Chapter 4
When Jolie regained consciousness, she found herself in a hospital bed. She slowly opened her eyes to see Leroy’s anxious expression.
He let out a slight sigh of relief, yet his proud attitude persisted.
“Jolie, please stop provoking me, alright? I didn’t need to reprimand you.”
However, Jolie simply shut her eyes and turned her head aside.
“I get it. It won’t happen again.”
“Alright, no more feeling upset. I will make it up to you,” he said with a smile, wrapping her in his arms.
“Next week, I’ll host the most extravagant birthday party for you at Skyline Restaurant–an exclusive event.”
Skyline Restaurant, New York’s largest Michelin–starred restaurant, sat atop the Crystal Tower. It had only been booked privately three times.
Once for the son of the richest man, once for a top A–list celebrity, and now for Leroy
When Jolie arrived, the entire restaurant was adorned with flowers, and the air was filled with the fragrance of scented candles. Outside the window, neon lights displayed the message “I LOVE YOU.”
The elevator doors slid open moments later, revealing Jane and Leroy. An ironic smile involuntarily spread across Jolie’s face.
Leroy, with a frown, said, “Jolie, Jane wanted to be part of the
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celebration, so she came along to join in your birthday festivities too.”
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She lowered her eyes and noticed Leroy gripping Jane’s hand firmly. He briefly considered releasing it.
But after a moment, his smug demeanor returned, as if cautioning her against being stubborn.
“Thank you,” Jolie stated with composure.
The moment she spoke, Leroy was satisfied with her compliance. He let go of Jane and drew Jolie into his embrace instead.
Jane’s smile remained as her face turned somber, offering her gift silently.
Jolie opened it without any emotion, but as soon as she glimpsed what was inside, her expression stiffened, and a chill swept over her.
Inside was a low–grade emerald pendant–almost valueless. Yet, it was the very keepsake her mother had left behind.
She seized Jane’s wrist with force, her eyes burning with anger.
“Where did you find this? How dare you present me with my mother’s belongings!”
Jane recoiled, tears quickly forming in her eyes.
“Jolie, I chose this with care! I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday, that’s all. You’re hurting my feelings.”
At that moment, Jolie’s mind replayed the scene of her mother being struck, thrown onto the street, a splash of red.
With bloodshot eyes, she glared intensely at Jane.
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All of a sudden, Jane reached for the box and said, “I’m sorry, Jolie! If you don’t like it, I can choose a different gift for you.”
“Give it back!” Jolie attempted to grab it, but Jane let go unexpectedly.
With a sharp clatter, the emerald pendant shattered.
“No!” Jolie, filled with anger, dived to save it, inadvertently causing Jane
to trip.
In an instant, Jane stumbled against the railing, lost her balance, and tumbled down the spiral staircase.
“Jane!” Leroy’s eyes widened with shock. He pushed Jolie aside and sprinted down the stairs.
Fragments of the pendant were sent flying, scattering in all directions. Some even slid down the countless steps.
“No, no!” Jolie cried out, sinking to the floor to gather the only keepsake from her mother.
Leroy’s bodyguards rushed in, and one accidentally stepped on Jolie’s hand.
Pain shot through her, but she ignored it, focusing solely on gathering each piece of the emerald pendant.
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