Chapter 313: Are You Fraud?

Evan narrows his eyes and repeats the question, "Are you a fraud? Or are you just trying to avoid me?"

Avery glares at him, hating him for putting her in this position. If she says she wants to avoid him, Rebecca will get suspicious and ask why. She doesn't want to explain her relationship with Evan to Rebecca—it'll ruin their friendship. But the alternative is just as awful.

"I have to admit I never studied design," she says. "Everything I know is self-taught. I guess I'm just nervous about making something for such a high profile client. I think there might be worthier designers to make your cufflinks."

"Don't say that, Avery," Rebecca gasps. "I've seen your designs, and they're wonderful and imaginative. Besides, you agreed to compete against Crystal—if you don't submit a design, she'll win."

Avery sighs and says, "I guess I'll let her win." 

"You can't do that," Rebecca shouts. She flushes and continues, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to get so emotional. But think about it: Sophie hired you for a reason. If you walk away from this assignment, you'll never be able to work there again."

"Hasn't she told you she's Andrew Clifford's fiancé?" Evan asks, his voice cool and sarcastic. "She doesn't need to work. I'm sure she'll be satisfied to lounge around and spend his money."

Avery smiles and says, "This is exactly part of the problem. Clearly, Mr. Howel is already biased against me. He won't be an impartial judge, so there's no point in wasting my time on a design he's already decided to reject."

"Forgive me, Avery, but I didn't think you were the kind of person who quits so easily," Rebecca says, her accent harmonious and gentle. "You know I originally wanted to give the design to you. When Crystal came in and challenged you, I saw an opportunity for you to prove your worth.

"The other employees resent you, I think, because Sophie hired you even though you don't have a traditional background. If you quit this challenge, they'll doubt Sophie's judgment. You don't want to make her a joke, do you? I can see that your relationship is very close."

Avery bites her lip and thinks about Rebecca's words. She doesn't want to admit it, but Rebecca has a point. If she lets Crystal win, it'll look bad for Sophie.

Rebecca turns to Evan and says, "Believe me, you'll love Avery's designs."

Evan leans back in his chair and swirls the red wine around his glass. He takes a long sip and looks at Avery with an unreadable expression.

"Seeing is believing," he says.

Avery stares at Rebecca in amazement. Apparently, she's a diplomat too, Avery thinks with some resentment. She speaks with such power—even Evan seems to listen to her.

The meal seems endless, but they finally finish the salmon. Avery stands and helps Rebecca carry the dirty plates to the kitchen sink. As soon as the table is clear, Rebecca begins to brew a pot of coffee.

"I'm afraid I can't stay for dessert," Avery says. "My fiancé will be missing me."

"Are you sure you have to leave?" Rebecca asks, looking worried. "I know I've already asked for a lot, but can I ask another favor? After hearing about the murder nearby, I've been a nervous wreck at the thought of spending the night alone. Would you mind staying with me?"

Avery looks at Evan on the sofa and raises her voice so he can hear, "I wish I could help you, Rebecca, but I'm a pregnant woman. If there was an intruder, I'd be useless. Besides, I always feel more secure with a man in the house—maybe Evan will stay with you?"

Rebecca blushed, and Evan drops the newspaper he's reading onto the coffee table. Avery smiles at him, and he glances at Robert.

"How long will the police blockade last?" he asks. "Miss Peters is clearly eager to get home."

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Robert rushes out of the room to talk to the police, and Avery stares at Evan. She wonders if he wants to get rid of her as badly as she wants to leave. If he's spending the night with Rebecca, he'll want privacy, she thinks. The thought makes her stomach churn.

She turns away and fills the sink with hot soapy water. Rebecca objects, but Avery waves her away. She focuses on the dirty plates, scrubbing them as hard as she can with a rough sponge. Rebecca finishes the coffee and prepares a tray to take to Evan.

Avery is drying the dishes when Robert runs out of breath, "Mr. Howel, the police chief says they're still tracking the murderer. He's probably still in the neighborhood. They said the blockade would stay up until they caught him."

"How long will that take?" Avery asks. "Surely, it shouldn't take them so long to catch a murderer."

"They think it might take the rest of the night," Robert answers. "They warned me that we should all stay inside."

"I think I'm going to call a taxi," Avery says. "I'm sure I'll be fine if I'm in a car. And if I tell the police I'm pregnant, they'll let me pass the blockade."

"It might be more difficult than you think, Miss Peters," Robert says. "This is a really serious case. The man is a serial killer who attacks pregnant women. He cuts the baby out of the victims' stomachs and then cuts the dead bodies into pieces."

Avery shudders and grabs the marble countertop to steady herself. Rebecca's face goes white, and she rushes to Avery's side, wrapping an arm around her. Avery lets Rebecca lead her into the living room. She sits down on the sofa opposite Evan and looks at her ex across the coffee table. His posture is casual, but he's drumming his fingers against his thigh—something she's only seen him do when he's annoyed.

"That's it," Rebecca says. "We're all staying here tonight. It's too dangerous to leave."

"Are you sure?" Robert asks. "I wouldn't want to inconvenience you."

"It's no problem at all," Rebecca says firmly. "What about you, Avery? Is there anything you need to be more comfortable?"

"No, I just need to make a phone call," she says. "Is it alright if I step out onto the balcony?"

The cool night air is a relief. Avery takes a deep breath and then another before dialing Andrew's number. He answers on the first ring, and she explains the situation. As she talks, she looks into the bright living room. Evan is staring at her through the sliding door. She ends the call and braces herself before going back into the living room.

"Andrew is really worried," she says. "He's going to come to pick me up."

The room goes quiet. She sees Evan clench his hand into a fist, and Robert glances at his boss with raised eyebrows. Rebecca shakes her head as if she thinks Avery is crazy.

"There's a blockade—he can't get in," Rebecca says.

"Oh, he'll find a way," Avery says. "Andrew is nothing if determined."

"Well, it's nice that your fiancé worries so much about you," Rebecca says. "Why don't you sit down and relax while you wait for him to come." 

Avery nods and sits down across from Evan. Andrew promised her it would only take thirty minutes for him to arrive. She sips a cup of tea and tries to make small talk with Rebecca, all the while checking the time on her phone. Five minutes before he's supposed to arrive, her phone rings. 

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