Page 90 of Give Me Forever

When we stepped out, a few of her guests came with us, saying things like "Thanks for the warning" and "Glad you two arrived before we made a dumb investment."

Avery released a huge sigh once we were alone.

"I'm so proud of you, babe," I said. "Did you plan this?"

"No. I wish I had a diabolical mind, but I don't. When I saw she copied my designs, I think something just snapped inside me. To be honest, I'd simply hoped I could talk to her partners and warn them individually, but it was easier this way. I realized she was going to kick me out one way or another, so I wanted to be quick." She looked at me intently. "Do you think the others will take my warning seriously or just discard me as some crazy person?"

I couldn't believe this woman. She'd come here to warn others just so they wouldn't fall into the same trap she did. I loved every damn inch of her.

"Based on the few who left along with us, I’d say Sophia’s going to have trouble finding investors. But if the others don't believe you, it's their fault. If nothing else, I’m sure they'll do some more research before they invest in her. Do you have the bank statements you mentioned?”

“You bet I do. Just in case, you know.”

Good to know. When we got back, I’d give those to Declan. Man, she amazed me, and I had such respect for her and what she’d done.

“Want us to do another cab tour of New York?"

"Honestly, I'd rather we go back to the hotel. I'm super jittery. I think I need a workout."

I kissed her forehead. "Is that code for something?"

She laughed, and I felt her whole body relax. "No, I mean a real workout, but I'm not excluding a sexy one after that. Let’s go.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice, babe.”

I'd only been in New York a few times before, and I'd never realized what a shit show the traffic was. Even though we were only a few blocks away, it took us forty minutes to get to the Plaza. Walking would've probably been faster, but Avery would've frozen despite her long coat.

Once inside, she quickly changed and went directly to the fitness area. I stayed in the suite, mindlessly checking the menu of the restaurant where we had dinner reservations. I was of two minds about going after Avery, but then I would distract her from her workout, and she really seemed to need it. I understood that. It was one of the reasons I ran after shifts. I needed to get rid of excess adrenaline. I also sensed that she wanted some alone time to digest all that happened, and I respected that too.

The room phone rang.Does reception need something from us?I couldn't imagine who else would call here.

"Hello?" I said.

"Mr. Maxwell, we have someone at the front desk looking for Ms. Avery."

"Who?"

"Sophia Pitt."

I saw red. That viper actually showed up here after what she’d done? She didn't know who she was messing with.

"Send her up to the room, please," I bit out.

"Of course, sir."

I couldn't believe it. I'd stayed out of it at her shop because I wanted Avery to say her piece, but I couldn't believe Sophia had the audacity to show up here.

She knocked a few minutes later, and I immediately opened the door.

"Where's Avery?" she demanded.

"She's not here right now."

"That bitch. I lost investors tonight. I'm going to sue the crap out of her," she seethed, stalking inside the suite. "Where is she? I need to talk to her. She needs to fix this."

"Listen, Sophia. There are two things you need to know about me. One, I would do anything for Avery. And two, I have the whole Maxwell family backing me up. Good contract or not, we’ll find ways to crush you."

“Flaunting your family name, huh? Avery always told me you didn’t like to brag about your resources."

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