**Chapter 71** The first hurdle was in front of them, a formidable barrier that would determine whether their journey would be smooth sailing or fraught with challenges. "In that case, don't even ask her about it," Ben suggested, his eyes gleaming with strategy. "Just get her something she can't resist. You should definitely consider jewelry. Every woman loves jewelry." Elliot scoffed, shaking his head. "That won’t work. She doesn't wear any." Ben's brows furrowed, momentarily taken aback. "What about beauty products? I mean, all women like to pamper themselves, right?" Chad chimed in, his enthusiasm undeterred. Elliot's face grew stern. "She doesn’t use any of that either. I once went into her room, and the only thing I found was a dusty old cleanser." The idea of gifting her something as trivial as a neglected face cleanser felt like an affront to his intentions. Both Ben and Chad exchanged incredulous glances. This was not the typical realm of women — not as they understood it, anyway. "Alright, then," Ben continued, undeterred. "How about clothes, shoes, bags? She obviously needs those! After your mother’s attack, she might just be too crushed to talk to you until you make a move." Chad, ever the voice of reason, leaned back, contemplating carefully. "I think Miss Tate might not be just another girl. She’s still in college, so I doubt she’s very into material things. A material gift might not make the impact you think." Ben conceded the point, his mind racing. A spark ignited within him. "You know, gifts can indeed sweeten the deal. But what’s even more vital here is you taking charge — with your presence." "Take charge? How so?" Elliot asked, furrowing his brows in confusion. Ben’s eyes lit up with realization. "You know, like hugs, kisses… intimacy!" Elliot’s expression dimmed at those words, a frown creasing his face. Observing this shift, Ben offered his assistance. "Look, we can be your wingmen if you’re too shy about it!" "You want to give her hugs and kisses?" Elliot exclaimed, his voice rising incredulously. Ben cleared his throat, quickly regaining composure. "No, no! I meant we can help pick out gifts for you! The rest is on you." Elliot’s irritation was palpable. "Forget it," he snapped, his voice icy. He refused to lean on friends for support in his romantic endeavors. "It's not like she’s the only one for me," he added, trying to convince himself more than anyone else. "Then why sneak into her room to check on a dusty face cleanser?" Ben teased with a mischievous grin. Chad interjected, attempting to restore Elliot's dignity. "C’mon, Ben, give the guy a break!" "Get out, you two!" Elliot barked, his patience wearing thin. Chad grabbed Ben’s collar, ushering him toward the door. "Don’t worry, it’ll be fine!" As they walked away, Elliot called out, "Chad, get me an appointment with Charlie Tierney." "Yes, Sir! When would you like to meet him?" "This evening." "Got it." Later that night, Avery decided to escape the confines of her home. A week spent indoors had turned into a restless stasis, and she needed to stretch her legs. The bruise on her cheek had darkened since she’d cloaked it with makeup for her medical appointment, a blend of hues betraying her struggle. Without medication, the healing dragged on like an uninvited guest. Even now, it had faded but remained visible, a tender reminder whenever someone looked her way. Draped in her face mask, she slipped out of the neighborhood, the cool evening air stirring her senses. She had just begun her stroll when a motorcycle roared past her, a blur of metal and speed. It was gone in an instant, but as she blinked away the sudden wind that whirled around her, she felt an unnerving emptiness. Her phone was gone! In the blink of an eye, it had disappeared, leaving nothing but a gaping void in her grasp. Startled, she turned around, her heart racing. What a tumultuous evening this was turning out to be.