Chapter 73

• Avery walked in with a letter, her knock on the door hesitant. Benjamin, busy with his laptop, looked up and said, "Come in." Avery's face was upset, her steps slow as she entered the room.
• As soon as Benjamin saw her, he stood up, his eyes locked on hers. It had been three days since she'd last been to the office, three days since she'd returned from Ashwood, and three days since she'd ignored his calls. Benjamin had missed her, but he couldn't show it. He walked towards her, his face a mask of cold indifference, hiding the concern and longing that threatened to betray him.
• Benjamin's voice was firm, his words laced with a hint of annoyance. "Avery, where have you been?" he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly. "How can you be so careless? I need you for my work; you're my assistant. Disappearing like this without a word is not acceptable; it's not professional." He paused, expecting a response, but Avery remained silent, her eyes cast downward, her face a mask of quiet contemplation.