Chapter 4

The ballroom was ablaze with dazzling lights, their brilliance almost painful to the eyes. Gemma leaned against a pillar in the corner, listening to the guests' chatter. "Mr. Barre certainly dotes on Ms. Palmer. For a mere birthday party, he's spent over a hundred million dollars." "Of course. Rumor has it Ms. Palmer once saved Mr. Barre's life." "Compared to the previous woman, Gemma, this has to be true love, right?" The whispers reached Gemma's ears with unsettling clarity. Her expression remained blank as she took a sip of water, the faint hum of her artificial heart echoing in her chest. The party reached the gift-giving segment. Matilda stood at the center, glowing like the star of the evening. Theodore showered her with one extravagant gift after another—a limited-edition Hermès bag, custom-made jewelry, and even the deed to a private island. "Thank you all for your gifts," she said sweetly, her gaze suddenly landing on Gemma in the corner. "But it seems someone hasn't given me a gift yet." Every pair of eyes turned toward Gemma. She gripped her glass tighter, her knuckles turning white. "Never mind. I won't make things difficult for you." Matilda waved her hand as if to dismiss the matter, but her eyes remained locked on Gemma's neck. "That emerald necklace of yours is quite lovely. Why not give it to me as a birthday present?" Gemma's hand instinctively rose to touch the necklace. Years ago, Theodore had given it to her, calling it the Barre family's heirloom—meant only for the future daughter-in-law. That day, he had knelt on one knee, swearing to love her forever. Now, it all felt like nothing more than an elaborate lie. "Alright." Gemma unfastened the necklace calmly and handed it to Matilda. Theodore's face immediately darkened. "Is there anything Tilly wants that you wouldn't give her?" His voice was icy. Gemma looked down at the necklace in her hand, then suddenly smiled. Why not? She was already dying. What did she have left to lose? "Yes," she said, lifting her eyes to meet Theodore's. "Ms. Palmer can have anything she wants." A flicker of inexplicable anger flashed in his gaze. "Good." He sneered. "As it happens, Tilly replaced her heart with an artificial one. Since we share the same blood type, why don't you donate yours to her?" Gemma froze. Her heart? She didn't have one anymore. "N-No!" Matilda suddenly grabbed Theodore's arm in panic. "I don't want her heart! The artificial one just needs regular replacements. She… She holds a grudge against your family. Her heart is tainted. I don't want to be contaminated by it." Theodore's expression softened as he gently stroked Matilda's hair. "You're right. Her heart is far too filthy for you." During the cake-cutting moment, as Matilda closed her eyes to make a wish, the crowd around them began to cheer. "Kiss her! Kiss her!" Amid the crowd's cheers, Theodore leaned down and kissed her. The kiss was deep and lingering, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck as she melted into him. Gemma turned to leave, but her weakened body made her stagger. She braced herself against the wall, the echoes of the cheering still ringing in her ears as she slowly made her way out. Outside the banquet hall, the night breeze was cool. Without realizing it, she found herself by the lake. Moonlight danced on the rippling surface, painting a scene of quiet beauty. She stood at the water's edge, lost in thought—until a sudden shove from behind sent her tumbling forward. The icy water swallowed her whole. Gemma didn't struggle. She let herself sink as the water flooded her nose and mouth. The suffocation took hold—and yet, it brought a strange sense of relief. Meanwhile, Theodore and Matilda were still lost in their passionate kiss. Suddenly, a scream pierced the air from outside the banquet hall. "Someone's dead! A woman jumped into the lake!"