This series alternates between multiplying by 2 and subtracting 8. Starting from 14: 14 × 2 = 28, 28 - 8 = 20, 20 × 2 = 40, 40 - 8 = 32, 32 × 2 = 64, 64 - 8 = 56. The next number is 56. Option A (52) would break the pattern. Option C (96) is 64 × 1.5, which is not part of this alternating pattern.