"Avery, what are you doing?" Elliot's voice was hoarse and cold.

Avery could hear that Elliot had just gotten up because his tone was rather emotional.

"I'm going to Bridgedale to tend to something." Avery went past security and headed inside. "It's early. Who told you I'm going abroad?"

Elliot did not answer her question, but asked, "It's almost the children's birthday. Do you have to go to Bridgedale now? Is there something urgent?"

If it was as usual, Avery might have said that he was bei