"Are you telling me what to do?" Dean sneered."Dad, I'm just worried that this will affect our family. Avery said on the phone that she won't let Angela live, and she has all the power Elliot had at her expense. Are you really going to go against them?" Sebastian said. "We won't stand a chance. If we already know that we are going to lose, why are we still doing this?""You've overestimated yourself, Sebastian. Your brother is better than you because he believed in me, but of course, that makes him more foolish than you are." Dean commented on his sons with contempt. "If what you foresee is the same thing as I expect, do you really think I would go up against them? I'm seventy-three this year, boy. I've been through more than you can imagine. Are you saying all this because you think I've lost my mind from old age?!""That's not it, Dad... I'm not doubting you. I'm just worried that our family would get dragged into unnecessary conflict," Sebastian said while trying to figure out w
Half an hour later, Mike had gathered a group of people and was getting ready to head to MediLove Pharmaceutical with Avery. Just then, Avery received a call from Dean.Avery answered the call right away."Avery, I heard that you found evidence that proves we have Elliot Foster. Let's hear it, then?"Dean's casual tone provoked Avery and she immediately said, "You took Elliot from Ylore and brought him here to Bridgedale and kept him in Angela's office. I found the foldable bed Elliot used in Angela's office. Dean Jennings, what do you have to say for yourself?""Oh... And how would you know that the bed belonged to Elliot?" Dean was not sure how they got exposed."The search dogs sniffed out Elliot's scent from the bed. Angela isn't answering her phone. Does she intend on having you handle everything?" Avery asked. "You have one day. If you don't return Elliot to me before dark, I will kill you and Angela. I'll do whatever it takes! You can try me if you aren't afraid of dying!"
What Dean said revealed no information."Is he saying that Angela wouldn't hurt Elliot?" Avery thought to herself. "If that's the case, why would she kidnap him in the first place?""She took Elliot away against his will. No matter what motivated her to do so, I will never forgive her! Dean Jennings, you can try and talk your way out of this, but you better not let me find any evidence that points to your involvement! Otherwise, I swear I will make you pay!""Avery, if I am telling you that I have nothing to do with this, I am not worried that you would look into it! Why would I want Elliot? Even you can't explain it, can you? I've never questioned what Angela does in her lab. She won't tell me anything even if I were to ask her. You've overestimated my influence on her. She knows that I rely heavily on her, and she never has to worry about bills when she comes asking for money. Of course, it's not like she has my full, undivided support, and that's why she has agreed to marry me,"
Mike sent Avery home and the two had lunch before beginning their research on the nominees for the Marshall’s Award.In the afternoon, Mike knocked on Avery's bedroom door.Instead of resting, Avery was sitting by the window under the sun with a sorrowful expression.Mike stepped inside after knocking on the door."Why aren't you sleeping?""I can't sleep." She turned to look at him. "You, too?""Yeah. Typically, such a famous award should have its own official website, but I can't find anything. I suspect that instead of using the internet, they might be using a traditional method of communication, maybe through paper.""That can be possible. One would need to present sufficient supporting documents if they want to apply for the award... Back when Professor Hough applied for it, he had boxes of documents ready, so the committee might be filtering applicants in the most traditional way possible.""If that's the case, we can't find out if Angela is in it.""She probably is," Av
Avery nodded. "I've met with one of these professors before."Do you have his contact number?"Avery shook her head. "I met him when I was with Professor Hough. Professor Hough had his contact, but I don't.""Let's go find this guy, then!" Mike said. "Which professor are you talking about?""Mike, I will contact him myself. I can do it." Avery put away the list and changed the subject. "I am done with my nap.""You haven't slept for long and now you are done?" Mike glanced at her. "You do look better, though. The doctor will come over to have a look at you. You are going to rest some more tonight. Even if you want to meet with this professor, you will have to wait until tomorrow.""Yeah. I will stay home tonight." Avery felt calmer after taking a nap. Regardless of the situation, they had found an important lead. Angela might be able to avoid them for now, but not for long. In a month, she would have to eventually show herself.After dinner, Avery made a video call to Layla and
"I know, Mommy. One of my classmates invited me to her birthday party a few days ago but I said no. I've been in a bad mood because both you and Daddy are gone, so I don't feel like going out to play. I come home right after school every day so I'm safe. Don't worry about me," Layla said sweetly. She knew that Avery was exhausted from trying to find Elliot and she did not want to cause Avery any more worry."I know you are a good girl. Your dad and I have put you through so much when you shouldn't have to face something like this," Avery said sorrowfully. "Once I find your dad, I will try talking Hayden into moving back with us. After that, we are never going to part as a family ever again.""Yay! I'm so happy that you said that, Mommy."Avery started chuckling at the sight of the overjoyed expression on Layla's face.After the call, she turned around and noticed that the doctor was standing behind her with his briefcase. She cleared her throat awkwardly and asked, "When did you ar
After making up her mind, she made a call to her mother."Natalie, are you okay? You haven't picked up your calls for the past two days, and I'm about to lose my mind!" Mrs. Jennings said anxiously. "I can't reach you, so I could only call Dean. It's only after he told me you are fine that I could finally get some sleep.""I'm just in a really bad mood, Mom! I hope you understand." Natalie picked up the glass in front of her and took a sip of liquor. "Have you called Auntie?""Yeah. I told her what happened to you. She tried calling Leah but Leah hasn't been answering her call." Mrs. Jennings sighed. "It could really be Leah who told Avery about you. How could she? How could she tell an outsider something so important? Does she not know that this could get you killed?!""Why are you still speaking like you are on her side, Mom? She's going to get me killed and you are still siding with her?! She's not a child. She's an adult in her twenties now! She knew what she was doing and knew
"Avery, how are you?""Good. Why are you here all of a sudden?" Avery asked. "We are close, and soon, we will find Elliot.""You've done well. I came because you are certain that Elliot is here. Besides, Natalie could be hiding here as well. I feel disgusted whenever I think of what she's done." Ben scowled. "She signed a contract with Elliot, so I can wait. Once Elliot walks free, he will deal with her!"Avery nodded. "When did you arrive?""I arrived at two in the morning and went to the hotel to rest for a bit. I figured you would be awake around this time and came over." Ben looked her up and down. "I heard that you were injured. Are you okay?""Much better now. I'm fine." Avery glanced at the kitchen.The nanny was waiting inside and noticed Avery's gaze. "Breakfast is ready."Avery turned to look at Ben. "Have you eaten?""I did at the hotel, but I can eat more." Ben walked with her to the dining room. "Is Hayden at school? Mike's still sleeping, huh?""Probably. Mike ha