In the hallway, the pristine white carpet was stained a shocking crimson.

Celia, dressed in a white blouse, collapsed into the pool of her own blood, like a delicate rose drained of its life force—exquisite and broken.

"Celia?"

Flynn's pupils constricted. He stumbled forward, gathering her into his arms, his voice laced with a panic he didn't even recognize.

"Celia!"

In the haze of her fading consciousness, Celia asked in her mind, *System, what's happening to me?*

The System replied: 【Host, you only have a few days left before you depart this world. Your body is succumbing to the terminal illness. However, because you successfully completed the mission, I have preemptively blocked all pain sensations.】

Celia understood, but her head was still spinning.

She opened her eyes and met Flynn's frantic gaze. "What is all this blood? Celia, what are you trying to pull now?"

So, he could be panicked for her?

Celia struggled out of his arms and stood up, a weak smile on her face. "Mr. Caldwell, can't you tell?"

She pointed at the floor. "It's fake. Just ketchup. Why so tense, Mr. Caldwell? Are you worried I'm actually sick?"

As she spoke, she forcefully wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth.

Flynn didn't love her. He was here to defend Evelyn. If he found out she was dying from a terminal illness, his disgust would probably just make him curse her, telling her she deserved it.

Just as she predicted, Flynn's face darkened instantly.

"Celia, stop using these tricks to get my attention. No matter how jealous you are of your sister, you shouldn't have slandered her in public."

"Evelyn had her reasons for leaving back then. She's too kind-hearted to hold it against you. Out of respect for our past marriage, if you publicly apologize to Evelyn, I'll have the lawyers drop the lawsuit."

Celia just smiled, her tone casual.

"Go ahead and sue me. A lawsuit, or anything else, I'll take it."

…

The next day was Celia's birthday.

For her last birthday in this world, Celia spared no expense, booking out the highest and most expensive restaurant in Seacliff, The Pinnacle.

She was throwing herself a beautiful, grand birthday party. A farewell party for herself.

Before the party began, Celia ran into Flynn and Willow in the restaurant lobby.

Flynn seemed to be waiting for her. He walked straight towards her.

His first words were, "Celia, cancel your birthday party."

Celia froze for a second, then laughed. "I should cancel it just because you say so?"

The old Celia was gentle and accommodating. Flynn was momentarily thrown off by her new attitude, and his face hardened.

"I'm holding a press conference here today to clear up the rumors about Evelyn."

Celia's expression was unreadable, not a trace of her former warmth.

"What does that have to do with me?"

Just then, Willow tugged on Flynn's hand and said in German, "Daddy, let's go. If Mommy won't listen, she'll just end up embarrassing herself."

Flynn's expression turned cold. He warned Celia in a low voice, "Don't regret this."

Celia said no more and turned away.

Regret?

The biggest regret of her life was falling in love with Flynn Caldwell for real while she was supposed to be completing a mission.

At eight o'clock that evening, Celia's birthday party began on time.

On the big screen, a slideshow of pre-recorded birthday wishes played on a loop.

Some wished her a speedy return to the limelight, others wished her eternal youth…

Celia, her face flushed from the wine, smiled brightly as she accepted toast after toast. "Thank you all for your wishes. I'm very happy tonight."

Just as she finished speaking, someone switched the feed on the big screen to a live broadcast. Her parents' faces appeared, contorted with rage.

"Celia Thorne has deliberately slandered her own sister. Her character is despicable and rotten. From this day forward, we sever all ties with her!"

The screen switched again, and this time, Flynn and Willow's faces filled the frame.

Willow's voice was sharp. "My mother, Celia Thorne, abandoned me to go fool around with men while I was sick. I am disowning her as my mother!"

Then Flynn spoke, his voice cold and final. "Celia Thorne and I are divorced. She has maliciously damaged the reputation of my fiancée, Evelyn Thorne. Effective immediately, Celia Thorne is banned from all Caldwell properties. I expect her to leave The Pinnacle at once."