Avery's Game Of Revenge
Chapter 173: In Front Of The Cameras

Chapter 173: In Front Of The Cameras

Jodi, on the other hand, was a vision in black. Her dress was sleek and figure-hugging, with a thigh-high slit that revealed glimpses of her toned leg whenever she moved. Blonde waves cascaded over her bare shoulders, and her mask, jet-black with silver accents, dangled carelessly from her fingers.

She spotted Avery first, a playful smirk forming as she winked. "About time, princess."

Alice beamed, standing as Avery approached. "We’ve been waiting for you! You look breathtaking."

Before she could respond, a man entered the lobby, holding a leather bound book against his chest. His expression was professional, his tone crisp.

"Ms. Jo Sinclair, you’re up first."

Jodi sighed dramatically, waving a hand. "Alright, wish me luck. See you two inside."

Avery watched as Jodi disappeared through the double doors leading to the grand ballroom. A nervous energy buzzed in her veins, but the reassuring smile on Alice’s face gave her the courage she needed.

"We can do this."

Avery exhaled and nodded, linking arms with her as they strode toward the entrance together, stepping into the night that awaited them.

Clicks and flashes of cameras burst around them the moment they stepped onto the red carpet. The air buzzed with excitement as reporters immediately pushed forward, their voices rising over the crowd.

"Alice! You look stunning today!"

"Who’s your companion? Why the mask?"

"Alice, is it true you’ll be starring in Blood Rose? Has it been confirmed?"

Microphones and cameras were shoved toward Alice, while Avery kept her head high, maintaining a composed stance until a few guards stepped in, subtly forming a barrier between them and the eager press.

Alice responded with an easy smile, giving vague answers as she expertly dodged any direct confirmation. Meanwhile, Avery mirrored her, flashing poised smiles and turning slightly for the cameras.

As they reached the center of the red carpet, Alice subtly tugged on Avery’s hand.

"We have to pose here like a duo," she whispered.

Avery nodded. "I’m ready."

They lifted their hands together, forming a heart shape, an elegant, effortless pose that drew even more flashes from the cameras.

It was at that moment that Avery’s gaze drifted beyond the crowd, toward the entrance of the grand hotel.

And she froze.

Archie was stepping out of a sleek black car, his presence commanding even from a distance. The cameras, as if drawn by an invisible force, shifted toward him. Photographers scrambled to get a shot of the notorious Archibald Donovan but his gaze was locked onto only one person.

Her.

Her heart slammed against her ribs as she watched his lips curve into a smirk, slow, deliberate, dangerous. She barely had a second to react before his hand slipped into his pocket.

Avery’s eyes widened. No. No, no, he wouldn’t. Not here.

Not in front of the cameras.

Alice glanced at her. "What are you saying?" she whispered.

Avery shook her head frantically, but it was too late.

A sudden, undeniable wave of pleasure surged through her body, originating from deep within. She gasped, her knees threatening to buckle as her grip on Alice tightened. Heat flooded her face, her breath caught between a strangled moan and a curse.

"Son of a bitch," she blurted out.

Alice raised a brow. "What was that??"

Avery forced a smile, struggling to stay upright. "Sorry, it’s nothing," she muttered through gritted teeth.

Her legs trembled. Every nerve in her body was betraying her, and she knew exactly who was responsible.

They needed to get inside. Now.

She swallowed hard. "We should go."

Alice gave her a confused look but nodded.

With her mask barely concealing the flustered state she was in, Avery gripped Alice’s arm and walked as steadily as she could toward the entrance, every step feeling like a challenge as the cameras continued to flash.

And behind her, she could feel Archie’s eyes, watching, enjoying every second of her torment.

☆♡♡♡☆

The grand hall was a masterpiece of opulence, with glittering chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling, casting a golden glow over the elegantly dressed guests. The sound of soft classical music played in the background as servers weaved through the crowd, carrying trays of champagne and hors d’oeuvres.

Avery took a steadying breath, forcing herself to focus on the conversation rather than the lingering sensation that still coursed through her body.

Alice scanned the room, her eyes lighting up as she spotted familiar faces. "That’s Elijah Ford over there, he’s starring in Eclipsed Shadows... I should introduce you. And oh, Vanessa Hargrove, she was up for Best Actress months ago. Would you like to meet them?"

Avery shook her head lightly, offering a polite smile. "Maybe later. Let’s just take everything in for now."

Before Alice could respond, Jodi approached them, hands on her hips and a knowing smirk on her lips. "There you two are. You sure took your sweet time on the red carpet."

Alice grinned. "Well, we had to showcase everything we had."

They all laughed, the lightheartedness momentarily easing Avery’s nerves.

Then Alice clapped her hands together. "By the way, I want to introduce you both to someone... Archibald Donovan. He’s an acquaintance of my brother. A bit hard to deal with, but trust me, he’d be a good connection to have."

Avery and Jodi exchanged glances, the latter clearing her throat first.

"Actually...we’ve met Mr Donovan," she admitted.

Alice’s brow arched. "Oh?"

Jodi nodded. "He’s my boyfriend’s boss. Ava and I have had the... opportunity of meeting him once."

Avery quickly nodded in agreement. "He didn’t seem very nice," she added, her voice just a little too quick. "Maybe we should try avoiding him for the rest of the night."

Alice and Jodi both frowned.

The former crossed her arms. "Avoid him? Why? He’s one of the sponsors of tonight’s event. And, let’s be honest, he’s very nice to look at. Of course, we’re staying in his line of sight for the rest of the night!"

With that, she chuckled and sauntered forward, scanning the room as if she was looking for someone.

Left alone, Avery remained where she was standing, tension creeping up her spine. She turned to Jodi, lowering her voice. "Will you help me? I really need to avoid him."

Jodi rolled her eyes. "Why would you avoid your husband?" she asked, voice laced with amusement. "You might actually get suspected if you make it obvious you’re keeping your distance from him."

Avery opened her mouth to argue, but before she could, Jodi leaned in and kissed her cheek. "I’ll go get us some drinks," she said before slipping away into the crowd.

Avery barely had a moment to exhale before a familiar voice, deep, smooth, and entirely too amused, drifted from behind her.

"How is my bad little wife enjoying her punishment?"

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