Chapter 4

As a result of Avery's defiance, Elijah terminated all partnerships with McPherson Group overnight. Avery was jolted awake by the sharp ringing of her phone. Wincing from the pain, she answered Walter's call. "Ave, I've already submitted the paperwork to transfer your registered address. But if anything like this happens again, I won't hesitate to pull it back." Avery's face turned ashen. "You can't do this! You promised me." She was so close to finally breaking free. She couldn't let everything unravel now. Walter's tired voice came through the line. "For this final month, you'd better behave and serve Elijah well." After the call ended, the door suddenly swung open. Elijah entered, looking down at her. "Lara invited you to go bungee jumping. She wants to patch things up between you two. You have five minutes to pack and be ready," he said coldly. Without waiting for a response, Elijah slammed the door shut and disappeared. Avery didn't like bungee jumping, nor did she want to reconcile with Lara. Even so, she was terrified of what would follow if she disobeyed. She shut her eyes, surrendering to the inevitable. There was no way for her to refuse. Five minutes later, bodyguards burst through the door and forcibly dragged her to the car. Inside the Lincoln limousine, she curled up by the window, hugging her arms tightly. She closed her eyes, seeking a moment of rest. The wound on her arm was still undressed, but she endured the pain without a sound. If she could just fall asleep, maybe the discomfort would ease. Gradually, the gentle sway of the car pulled her into sleep. Opposite her, Elijah and Lara kissed passionately, oblivious to everything else. In the front seats, Elijah's driver, Henry Baird, and his assistant, Dominic Morales, couldn't help but whisper to each other. "I almost feel sorry for Mrs. Tarver. Even when Mr. Tarver behaves like that around her, she never shows any anger." "That's because she loves him too much. I heard she's prepared to face any hardship. As long as they don't end up divorced, she doesn't mind." Elijah slowly raised his eyes, watching Avery across from him. She resembled a timid, obedient kitten. Despite everything, Elijah wasn't heartless. He had seen how devoted she had remained all these years. As long as she stayed obedient, he had no issue letting her keep the title of Mrs. Tarver for the rest of her life. Unbeknownst to him, a sharp, murderous glint passed through Lara's eyes. After what felt like an eternity, the car finally rolled to a stop. Before she knew it, Avery found herself at the edge of what looked like a bottomless void. Her teeth chattered uncontrollably. Meanwhile, Lara's wide eyes fluttered. "Eli, it's been ages since I've done bungee jumping. I'm suddenly feeling a little scared. Will you hold me?" Elijah ran his fingers through her hair. "Of course." Gripping her waist tightly, he jumped without a second thought. Before long, Lara's sharp scream and Elijah's hearty laughter rang out from the valley below. Lost in the thrill of the moment, they clung to each other like lovers aflame, pouring out their deepest feelings. "Elijah! I love you!" "I love you too, Lara." Henry looked at Avery with pity, but her face betrayed no emotion. Deep within, she wished nothing but lasting love for Elijah and Lara. She just had to hold on a little while longer. After that, their endless affection would no longer concern her. As soon as the staff fastened the gear, Avery's brow tightened with unease. She turned around, preparing to voice her hesitation. But before a word could escape, a sharp push sent her stumbling forward. "Sorry, but Ms. Womack can't stand having you here." Avery shut her eyes tight. The sudden weightlessness sent a chill through her, and cold sweat instantly drenched her skin. Just as she hit the lowest point, one of the ropes snapped without warning. Avery's heart caught in her throat. "Elijah, save me!" she screamed. However, Elijah had his back to her, his lips pressed against Lara's head. Avery was overtaken by dread when she spotted Lara's cruel grin. A knife was clenched firmly in her hand. It was Lara who had cut the rope. With only one rope left to hold her, Avery struggled to stay balanced. Despite her frantic prayers, she crashed onto the jagged rocks below. Her head cracked open instantly under the combined impact of the fall and her weight. Thick, warm blood slid into her eyes. Trembling, Avery reached out to touch the injury, her fingers grazing the bone beneath. Through her blurred vision, she spotted Elijah rushing toward her in a frenzy. Weary, Avery closed her eyes. It didn't matter that Elijah didn't love her. He hadn't done anything wrong. At this point, she was indifferent to whether he cared for her or not. Her true hatred was reserved for Walter, who had leveraged his so-called affection to push her into this abyss.