“How could this be? The sedative dosage wasn’t even that high! Why hasn’t he woken up yet? Lannister, wake up now, or you’ll be cremated alive!” Quinn stared at Lannister in disbelief, shaking him violently.

“I already told you he’s dead. Stop deluding yourself. Just let them take him out and cremate him!” I gently blocked her and signaled the staff to push Lannister’s "body" away quickly.

Quinn struggled desperately. “No! He’s not dead! He’s really not dead!”

I watched her scream and shout hysterically, a faint smile playing on my lips. Regardless, Lannister was going to die for real that day.

I climbed into the hearse and headed to the crematorium. Quinn followed us closely, frantically calling Serena. “Chairwoman, something terrible has happened! Sophia is taking Lannister to the crematorium! She’s going to burn him alive! Hurry and stop that lunatic, or Lannister will really die!”

Panting heavily, Serena almost threw her phone upon hearing this. Ignoring Quinn’s call, she quickly dialed my number.

I simply turned off my phone for some peace and quiet.

At the crematorium, I selected a VIP package for Lannister and requested expedited service so he wouldn’t have to wait in line for his trip to the afterlife.

Under the lure of a hefty payment, the mortician hastily applied some makeup on him before pushing him toward the furnace.

“This is murder! You know Lannister isn’t dead! You must have found out about our relationship and are taking revenge!” Quinn clung to the gurney, refusing to let them push it any further.

I glanced at the time, losing patience. I put on some gloves and personally began to guide the gurney toward the furnace.

Just as Lannister was about to be pushed inside, a voice commanded from outside, “No one is to touch him!”

Serena arrived, breathless and drenched in sweat. Seeing me with my hands on the gurney, her legs trembled.

Quinn rushed over to support her.

“Chairwoman, I don’t know what’s gotten into Sophia. She insists on cremation! How could we let Lannister suffer like this?” Quinn batted her eyes dramatically at Serena, who nodded calmly.

“Sophia, I understand you’re grieving, but in our family, we bury our loved ones. Push him back right now,” Serena said tearfully, fixing her gaze on my hands gripping the gurney.

I smiled faintly. All I needed was a gentle push, and Lannister would meet the flames. “Mom, cremation is the modern way. Besides, Lannister is already dead. He won’t feel anything anymore.”

I subtly pushed the gurney forward.

“No!”

“Stop!”

Serena and Quinn cried out simultaneously.

“Sophia, listen to me. Wheel him out, and I’ll agree to whatever you want!” Serena pleaded, her voice strained as she bit her lip.

“Mom, I’ve spent so many years with Lannister. I know him best. Let him leave peacefully now. I can’t bear it either, but we can turn his ashes into a ring or necklace and keep him close as if he’s still with us.” I shook my head, pretending to look at Lannister with a sorrowful gaze.

“You wicked woman! You know Lannister isn’t dead, and you’re doing this on purpose!” Unable to hold back any longer, Quinn pointed at me and cursed, calling me cruel and heartless.

“This is a family matter. What does it have to do with you?” I feigned ignorance, looking at her blankly.

Serena realized it wasn’t the right time for Quinn to speak out and quickly tugged at her sleeve.

“Mom, don’t stop me! This witch already knows all about our plan!” Quinn glared at Serena, frustrated.

“Mom? Why is Quinn calling you Mom? Could it be… Is she really…?” I clutched my chest, feigning heartbreak as I stared at them.

“Stop pretending! You already knew about me and Lannister, and you know he’s not dead. This is deliberate murder!” Quinn lunged at me, trying to wrest the gurney from my hands. Her eyes blazed with fury as if she wanted to tear me apart.

I stood still as she approached, but when she reached for the gurney, I extended my foot and tripped her.

“Ah!”

Quinn lost her balance and stumbled forward. Using the momentum, I grabbed her hand and pushed the gurney into the furnace.

“Lannister!”