Avery's Silent Betrayal

Chapter 002

Grayson Carter awoke by himself in his seven-star hotel suite's king-sized bed. His brow creased in astonishment, and his eyes blinked open. For him, this was the first time. For personal reasons, he never stayed in a room like this. The rooms he typically reserved were for brief, impersonal encounters, a one-night stand that ended as quickly as it began, or a quick stop for the night. However, last night was unique.

The young woman caught his attention. He had become irritated with her. She constantly teased, tested, and tempted him. He had been powerless to stop her from pushing all of his buttons. Why he allowed it to go as far as it did was a mystery to him. She wasn't like the women he typically hosted. They were all familiar with the routine: brief, carefree enjoyment before they vanished before dawn. However, this one? She had remained the same, but she had changed.

To avoid any genuine connection, he typically kept the room dark. Given that he led Carter Enterprises, one of the richest families in the nation, his face was well-known. Having his photo in the morning paper or tabloids wasn't the best way to start his day. Particularly when it came to the women he slept with, he preferred to remain anonymous.

However, last night... It was different last night. Her touch and presence had startled him. She had been accommodating, providing him with all he requested and more. Even though it had continued beyond midnight, he had relished every moment. And he had been curious about one of his one-night stands for the first time. He was unable to stop wondering what had happened to her until he realised she was no longer there.

Thinking of how she had sneaked out of the room before dawn, Grayson whispered to himself, "Interesting." She had obviously left before he had a chance to fully awaken. He sat up, however, and his eyes briefly saw a spot of blood on the covers. The idea struck him suddenly, and his confusion transformed into clarity.

With surprise, he whispered, "She was a virgin?" This was unexpected for Grayson, who wasn't the kind of man to notice such things. Mike's girlfriends were invariably stunning, self-assured, and anything but naive. They were ready for a rapid, covert hookup at all times. However, this girl? She was unique.

He wanted to learn more about her, so he felt compelled to confess his feelings. Who was she? What had brought her to his room? What was it that captivated him about her?

With haste, Grayson rolled out of bed and tossed the blankets away to get ready. He walked out of the room with a purpose. His constant helper, Matt, was outside, waiting by the door as usual.

Matt said, "Good morning, Boss," and he was prepared to follow Grayson like a shadow as usual.

Grayson hesitated a second. "Who was that girl from last night, Matt?" He was powerless to stop himself. He needed to know more the more he considered her. After spending the night with her, she remained a mystery to him.

Matt scowled, obviously perplexed. "A girl? I sent no one to your room last night, boss. He seems truly perplexed. He had not scheduled anyone else's visit, but he had already prepared the room. Grayson had stayed in this same suite following a meeting for the first time in a long time. Grayson was the last one left once the business agreement was completed.

"Hold on, nobody? Who was that girl, then? Grayson enquired, his interest increasing every moment.

Matt was also perplexed. "I'm not sure. He shook his head and remarked, "The clients for the meeting were the only ones who knew you were here." "Boss, this doesn't make sense."

Clearly uneasy, Grayson stated firmly, "I need answers." "I want to know now, so find out who she is."

After giving a nod, Matt hurriedly took out his phone and began tapping on the screen in an attempt to get as much information as he could. Grayson made his way directly to his apartment on the hotel's top floor. It was his typical location, where he could enjoy the seclusion that came with his money and status while avoiding the Hamilton family's prying eyes.

After showering and putting on a dapper black suit, he was prepared to take on the day thirty minutes later. He left with a tablet in his hand, and Matt was waiting for him outside.

Matt handed the gadget to the boss and stated, "We have the video from last night."

Without hesitation, Grayson accepted it and began to watch the shaky footage. It depicted two females exiting the lift. One appeared more collected, while the other was obviously drunk, staggering as she attempted to walk. Grayson recognised the inebriated female, and his gaze sharpened. She was the one from last night, and he knew it. Something about her stuck out, even in her drunken state, in the way she moved.

He saw the inebriated girl being pulled towards the door of his suite by the second woman, who was much more stable. That's when he finally understood.

Grayson said to himself, "So, she didn't come here on her own." She had no doubt about it because of the second woman. Her words clarified why she had complained about being too hot and why she had begun stripping without any resistance.

Grayson studied the video more intently. The first girl's voice was barely audible to Grayson, a gentle entreaty that only faintly passed through the door. " Open the door, Madison. "I want to go home," she added, a hint of desperation in her voice.

Grayson had been on the phone when she came last night, so he hadn't noticed that portion. She was already in the centre of the room, pressing her body against his, but all reason had vanished by the time he hung up.

His head was buzzing with questions as he returned the tablet to Matt. Who was she? How did she get into his bed? Did she have more to her than first glances suggested, or was she just another fling?

At that moment, Matt spoke once more. "Mr Dylan Carter called, boss. He brought up today's news conference at the Hamilton family home. After all, he is announcing his fiancée.

Grayson's mouth clenched. The thought of Dylan was too much for him. Despite their similar ages, Dylan and his late brother couldn't be more different. Dylan was his late brother's son. Dylan had always been a pampered, careless person who was constantly trying to outdo Grayson. Now, Dylan was on the verge of announcing his engagement to a woman who had already piqued Grayson's interest.

Grayson felt a notion strike him like a kick to the stomach. Is it possible? "Avery?" he asked out loud, his brain straining to make sense of it all.

Brooks, Avery. She had let Grayson stay the night. She was Dylan's girlfriend, so she wasn't just any woman. His fiancée. In addition, she was his new assistant, which only made things worse.

Grayson experienced a surge of confusion and anger. What prevented him from recognising her last night? But now that he considered it, everything made sense. The type of lady who would never behave like a one-night stand was Avery. She was unique, kind, industrious, and intelligent.

Now, however, Dylan would never forgive Grayson for taking something from her. Was Avery aware of her previous partner? Did Avery know that Grayson had stolen her innocence?

If she did, why did she remain by Dylan's side today, allowing him to announce their engagement as if nothing had occurred?

Although Grayson's mind was racing with questions, he was certain that this was far from done.