Chapter 5

Scarlett pointed at the Blue Diamond in his hand, "That's what I want."

All eyes turned towards us, including Scarlett's father, Mr. Stone.

Everyone wanted to know if Archer would give the necklace to me, his wife, or to Scarlett, his pure love.

Archer lowered his gaze, pondering for a moment. Then he raised his hand and fastened the Blue Diamond around Scarlett's neck.

"It's your birthday, so I'll grant your wish."

Scarlett laughed with abandon, her eyes and brows brimming with mockery directed at me.

A wave of whispers rippled through the crowd below. "Looks like after Scarlett's return, the Song Group will have a new mistress."

"The rags-to-riches story is best left in fairy tales. In reality, the prince always chooses the princess."

Those unsavory comments reached Archer's ears as well. He slowly retreated to my side, whispering words of comfort.

"At such an important business gathering, I can't afford to slight the Stone family. Just bear with it for now, and I'll buy you even more expensive jewelry later..."Archer's remaining words were cut short as the flickering lights made everyone dizzy. Suddenly, the crystal chandelier above us came crashing down.

In that split second, Archer instinctively shielded Scarlett, while I, unable to dodge in time, took the full brunt of the falling chandelier.

The immense pressure on my skull caused my prosthetic eye to pop out. Covered in blood, I looked both terrifying and pitiful, like a broken porcelain doll.