**Chapter 81** In a tense atmosphere thick with unspoken words, Tammy’s frantic gaze bore into Avery, her eyes flashing urgent signals that screamed for attention. But Avery’s mind was preoccupied, tangled in the web of the complex relationship between Elliot and Jun. "Miss Tate," Jun began, his smile charming yet disarming, "the reason I never mentioned my acquaintance with Elliot is that I didn’t want to burden you with worry.” His words were smooth like silk, but there was an undertone that felt off. “You and Elliot hadn’t exactly hit it off, had you? I didn’t intend to keep it a secret… I genuinely want to buy your father’s company." With a deft motion, Tammy slid her phone from her purse and typed furiously, determination etched across her face. Tammy: (Don’t listen to him, Avery! Elliot Foster is the one who wants to buy Tate Industries! It’s Elliot Foster!) Avery glanced down at her phone, reading Tammy’s message like a life raft in turbulent waters. Her eyes hardened as she turned to Jun, probing deeper. “Did you inform Elliot of your intentions regarding my company?” The warmth in Jun’s smile flickered but remained intact as he replied, “I did. I wanted his perspective, and he said it might be a worthwhile endeavor. I’ve been searching for investment opportunities since graduation.” In the pit of her stomach, a sense of unease churned. Just then, another text flashed on Avery’s screen from Tammy: Tammy: (He’s lying! He’s just Elliot Foster’s pawn!) Avery’s heart pounded as the implications sank in. She pressed on, determined to peel back the layers. “Did you genuinely secure the funds from your father? Can he meet with me tomorrow? I’d like to discuss this directly.” A shadow passed over Jun’s face as he stammered, “I… borrowed the money! I didn’t mention it because I was embarrassed…” “Who lent you the money?” Avery demanded, her voice sharp and unyielding. From the corner of the table, Elliot, who had been a silent observer, finally broke his quietude. “I did,” he stated matter-of-factly, his tone cold. Tammy’s fingers flew over her phone one more time: Tammy: (They’re both lying! Elliot Foster is Mr. Z! Jun told me himself just now! You have to expose them right now!) Avery clenched her phone tightly with one hand, her other gripping the glass of water as if it were a lifeline. The blood drained from her cheeks as realization washed over her—Elliot was Mr. Z, the enigmatic figure she had been hearing about. He intended to leverage Jun to buy out Tate Industries, and the taste of betrayal was bitter on her tongue. Why wasn’t he making the offer himself? Was he attempting to belittle her family’s legacy, or was this a twisted game to demean her? Memories of their first meeting danced in her mind like a haunting specter. She recalled how furious he had been at her for mingling with a stranger, forcing her to endure a night of tension. Did he view her as naïve, a mere pawn in his elaborate chess game? Had he derived satisfaction from keeping her in the dark? If it weren’t for the people surrounding them, Avery could have struck him—though deep down, she wondered what good it would do. Instead, she took a long, defiant sip of water, stood up, and marched away. “Wait for me, Avery!” Tammy called, hastily gathering her bag and following after her, leaving behind a stunned Jun. Jun’s mouth fell open, surprise evident on his face. “What the hell? Do they even know each other?” He turned towards Elliot, his mind swirling in a chaotic storm of thoughts. “I’m sorry… I didn’t realize they were friends!” Elliot’s expression was as stone-cold as winter frost, his fingers curling into a tense fist. “I thought your girlfriend looked familiar when you showed me her photo yesterday. I recalled seeing her at the concert hall with Avery before. She mentioned having friends there.” “Ah, so you invited Avery to meet me because you knew they were acquaintances!” Jun’s voice was full of disbelief. “But why risk Avery finding out and bringing her here?” “Did you share anything with your girlfriend?” Elliot inquired sharply. Jun scratched the back of his neck, an uneasy grin creeping onto his face. “I might have mentioned a few things before you arrived—just tidbits to ease the conversation with you. But honestly, why is Avery so upset? Isn’t she overreacting just because of your interest in acquiring her company? This is a significant amount of money! Who else but you would even consider buying out Tate Industries?” “It's not just about the money,” Elliot replied, his voice low and strained. “She can’t come to terms with the fact that I’m Mr. Z.” The revelation hung ominously in the air, a dark cloud casting a shadow over the fragile understanding they had. A confrontation loomed, and the echo of choices made would resonate long after the night faded into day.