, yet he acts like a billionaire in front of me. And then there's Charlie—who knows I can't stand his sister, but still insists on pouring his money into my dad's company. If people were genuinely interested in Tate Industries, I could understand, but the silence is deafening!” Tammy took a contemplative sip of her iced tea. “Let me handle Jun Hertz. As for Tierney, why don’t you just clear the air with his sister?” she suggested, a smirk evident in her tone. Avery froze, her mind racing. She had let her guard down and exposed her thoughts too quickly. “If you don’t trust Jun, then steer clear of him! It could end in disaster if he decides to throw you under the bus. He’s smart, Avery; you might struggle to outmaneuver him,” Tammy warned, her words laced with urgency. “Good thing I avoided probing deeper into your earlier suggestion,” Avery replied, her thoughts racing. “The management team will likely push for Trust Capital’s investment…” “You’re the boss! Who cares about their opinions?” Tammy countered defiantly. “I’m not the boss in any real sense. I never actually signed anything!” Avery protested. “Now that your vice president’s out of the picture, who would be foolish enough to oppose you? Make your own decision, Avery. Quit overthinking it… Oh, and look! Jun’s here. Gotta go!” Returning to the Foster mansion that evening, Avery was greeted by the lively bustle of guests in the house. “Miss Tate! What a pleasant surprise—did you spend your weekend with friends? Have you eaten yet? Join us!” Ben chimed in, his warm grin cutting through the tension. Avery’s mind momentarily drifted to Elliot’s drunken antics from a few nights prior. “I’m not hungry… You go ahead! I’ll eat later,” she replied, wanting nothing more than to avoid the dinner gathering altogether. Just then, the rich aroma wafting from the kitchen made her stomach growl loudly, betraying her words. “Hahaha! Come on, Miss Tate! You must join us!” Ben insisted, leading her toward the living room. “I heard you found an investor today, yet you don’t seem thrilled about it.” “Do you know Charlie Tierney? He’s Chelsea’s brother,” Avery inquired, curiosity piquing as she connected the dots in her mind, looking for insights about the investment offer. As the evening unfolded, the complexity of her situation wrapped around her like a heavy cloak, and in the midst of uncertainty, she realized she stood at a crucial crossroads.