Once Avery left Ylore, Gary might never allow her to return.

It was a long time before a cedar coffin— borne by the members of the Gould family, exited the hotel. She saw Elliot's towering figure. He had clearly become a part of the Goulds.

Gary would not have him carry Christopher's coffin otherwise.

Soon, they placed the coffin into the hearse. Many expensive cars left, disappearing from sight.

Avery, with the umbrella in her hand, followed the crowd and left.

She did not hail a taxi. She slowly walked back to the hotel. Her bodyguard and Jed were having tea in the lobby of the hotel when they saw Avery entering the building. They stared at her in shock.

They had thought that Avery was resting in her room.

"Miss Tate!" her bodyguard gasped.

Avery was in shock, and she mechanically headed for the lift. It was an action born out of habit.

Jed realized that something was not right. He approached her and stopped her.

"What happened to you? Why do you look so down? Don't tel