Bianca stumbled back home in a daze, her mind still reeling.

She had barely stepped through the door when her phone buzzed again with a new message from Lucy. This time, it was a video—one she could barely stand to watch.

She could hear Lucy's taunting voice. "On your knees. I like it from behind."

The rustle of clothing and the unmistakable sounds of bodies entwined filled the audio, echoing in Bianca's ears and making her stomach churn.

She gripped her phone so tightly that her knuckles went white, and her face drained of color.

Moments later, a new message arrived. "The woman he doesn't love is always the other woman. Stop fooling yourself and get lost."

The wave of disgust and heartbreak that washed over Bianca was overwhelming, threatening to suffocate her.

She pressed a hand to the wall, steadying herself as she fought the urge to throw up. Tears of hurt and fury welled up and spilled over, burning tracks down her cheeks.

After a while, she wiped her tears away. With cold determination in her eyes, she stared at the phone as messages kept flashing across the screen.

At last, she tossed the phone aside, like she was letting go of her last shred of hope. There was nothing left to hold her here.

From this moment on, whatever ties she had to Sebastian and Christian were cut, as if their paths had split for good and they were nothing but strangers from now on.

That night, Bianca slept deeply and undisturbed.

When morning came, she got up early and began packing every single gift Sebastian and Christian had ever given her over the last ten years. She boxed everything up and left it all at the front door.

She had already arranged for a resale company to pick up the items, and everything would be sold, with the proceeds going to charity.

Just as she finished, Sebastian and Christian, who hadn't come home the night before, finally pulled up outside.

As soon as they stepped out of the car, they spotted the boxes stacked by the door and immediately recognized them as their old gifts to Bianca.

Christian, puzzled and a little anxious, reached out and held her hand. "Mommy, what's going on? Why are you throwing all this away?"

Bianca barely glanced at him, her expression unreadable and cool. "I'm donating it. Other people need these things more than I do."

Sebastian, picking up on her icy mood, quickly guessed she must be upset about him taking Christian out all night without saying a word.

Trying to smooth things over, he pulled her into a hug, softening his voice as he tried to coax her. "Come on, honey, I'm sorry. Christian woke up in the middle of the night wanting to see a movie, so I took him out. I just didn't want to disturb you. You're not really upset about that, are you?"

If it were before, his pleading might have melted her heart. But now, it left her cold as stone. Bianca pushed him away without hesitation, her face set and unmoved.

But then, Sebastian grabbed her wrist and pulled out a small velvet box from his pocket. He unclasped a sparkling diamond bracelet and fastened it around her wrist.

"Here, take this as a peace offering. Please don't be upset with me," he pleaded, his gaze locked on hers.

In the past, a gesture like that would have brought Bianca to tears. But now, she felt nothing. Her expression stayed cold and indifferent.

Then, she heard Christian's inner thoughts. "It's a good thing the saleswoman gave that bracelet for free when Daddy bought Lucy's gift. Luckily, he didn't throw it away."

So, it was nothing more than a leftover freebie.

A small, bitter laugh escaped Bianca as she yanked her hand free, the bracelet slipping off and falling to the floor with a sharp little clink.

She straightened, looking at both of them with clear, cold eyes. "I don't want it. Take it back."

Turning on her heel, she walked back to her room, leaving both of them standing in the entryway, completely at a loss.

Christian, worried and uncertain, turned to Sebastian and asked, "Daddy, what's wrong with Mommy? Is she mad at us? Do you think she found out about Lucy?"

Sebastian's expression darkened, his face clouded with a mix of emotions as he watched Bianca walk away.

Trying to convince both himself and Christian, he said gently, "No, there's no way she knows. Her birthday is coming up, so we'll surprise her and make her happy, alright?"

Christian nodded in agreement.

Time seemed to slip by quickly. Over the past several days, Sebastian and Christian had barely been home, always busy spending time with Lucy.

One morning, Bianca received a call from the agency handling her fake death, asking her to come in and sign some paperwork.

She gathered her things and was just about to leave the house when Christian, who hadn't been home in ages, suddenly showed up and blocked her way.

"Mommy, where are you going?" he asked.

"I just have some things to take care of. I'll be back soon," Bianca replied, trying to step around him, but Christian clung tightly to her leg.

"Don't go, Mommy. I want to go to the mall and pick out a new toy. Will you come with me?"

Before Bianca could react, Christian had already dragged her out to the car.

