Elliot was stopped by the Tierney family's bodyguards on his way to the south side of the villa.

"You can't go in there, Mr. Foster."

"Let me in!" Elliot roared with a savage fury. "My wife's inside!"

"Do you mean Miss Tate?" asked the bodyguard, then added, "She just went hiking with Mr. Tierney."

Elliot pursed his lips as his eyes turned into glacial orbs of ice colder than the abyss.

The bodyguard pointed in the direction of a hill not too far away and said, "They went that way, but it's already dark out, and it's a pretty steep walk. If you are unfamiliar with the path, I suggest you wait for them inside. I'm sure they'll be back soon."

Elliot clenched his fists, then he stormed up the hill.

…

In the living room in the south wing of the villa, after listening to Charlie's father's two-hour history lesson on the establishment of his company and his thoughts on Tate Industries, Avery was desperate to escape.

"Thank you for taking the time out to talk to me, Mr. Tierney. Sin