## Chapter 84 Avery set down the steaming cup of tea on the kitchen counter, her heart heavy as she made her way back to her room. “What about me?” she asked, her voice sharp with frustration. “He's never treated me with even a hint of respect, not for a single day.” Laura watched her daughter with a mix of concern and understanding. “You two are from completely different worlds,” she replied gently. “It’s not surprising that he would be a bit distant. Try to forget about his past. What matters is who he is now and who he might become…” Avery narrowed her eyes, clearly unconvinced. “Why are you defending him? Do you really believe he could suddenly muster some compassion and let me keep the children?” Laura hesitated, the weight of the situation hanging heavy in the air. “I think he has his reasons for wanting to stay child-free,” she finally said, her tone thoughtful. “But the fact that he’s here, swallowing his pride to apologize, tells me he does care for you in his own way.” Avery clamped her hands over her ears, shaking her head defiantly. “I’m going to bed. My head is pounding.” Seeing her daughter’s resolute determination, Laura felt her own words fizzle in her throat. There was nothing left to say. She exited the room, her mind racing as she headed downstairs, intent on convincing Elliot to leave. Once alone, Avery let out a deep, heavy sigh. The pain throbbing in her head was relentless, making it impossible to think clearly. Every thought of Elliot sent a tightening grip around her throat, as if his very presence suffocated her. About twenty minutes later, Laura returned to the room, only to find Avery deep in slumber. A wave of relief washed over her at the sight—the girl needed rest after the emotional turmoil of the evening. Meanwhile, Elliot remained downstairs, his presence a stubborn refusal to retreat, no matter Laura’s attempts to persuade him otherwise. As Avery lay in her troubled dreams, the rain continued to fall outside, each drop echoing the tension within the house. The storm worsened as the night deepened, transitioning into a full-blown thunderstorm. Its violent drums against the roof jolted Laura awake, anxiety gnawing at her insides. She wanted to check on Elliot, to see if his resolve had softened with the storm, but the fear of receiving another disappointing response kept her layered under the blankets, paralyzed. At the break of dawn, as shadows shifted into the light, Laura knew she had to act. She threw on a jacket, hurrying downstairs. The old neighborhood, accustomed to the whims of nature, had succumbed to the night’s heavy rain, flooding the streets with murky water. Relief washed over her when she noticed the absence of Elliot. “Maybe this storm is what finally pushed him to file for divorce,” she thought hopefully. “But I can’t shake the dread of things returning to the way they were.” At 11 a.m., Jun rushed into Elliot’s office on the top floor of Sterling Group, his expression tense. “Chad! I couldn’t get a hold of Elliot, so I came to see how things are. I’ve heard about the huge fight he had with Avery last night. I’m worried they clashed again after leaving.” Chad, who had come to expect the tumultuous relations between the couple, nodded slowly. “Avery is touring Trust Capital this morning,” he informed. “That’s exactly why I’m here!” Jun exclaimed, urgency laced in his tone. “She went with her management team. I’m almost certain she won’t sell to Elliot after the hell they raised last night.” Chad poured Jun a glass of water, contemplating the possible outcomes. “If Avery chooses to work with Charlier Tierney, there might be little we can do to change that.” Jun, frustrated, slammed his palm against the desk. “This is ridiculous! She’s overstepped her bounds. What did Elliot do wrong? He only told a small lie, but it was out of concern for her pride…” “Think it through, Jun,” Chad replied, leaning back thoughtfully. “Mr. Foster isn't just pursuing Tate Industries on a whim. The company possesses real value; it’s not as dire as some may think.” “What do you mean?” Jun questioned, confusion furrowing his brow. “Avery’s feelings run deeper than financial matters. She’s emotional, and it’s not just about the money. It's about trust—her sense of betrayal stings far more than any sum of money could.” And so, the storm outside raged on, reflecting the tempests brewing within their hearts, as choices and consequences hung in the balance.