Later, the car sped down the road and soon pulled up in front of a large shopping mall.

As soon as they stopped, Bianca looked out the window and noticed two lines of employees standing at the entrance, as if they were waiting for someone.

The moment she stepped out, she was immediately surrounded by armfuls of purple wisteria and cheerful employees.

"Happy birthday, Mrs. Lowe!" they called out in unison.

Confetti rained down as the massive digital screen at the mall lit up with a message. "Happy 30th Birthday, Bianca Lane!"

Stunned and speechless, Bianca was swept into the mall by the enthusiastic crowd.

Onlookers outside the mall watched with envy and amazement.

"Wow. Mr. Lowe really loves his wife," someone whispered.

"I heard he ordered the whole mall to close two weeks in advance just to set up this surprise for Mrs. Lowe," another chimed in.

"That's right! Word is, Mr. Lowe picked out a super expensive gift for Mrs. Lowe. I wish I could catch a glimpse! And their son even helped plan the whole thing!"

"What a picture-perfect family." Someone sighed.

All the gushing and gossip drifted into Bianca's ears, but she showed no expression. The bitterness inside her was hers alone to bear.

Inside the grand atrium, a warm spotlight lit the stage where Sebastian stood, dignified and polished, waiting at the end of a red carpet.

When Sebastian caught sight of Bianca, his whole demeanor softened. He came down from the stage, took her hand, and dropped to one knee.

"Bianca, happy birthday. I love you," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.

The entire mall erupted in cheers.

"Bianca, I know Christian and I upset you before, so we're truly sorry. Today is your birthday. Can you forgive us?" Sebastian said, glancing at her hopefully.

Christian tugged at Bianca's sleeve, looking up at her with wide, apologetic eyes. "Please don't be mad, Mommy. Daddy and I have been planning this surprise for weeks. Happy birthday, Mommy. Please forgive us."

Standing there, Bianca felt a wave of sorrow wash over her. They didn't understand that some things, once broken, could never truly be fixed.

Seeing she was still silent, Sebastian reached into his jacket and slowly opened a small gift box. Under the lights, a dazzling gold heart-shaped locket sparkled, adorned with vibrant emeralds and rubies that caught every glimmer.

People in the crowd gasped with admiration.

"No way! That's the Celestis Heart locket! It's breathtaking!"

"I heard it's one of a kind. Mr. Lowe found it in a private collection in Valedale and paid a fortune! They say whoever receives the Celestis Heart locket will find love that never fades!"

"I'm so jealous! Mr. Lowe really went all out for her."

Yet despite all the excitement, Bianca remained unmoved. No matter how rare or extravagant the gift, her heart had already gone cold. There was no turning back.

A hush spread as everyone realized Bianca hadn't responded, and a quiet wave of confusion rippled through the crowd.

Just then, a soft yet cool voice called out, "Sebastian."

A tall, elegant woman appeared at the entrance.

Lucy walked into the mall, her long, dark hair cascading down her shoulders, and her red lips vivid against her elegant white coat.

Sebastian and Christian glanced up, their faces flashing briefly with surprise and delight. Christian's excitement nearly made him shout her name, but Sebastian quickly covered his mouth.

All eyes turned to Lucy as she calmly approached Bianca.

"What a lovely locket," Lucy remarked with admiration, staring at the golden Celestis Heart locket in Bianca's hands.

The employees exchanged puzzled glances. After all, Sebastian had specifically reserved the entire mall and strictly forbidden entry to anyone who wasn't invited. And yet, Lucy not only showed up, but she even had the nerve to speak to Bianca with that smug attitude.

Everyone held their breath, unsure how to react.

"You're so lucky, Mrs. Lowe," Lucy said sweetly. "This locket is incredibly rare. I heard Mr. Lowe spent billions to get it for you. He must truly love you."

Her words sounded complimentary, but Bianca heard the thinly veiled sarcasm. She remained expressionless, refusing to engage.

Lucy turned gracefully, her voice now inquisitive. "I heard Mr. Lowe upset you. Is that why you're unhappy?"

Sebastian's face darkened, but before he could speak, Lucy cut him off. "Mrs. Lowe, please don't stay mad. I'm here to apologize for Mr. Lowe. Actually, the night before, he was with me..."

She paused deliberately, letting her words hang in the air.

Gasps of disbelief rippled through the crowd, eyes wide with shock.

