Chapter 8 Elijah stood on the second - floor balcony of the seaside villa , looking down at Lara playing on the beach with a gaze full of affection . Her laughter drifted to him on the sea breeze . With Avery far away and causing no trouble , he should have felt completely relaxed . But he felt a strange unease , as if something was telling him he needed to go back soon . He tried to reassure himself , thinking it might just be the company's recent unstable stock prices that had him worried . As the sky darkened , he picked up a shawl from the hanger and walked outside . When he reached Lara , she was on the phone and didn't notice him approaching from behind . " Perfect timing . That saves me the trouble of worrying about her again , " Lara said through gritted teeth . " If any more dirt leaks , I don't believe the stock can recover this time . " Just as she was about to put down her phone , she caught a glimpse of Elijah standing behind her . Lara quickly softened her voice . " Yes , have it sent to the seaside villa . I'm planning a little surprise for Eli tonight . " Then , she casually turned around and said with a hint of curiosity , " Eli , what are you doing here ? " Elijah only caught the last few words , and a smile slowly spread across his face . He draped the shawl gently over Lara's shoulders and asked , " What surprise did you have planned for me ? " Lara bashfully tapped his chest . " You're so annoying . If you already know , how is it a surprise ? # The warmth from her touch stirred something strange in Elijah . He frowned , pressing a hand to his chest , convincing himself it was just excitement for the evening's surprise . After taking a shower that night , Elijah stood by the window , staring blankly at his phone . The chat window displayed a whole day of unanswered messages . It was the first time Avery had gone so long without responding . She usually replied instantly . Days had passed with no messages . It seemed she was truly angry . He considered buying her a gift to make up for it when he returned home . His fist clenched nervously as he struggled to keep his rising anxiety in check . Suddenly , a Chapter 8 small , soft hand grabbed his tightly clenched fist . Elijah turned in surprise . Lara was standing behind him in a sheer black dress . She looked alluring . Blood rushed through him , and thoughts of Avery vanished completely from his mind . 2/3 " Eli , enjoy your surprise midnight snack , " Lara whispered , lifting the short dress slightly to reveal her pale skin . Elijah felt his temples throb . Without hesitation , he pulled Lara into his arms and kissed her deeply . Amid the frenzy , his mind flashed with the image of a pair of stubborn , cold eyes . He couldn't help murmuring her name , " Ave. " The moment the name left his lips , his whole body froze . Lara looked up in disbelief . " Eli , what did you just say ? " Elijah closed his eyes in frustration , scolding himself silently . Just as he was about to soothe her , his phone rang . " Mr. Tarver ! The stock has hit the limit down . You need to come back immediately ! " He no longer had time to comfort Lara . Elijah hurried home in a panic , only to find the house in complete chaos . The once orderly house looked as if a tornado had ripped through it . Edwin sat on the sofa , looking ten years older overnight . He lifted his weary , aged face and said , " There's a rat in Tarver Group . You need to track them down . From now on , the company will be completely under your control . " Elijah suppressed the turmoil in his chest . " Okay . " Dominic stepped in quietly . " Mr. McPherson is here . He says he has something to discuss with you . " Elijah's gaze darkened , " Tell him to wait for me in the study . " For years, the McPhersons had gotten by on whatever leftovers they could take from the Tarvers . The Tarvers had always been powerful and wealthy , yet now that they were in trouble , the McPhersons were likely facing even greater losses . After finishing what he was handling , Elijah finally strode toward the study . Just as his hand touched the doorknob , voices drifted out from inside . Chapter 8 Walter hesitantly said , " The three - year period is over . Avery has no reason to help me anymore . " 3/3 The person on the other end suddenly shouted , " As long as she still loves you , three nothing . Even ten years , she would do it willingly . " years is Walter let out a long sigh . " But now she's completely gone, like she disappeared into thin air . " Outside the door , Elijah felt his blood run cold . A metallic taste surged in his throat . Chapter 9 1/3 Chapter 9