### Chapter 77 Avery found herself lost in a flurry of thoughts, her mind swirling like the autumn leaves outside her window. Then, like a spark igniting in the dark, a question broke through her reverie. “Did Elliot have anything to do with what happened to Cole Foster?” she inquired, her voice steady yet laced with intrigue. Ben’s expression shifted. He was taken aback, caught off guard by her accusation. “Why would you think that? Didn’t Cole get into this mess all on his own with his gambling addiction? What’s that got to do with Elliot?” he replied, confusion knitting his brows together. Taking a deliberate sip from her glass of water, Avery leaned in closer, her eyes narrowing slightly as she continued, “He claimed it was all his idea. He even told me to get down on my knees and beg.” Ben struggled to find the right words, his mind racing to catch up with the implications of her statement. He lifted his own glass to his lips, a gesture that felt almost mechanical as he mused, “What kind of game are you two playing? What couple fights as often as you do… are you both doing this for fun? Do you take pleasure in your quarrels?” Avery bristled, refusing to concede to his interpretation. “I don’t have any peculiar hobbies like that. He’s the one who constantly provokes me!” “Exactly! I bet he feels the same way!” Ben shot back, a mischievous grin playing at the corners of his mouth. Avery sighed, her expression a mixture of exasperation and resignation. “Which is why we don't see eye to eye. Disagreements are just part of any relationship. Sometimes, fighting even brings people closer together.” Ben raised an eyebrow. “Sure, if you believe in that kind of fairy tale. But you know just as well as I do that most couples drift apart the more they argue. Take Chelsea Tierney, for example; she seems like a much better match for him. They’ve known each other for a decade without a hitch…” “Exactly, and that’s because there was never anything real between them. Elliot doesn’t have feelings for Chelsea,” she responded, the weight of realization dawning on her. A brief silence ensued, heavy with unspoken words—the love he truly desired lay with the woman who resembled a princess, a vision that haunted their conversations. Once they wrapped up their lunch, Avery hopped into a cab headed for Tate Industries, the hum of the city enveloping her thoughts. Meanwhile, Ben, still riding the high of victory, dispatched that day's winnings back to the Foster mansion before making his way to Sterling Group. He was determined to flaunt his triumph in front of Elliot. “I bought her thirty-one gifts this morning,” Ben casually announced, the delight dancing in his eyes. “She was over the moon!” Elliot glanced up from his paperwork, skepticism coloring his features. “Did you force her into it?” Ben raised an eyebrow, the banter flowing easily between them. “What gave you that idea?” Elliot’s expression remained unreadable, his gaze fixed intently on Ben, as if he were watching a child perform a magic trick. “I asked her to choose a bracelet, but she couldn’t take her eyes off a particular necklace for more than three seconds. So, after she left, I went back and bought it.” He triumphantly produced a small, elegant jewelry box, pivoting it to reveal the sparkling diamond necklace nestled inside. The gems were modest, yet they shimmered in the light, exuding a simple elegance. “Present this to her when you get home tonight,” Ben instructed, passing the box over with a flourish. Elliot held the box gingerly, his keen eyes assessing Ben’s every move as he asked, “How did you persuade her to accept the gift?” Ben’s voice took on an air of mock seriousness. “I mentioned that your first birthday after the accident is approaching—” Elliot’s brow furrowed, irritation flashing across his face. “That’s still ages away!” “I’m just trying to brighten her spirits,” Ben countered, shrugging as though it were the simplest thing in the world. “Sure, she might have worn a mask of indifference, but I sensed the delight lurking beneath the surface.” Elliot’s voice lowered, dripping with skepticism. “You’re not helping at all.” A hush fell between them as Ben clammed up, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. “Give me the receipts,” Elliot commanded, his voice firm. “Relax! Think of it as my birthday present to you!” Ben countered, attempting to lighten the mood. “Give me the receipts!” Elliot roared, his patience wearing thin. As evening descended, Avery returned home, her heart racing with anticipation. “I’ve sent all the gifts to your room, Madam,” Mrs. Cooper informed her with a warm smile. Avery felt a blush creep across her cheeks as she asked, “Is Elliot home yet?” “He arrived around four this afternoon,” Mrs. Cooper replied, completely unaware of the tension coiling in Avery’s stomach. “Alright, I’ll go downstairs after he’s had dinner… I need to prepare myself,” Avery murmured, her mind already racing as she retreated to her room. Once inside, she began to carefully unpack the gifts, each one sparking memories of her day. As she pulled out various items, her gaze fell upon a striking red, square-shaped box. “That’s odd… I don’t remember buying this,” she murmured to herself, curiosity piqued. With trembling hands, she opened the box. There, nestled inside, was the very necklace she had admired at the jewelry store earlier—the one that had stolen her breath away. Joy and disbelief mingled within her, setting the stage for the emotions yet to unfold.