"...and several colleagues, working on a new project," Lucy finished, causing everyone to breathe a sigh of relief.

Of course, Sebastian wouldn't betray his beloved wife.

Lucy laughed lightly. "Mrs. Lowe, don't be so petty. Give Mr. Lowe a bit of space."

All eyes shifted expectantly toward Bianca, awaiting her reaction.

In the corner, Sebastian's expression turned grim as Lucy quietly stepped closer to him while everyone's attention was on Bianca.

"What do you think you're doing here?" Sebastian hissed fiercely.

Lucy leaned seductively toward him, her voice low and enticing. "I was just worried that things might not be going well between you and Mrs. Lowe, so..."

As she spoke, Lucy discreetly slipped her hand into Sebastian's jacket.

Feeling his response, she smirked softly, boldly guiding his hand beneath her own coat, whispering provocatively, "...I came to cheer you up."

Sebastian's eyes darkened with desire. "You're playing with fire," he growled quietly.

He gripped her firmly, quickly glancing around before touching her more boldly. Lucy blushed, struggling to hold back the soft sounds escaping her lips.

Finally, Sebastian pulled his hand away and acted as if nothing had happened.

On stage, Bianca had seen every move. Her nails dug deep into her palm, unaware of the blood trickling down her fingers.

"Mr. Lowe, put the locket on Mrs. Lowe! We'd love to see how beautiful it looks on her," an employee called cheerfully, breaking the tension. Others echoed their approval.

Seizing the moment, Sebastian stepped forward, gently lifting the locket and gazing lovingly at Bianca. "Let me put this on you, honey."

Just as he moved to fasten the necklace, Bianca suddenly stepped back, visibly repulsed.

Confused whispers filled the audience. Never had they seen Bianca openly reject Sebastian like this. What exactly did Sebastian do to make her this angry?

In the awkward silence, Lucy's clear voice rang out again. "Mrs. Lowe, you're so difficult to please."

Sebastian froze.

With a soft laugh, Lucy continued, "Mrs. Lowe, if you don't want this beautiful locket, maybe you could pass it on to me. My fiance and I are getting married soon, and it would make such a lovely gift. Would you be willing to?"

Sebastian shot Lucy a dangerous look, warning her silently.

But Lucy ignored him, putting on a pitiful act. "My fiance can't openly show his love for certain reasons, but he gives me everything. So, Mr. and Mrs. Lowe, could you please give me this locket?"

Lucy suddenly took Bianca's hand, pleading dramatically. Bianca stared at her coldly, wary of whatever game Lucy was playing.

Sebastian finally snapped, his voice tense with anger, "Ms. Hart, this locket is my wife's birthday gift. Know your place and leave, now."

Lucy suddenly fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face. "Bianca, please! Let me have it!"

The crowd murmured, shocked and confused. Some condemned Lucy's audacity, others criticized Bianca's arrogance.

Meanwhile, Bianca clearly heard Christian's inner thoughts. "I feel so bad for Lucy. How could Mommy be so petty over a locket? Why did she have to make Lucy beg like that? I hate Mommy."

Bianca stared in disbelief at Christian. He hated her just because she wouldn't give Lucy the locket. Was this really the boy who once cherished her above everything?

Sebastian stepped protectively in front of Bianca and snapped, "Lucy, who do you think you are? How dare you ask for something that belongs to my wife? Get out of here now!"

Stunned by Sebastian's fierce reaction, Lucy trembled, her eyes welling with tears. "Sebastian..."

"Get out!" Sebastian roared, cutting her off harshly.

Lucy stared at Sebastian in disbelief. She scrambled to her feet, sobbing as she ran from the scene.

Sebastian watched silently as Lucy disappeared, then turned gently toward Bianca, placing the locket in her hand. His voice softened as he said, "Honey, this is yours. No one else has the right to take it away from you."

Bianca responded coldly, "Understood."

Cheers erupted around them, streamers filling the air as everyone celebrated the apparent reconciliation, wishing Bianca a happy birthday.

However, Sebastian stood quietly in the corner, distracted.

As the celebration ended and people dispersed, Sebastian's phone buzzed nonstop. He ignored it, but seemed restless.

Just before they reached their car, Sebastian hesitated, quickly glanced at his phone, and said apologetically, "Honey, something urgent came up at work. I have to go."

Hearing that, Bianca remained silent.

Interpreting her silence as agreement, Sebastian quickly turned and left without looking back.