**Chapter 90** Elliot stood in the dimly lit room, a shadow of the man he once was. The sharp contours of his face, once strong and commanding, now bore an air of deep elegance, enhanced by the noticeable weight he had lost. Each feature seemed more pronounced, further accentuating the gravity that hung over him. What brought him here? Could this frail figure be the enigmatic guest everyone was whispering about? Doubt sparked in Avery's mind as she watched Lucy depart shortly after completing her task. It only took a moment for the realization to hit her: the mysterious guest was none other than Elliot. She had thought he was bedridden, confined to his home, but now he stood before her, evidently feeling better. The shock froze her feet in place, leaving her mute and hesitant to bridge the distance. “Mr. Foster, is this lady the person you’re looking for?” asked the coordinator, breaking the tense silence. Elliot nodded curtly. “Thank you.” “You’re welcome,” replied the coordinator, bowing slightly before retreating from the charged atmosphere. Elliot stepped toward Avery, his gaze steady yet detached, and uttered the words that would shift the course of their conversation: “Let’s talk.” “Talk? What’s there to discuss?” Avery replied icily, casting her eyes downward to avoid his penetrating stare. Rather than responding with impatience, Elliot simply extended his large hand, gripping her arm with an insistence that surprised her. Without waiting for her consent, he guided her away from the backstage chaos that surrounded them—where curious eyes might catch them in a fraught moment of confrontation. They traversed the lobby, finally escaping into the sanctuary of the VIP lounge, shutting out the noise behind them with a resounding click of the door. Elliot’s voice had transformed into a strained whisper, yet there was undeniable power behind it. “Avery, you need to distance yourself from Charlie. Whatever his intentions, they are far from benign.” Avery met his gaze, her eyes fierce as she shot back, “Is this about you wanting me to sell the company to you? Is that why you don’t want me involved with him?” Elliot’s throat clenched visibly; he seemed to hesitate under the weight of her words. But before he could counter her accusation, she pressed on. “Seriously, are you really that selfish? No wonder you hesitated to show your face here. If I were in your shoes, I wouldn’t dare admit to offering one hundred fifty-five million dollars.” A playful glimmer tugged at the corners of her lips, causing a faint flush to creep across Elliot’s pale complexion. She had touched a nerve, and she knew how to provoke him effortlessly. “Name your price.” His breathing deepened, the hoarse rasp in his tone almost begging. “Are you really here to negotiate business with me?” Avery laughed mockingly. “Fine, but I’m not free right now. Why don’t we table this for tomorrow?” As she turned to leave, Elliot seized her arm once more, his grip firm yet pleading. “Avery, I will say this only once more,” he coughed, his voice cracking around the edges. “You can’t compete with Charlie… If you believe one hundred fifty-five million isn’t enough, then tell me your price.” Facing the door, her bravado began to wane. He was evidently still unwell, and the urgency of his presence felt exaggerated. Why couldn’t he wait until he was fully recovered to discuss this? Taking a moment to collect herself, Avery closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, finally exhaling, “Three hundred million. I want you to invest, not buy.” The number rolled off her tongue more as a test than a genuine wish. He had forced her hand. “Okay.” Elliot's agreement came as quickly and decisively as she had delivered the figure. “Go and reject Charlie…” Suddenly, Avery spun around, her chest rising and falling with frustration. “Have you lost your mind? You’re sick; I won’t engage with you right now! Just go home!” “I’m feeling much better.” His voice softened, though bloodshot eyes betrayed the toll his illness had taken. Fearing for his health, Avery reached out, feeling his forehead, which radiated unexpected heat. “Are you planning to leave on your own, or should I fetch your bodyguard?” she pressed, concern and determination mingling in her tone. “Go and reject Charlie,” he insisted stubbornly, as if her health concerns flew right over his head. “I won’t reject him! The harder you push, the more resolute I become!” Avery declared, her eyes brimming with defiance. “Elliot, I refuse to be at your beck and call!” At that moment, disappointment flickered across Elliot’s weary face—a fleeting glimpse of vulnerability that Avery couldn’t ignore. But she averted her gaze, opening the door to the outside world and slipping away into the icy breeze that greeted her. The chill enveloped her like a shroud, amplifying the tumult of feelings swirling inside her.