Since Avery booked the largest ballroom at the hotel, Elliot went ahead and booked the smaller ballroom right next to it.

He wanted to see for himself exactly how grand Avery's birthday party would be.

…

That weekend, everyone who received an invitation to the party gathered in the largest ballroom— Astor Hall— at the Oasis Hotel.

"Why isn't Avery here yet?" Tammy asked Mike the moment she stepped into the banquet hall. "She hasn't even replied to my text from last night."

Mike shrugged, then explained, "She's been busy lately. I don't know what she's busy with, but I already sent her the address, and she promised to be here."

"Okay… Isn't she busy with stuff at the company?" Tammy asked.

"She isn't! I really don't know what she's been so busy with. Everyone has the right to their own personal space. We might be close like sisters… I mean, brother and sister… I won't force her to tell me anything she doesn't want me to know about."

"I see… Since she's been busy, who's the one w