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 Chapter 4 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 Chapter 4 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 . 3/3 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 . Chapter 5