### Chapter 76 The moment Ben stepped into the house, he should have known better than to drop the bombshell that would lead Avery into an unexpected dilemma. Had he disclosed this sooner, she would have firmly declined the invitation and avoided stepping into his car altogether. “Mr. Schaffer, I understand that everyone’s eager to curry favor with Elliot—” Avery began, her voice steady yet laced with skepticism. “What’s your point? You’ve never brought gifts for your friends?” Ben interjected, a smile plastered across his face. “He always remembers us on our birthdays,” she replied, crossing her arms defiantly. “What, so you’re not planning to return the favor just because he said not to? That sounds less like friendship and more like a boss-employee relationship,” she countered. “I don’t think it’s fair to involve me in this. Accepting a gift on his behalf feels like accepting it directly from him. And if that's the case, then how will I ever enjoy giving him a good talking-to when he makes me angry in the future?” Ben’s brow furrowed in confusion, grappling with the implications of her words. Take pleasure in reprimanding him? Just how did Avery interact with Elliot on a daily basis? The wheels in Ben’s mind began to turn, casting a shadow of doubt over his boss's emotional well-being. Was it possible that Elliot had a masochistic side hidden beneath his confident exterior? “You really should think of something else! I’m done here,” Avery said, turning on her heel, ready to walk away from the tangled conversation. But Ben was quick, his hand shooting out to grasp her arm gently. “Miss Tate, this birthday is significant—much more than any other,” he urged, his tone dripping with earnestness. He unleashed his pre-planned pitch, and Avery was instantly silenced, the professionalism in his voice holding her captive. “It was after his last birthday when everything changed,” he continued, his voice now tinged with a heavy heart. “That terrible accident—it left him in a coma. The doctors didn’t give us much hope. We all thought we’d lost him… yet, against all odds, he woke up. He fought, and here we are today, thankful that he can celebrate another birthday.” Avery felt her heart constrict, empathy washing over her like a soft wave. She couldn’t shake the image of herself lying in a hospital bed, consciousness lost. How painful that would have been. All Ben wanted was to embrace this moment, to celebrate Elliot’s birthday with joy. Was it truly a crime to want to uplift someone who had faced such darkness? “Don’t fret, Miss Tate. We won’t pick anything extravagant. Just something you feel comfortable accepting,” Ben assured, his voice growing warmer, inviting her to reconsider. Pointing to the sparkling jewelry counter, Avery shook her head. “No, everything here is far too lavish. Let’s find something else,” she conceded, her resistance faltering. “Are you in need of some beauty products, Miss Tate? I see that you’ve got on some makeup. A new set of makeup products might do you good! And don’t forget to grab some makeup remover!” Ben's excitement was contagious. “Look at your delicate wrists, Miss Tate! A dainty bracelet would suit you perfectly. Let’s find one! I assure you, it’s quite affordable! “What about these bags, Miss Tate?” he continued, his enthusiasm undeterred. “Something sophisticated would be ideal! It’s classic and versatile; you can carry everything you need in style!” “And those shoes… They’ve seen better days! Let's hunt down a new pair! I know a store that has flats that could last a lifetime,” he pressed on, a flourish in his gestures that made it hard for her to remain aloof. With each suggestion, a new layer of Ben unfolded, revealing a vivacious spirit brimming with energy. It was as if he possessed an endless catalogue of knowledge on women’s products, rattling off the best tampons and the coziest lingerie like a seasoned pro. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he’s the ultimate ally, Avery thought, though the fact that he was Elliot’s CFO kept her on high alert. After a whirlwind morning of impulse shopping, a wave of exhaustion crashed over Avery, announcing her need for rest. She spotted a cozy café and instantly entered, seeking refuge from the shopping frenzy. “What can I get for you, Miss Tate? Order anything you wish,” Ben said, handing her a menu with a cheerful grin. Yet Avery felt a cloud of fatigue hanging over her, her appetite dulled by the day’s events. “Don’t call attention to this, Mr. Schaffer. I’m only helping you out this one time,” she warned, glancing around nervously at the pile of about twenty to thirty gifts—a number that made her feel restless and uneasy. In hindsight, perhaps she should not have given in so easily. But when she thought of Elliot, the memory of his face morphed, growing less loathsome than it had been before, and her head throbbed with confusion. After a brief sip of water, Ben casually remarked, “Appreciate your help today! By the way, have you replied to Charlie Tierney yet?” “Not yet,” Avery admitted, rubbing her forehead. “He sent me an updated proposal last night, but I haven’t had time to dive into it.” “He’s really pulling out all the stops to collaborate with you!” Ben chuckled, their conversation readily drifting into familiar territory as the café buzzed softly around them.