**Chapter 61** “Of course I know him! We used to hang out for drinks all the time! Did he tell you how close he is with Chelsea?” Ben said, allowing the weight of his words to linger in the air. Avery’s expression shifted subtly, the flicker of shock dancing in her eyes. “He said they weren’t close,” she replied, her voice tinged with disbelief. “He lied,” Ben countered firmly. “You’ve got to take a moment to really think this through. Why is he so suddenly interested in investing in Tate Industries? What’s his angle?” “Are you suggesting it could be a trap?” Avery asked, a thread of tension threading through her words. Ben merely shook his head, his brow furrowed in concern. “I’m saying you need to scrutinize this from every conceivable angle. Nothing comes for free, Avery. Good fortune doesn’t simply fall from the sky. You’ve just had a falling out with Chelsea, and now her brother wants to pour money into your company. Aren’t you the slightest bit worried?” “I am,” she confessed, the weight of his words pressing heavily on her chest. “Then tread carefully… Now, let’s eat,” Ben said, his voice turning jolly as he called out, “Elliot! You can come out now; I’m done chatting with your wife.” Avery felt her heart lurch at the unintended reminder of that label. As she settled at the dining table, Elliot chose a chair that positioned him farther away from her, a move that didn’t go unnoticed. Ben sauntered over with a decanter of wine, his intentions clear. “Would you like some, Miss Tate?” he inquired, placing the decanter down before them, alongside three wine glasses. Avery shook her head defiantly. “I don’t drink. I need to focus on my thesis later.” “Oh, then I’ll drink with Elliot.” Ben smirked, pouring a glass for himself and then for Elliot. “Good thing you were there to babysit him when he got drunk the other night.” Avery coughed, a hint of irritation rising within her. “I didn’t babysit him. He was perfectly fine after a good night’s sleep.” “I guess Elliot isn’t a bad drunk. He keeps to himself, even when he’s tipsy,” Ben said with a chuckle. “Not great at expressing his feelings, though…” “I think he’s rather expressive! He loses his temper every time something bothers him. I’ve never met anyone who enjoys venting as much as he does,” she said, her tone sharp. A shocked stillness enveloped Ben, while Elliot’s features darkened instantly, fury simmering just beneath the surface. “Let’s eat,” Avery said quickly, sensing the growing tension. She picked up her knife and fork, her appetite fueled by her desire to avoid further conversation. In under five minutes, she was done with her meal and excused herself from the table, desperate to escape the suffocating atmosphere. Ben watched her retreat, shaking his head in disbelief. “Does she always eat that fast?” “She does,” Elliot muttered, his tone flat. “Is she anorexic? She barely touched her food,” Ben remarked, arching an eyebrow. “Someone who’s truly anorexic wouldn’t even pick up a fork,” Elliot shot back, his patience wearing thin. “Oh… maybe she’s just trying to keep her figure to get your attention,” Ben suggested, a mischievous grin dancing on his lips. Elliot raised a brow, skepticism etched across his face. “Do you think she actually cares about what I think?” If Avery truly valued his opinion, she wouldn’t have humiliated him earlier. Though his temper at her antics used to flare like wildfire, he found that his capacity for understanding had grown remarkably. “Doesn’t seem like it… But her boldness to speak her mind is likely what draws you to her,” Ben offered, a knowing glimmer in his eyes. “When did I ever say that I like her?” Elliot retorted, irritation creeping into his voice. “Come on, drop the act. It’s just us two here. There’s nothing wrong with liking a woman. Avery’s more remarkable than many out there…” “Remarkable, my *ss. All she thinks about is having kids,” Elliot snapped, frustration bubbling to the surface. Ben fell silent, left momentarily speechless. Meanwhile, in the guest bedroom, Avery powered on her laptop, but the unease in her heart wouldn’t let her focus. An unsettling feeling crept over her, a sense that something ominous was lurking in the shadows. Just then, her phone rang, sending her heart racing in a sudden panic. Glancing at the screen, she saw Cassandra’s name flashing before her. How dare she call?! Avery felt a chill of dread sweep through her. This couldn’t be for anything good!