Chapter 4

Ruby sidled up to Evelyn, wrinkling her nose in mock disgust. "You can't hide that cheap stench, no matter how fancy you dress. Right, everyone?"

Someone piped up, "I heard Evelyn used to wait tables at a diner, scraping by on a few grand a month. No wonder she's happy being a kept woman now."

The gossip grew nastier, each word dripping with slander.

Evelyn's patience snapped. She shoved over a champagne tower, glasses crashing to the floor. "Enough! You're throwing around lies with no proof. Where's your evidence?"

Champagne splashed everywhere.

The crowd hadn't expected her outburst. They frowned, but none could argue back.

Laura forced a smile, playing the peacemaker. "Oh, come on, no one meant any harm, Miss Hayes. Don't make a fuss and ruin everyone's mood."

Her words prompted nods from the others.

Kristian, eager to fit into high society, wouldn't risk offending them.

He stepped in front of Evelyn, subtly swinging the pocket-watch necklace, his eyes flashing a clear warning.

Her heart clenched, breath quickening.

Staring at the smug faces around her, she bit her lip. "I'm sorry. I was being petty."

Seeing her compliance, Kristian mouthed, "Well done."

But humiliation and rage took root in her heart.

She wanted a clean break, yet Kristian kept dragging her back, letting these people degrade her.

She'd remember their names and settle the score one day.

Lost in thought, she noticed Ruby holding a raffle box. "Folks, I've got a fun game lined up. It's a real thrill. Who's first?"

Laura raised her hand and stepped forward, pulling a slip from the box.

"Oh no, it's a penalty game," she said, feigning surprise as she read, "Stand on the twenty-seventh-floor balcony and jump rope while bungee jumping."

Evelyn's gut twisted. This felt like a trap set just for her.

Sure enough, Laura threw herself into Kristian's arms, fake tears welling. "Kristian, I'm scared. Can't you let Miss Hayes take my place?"

Kristian hesitated, but the crowd quickly backed Laura.

"Laura's a delicate heiress. She can't do something so risky."

"Let Evelyn do it. Her life's worth nothing anyway."

When Kristian didn't respond, Laura stomped her foot, pouting. "Do you feel sorry for her? Fine, I'll go."

She sulked, waiting for him to cave.

"Alright, alright, whatever you want," Kristian cooed, his tone dripping with appeasement until she brightened.

Evelyn, witnessing it all, didn't even have a chance to flee before their bodyguards hauled her to the rooftop.

On the twenty-seventh-floor balcony, cold wind stung her face.

She struggled to break free, finally shaking off the bodyguards, but Kristian blocked the only exit.

He kissed her cheek, voice soft but pitying. "Be good. If Laura's happy, we can keep living the high life. Just endure it for me."

His gentle tone carried a chilling edge.

She laughed, tears blurring her vision. "Kristian, there's no we. Just you and me. If I can't escape today, and I die here, I'll haunt you all as a ghost."

Kristian frowned, irritated, and ordered the bodyguards to add an extra safety rope.

They pushed Evelyn to the edge, tying bungee cords around her.

Laura and her entourage stood safely back, clapping and jeering. "Jump already. Let's see if you're as worthless as they say."

Laughter erupted.

"I'm recording this. Evelyn's going to look pathetic."

Evelyn ignored them, locking eyes with Kristian.

The man who vowed to protect her forever now put her in harm's way.

The pain cut deep. She cursed her past foolishness.

When she didn't move, Laura waved imperiously. "What are you waiting for? Push her, you useless lot."

Scolded, the bodyguards, unwilling to cross their employer, closed their eyes and shoved Evelyn off the balcony.

Her body plummeted, fear stealing her voice. She clung to the ropes, praying for safety.

But the cords snagged, leaving her dangling upside down at the eighth floor.

Laura appeared at the balcony's edge, holding a small knife, its tip grazing the anchored ropes. "Oh, Evelyn, what a mess. The bodyguards misjudged the rope length. Let me help you."