Chapter 4

I sent all the pre-recorded videos to my brother, who knew about my diagnosis and was fully aware of my plan.

Ours was a family devoid of warmth. Raised under my father's influence, my brother had always resented me, blaming me for our mother's death during childbirth.

"Emily, your cancer is karma. You should've paid with your life for my mom a long time ago."

That was his first response upon hearing the news.

I promised him the company, and he promised to play my videos at my funeral.

My phone screen blinked on and off, and the messages came in nonstop.

They were from Matthew, his location pinging from abroad.

[Emily, don't worry. I'll make it back for the family dinner tomorrow.]

[You're not mad, are you?]

[Emily, you have to understand. Olivia threatened suicide. I couldn't just ignore her.]

[She's a living person! What kind of man would I be to let her die?]

Each new message brought a numbing sensation to my lips and drained the strength from my limbs. As the screen filled with more notifications, I lost consciousness.

When I collapsed to the ground, my final question lingered in my fading mind.

Matthew, I just wondered how miserable your end would be.

My soul detached from my body. I floated above, staring down at my pale face and lifeless body sprawled across the floor.

Perhaps my unfulfilled rage moved the heavens, granting me this chance to witness their inevitable downfall.

My phone, now running on its last bar of battery, showed over 99 unread messages.

The final one from Matthew popped up: [Emily, stop causing a scene. I might be late from the airport. Wait for me at Gabor Estate.]

I let out a cold laugh and willed my consciousness to Gabor Estate, ready to watch the drama unfold.

Soon, Matthew arrived in a rush, his tie crooked, his breaths uneven as he stormed into the estate.

"Grandfather, where's Emily? I need to speak with her privately," he asked.

Henry's furrowed brows deepened at his grandson's frantic demeanor.

"Matt! Must you always act so recklessly? And you'd better rein in Olivia's antics from now on. Our family isn't yet free from relying on Emily's family's support.

"If it hadn't been for Olivia's tantrums about studying piano abroad and your secret misuse of company funds, the company wouldn't have ended up in such a dire situation. You can't afford to push Emily away. Watch your temper!"

Matthew's expression twisted, a mix of annoyance and frustration darkening his features.

"Grandfather, is this really the time to bring that up? If Emily hears about this, everything will be ruined!"

A pang of bitterness coursed through me. So, the financial crisis I nearly died trying to save them from was Olivia's doing. Matthew's past kindnesses were never about love; they were about greed, about using me to revive his failing company.

"What?" Henry asked, confused by Matthew's accusatory tone.

Matthew froze for a moment, his composure cracking.

"She... hasn't arrived yet?"

He sighed, pulling out his phone. He dialed my number over and over, but no one picked up. By the time he had called three times with no answer, panic began to creep into his expression.

"Pick up, Emily! Answer the phone!"

He started pacing, frustration boiling over as he stomped his feet in agitation.

Henry suggested they sit down, reminding him that the family dinner couldn't be delayed since everyone was already present.

Matthew reluctantly took his seat at the table, but no sooner had he settled than his phone rang.

Excitement lit up his face, only to be replaced by confusion and unease as he listened to the voice on the other end.

It was my brother, Jacob.

"Matthew, make sure to attend Emily's funeral tomorrow."

The sound of the call disconnecting echoed loudly. Matthew's hand, still clutching the phone, froze mid-air as if time itself had stopped.

Henry tapped his shoulder with his cane.

"What's the matter? Who was that?"