The day the Paris debutante ball officially opened, the Shangri-La Hotel was swarmed by media reporters eager to break the news.
However, the ball itself had yet to commence, and the invited debutantes had not yet arrived in their chauffeured cars.
Following tradition, the first to arrive were the distinguished guests on the guest list. As the guest of honor for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, international supermodel Michelle was met with an enthusiastic throng of fans the moment she stepped out of her car.
Many had traveled from all over the world upon hearing the news, solely to witness her entrance.
The high-frequency flashes of cameras followed Michelle's every move, as if no one wished to miss a single second of her stunning appearance. The media, in turn, described it as "Tonight, the queen returns, reliving her glorious moment."
Meanwhile, the doctor conducted pre-operative checks on Axe. His condition was good, and as soon as the artificial heart arrived, the transplant surgery could proceed.
Yet, Axe remained completely in the dark. At this moment, a nurse entered with the prepared anesthetic.
Axe nodded at the doctor and the nurse, who then prepared to administer an IV drip.
Axe: "What is this?"
Doctor: "Nutrient solution."
Axe: "Nutrient solution? Why haven't I been given this before?"
The doctor was at a loss for words. He was merely following Michelle's instructions to keep Axe uninformed about the surgery. He didn't know how to ease the sensitive Axe's guard, or rather, they couldn't convince a man as battle-hardened as Axe.
Just as the nurse was about to insert the needle into his vein, Axe swiftly countered, dodging the action and snatching the needle from the nurse's hand.
Now, the needle was just millimeters away from piercing the nurse's eyeball.
The nurse stood frozen in fear, while the doctor could only try to placate Axe, urging him to release the nurse and assuring him that everything could be discussed.
Axe tightened his grip around the nurse's neck, and her cry of distress drew the attention of Lawyer Yan from outside.
Yan Zhenghao: "Axe, let her go..."
Axe: "I hate deception the most. I gave you a chance, can you answer me properly now?"
Seeing the nurse on the verge of suffocation, Yan Zhenghao had no choice but to nod.
Yan Zhenghao: "Michelle plans to steal someone else's artificial heart today."
Axe immediately released the nurse, who, along with the doctor, quickly fled.
Yan Zhenghao was Axe's most trusted comrade. He had previously advised Michelle against concealing the plan from Axe. However, if she hadn't, Axe would certainly have refused.
Regardless of who placed the order, stealing someone's priceless heart undoubtedly increased the Empire's risk in the future and might even lead to unnecessary trouble for many.
Axe: "Stop her!!!"
Yan Zhenghao: "It's too late..."
Axe slammed his fist on the operating table, sending surgical instruments scattering across the floor.
He regretted entrusting the position of Tang to Michelle to act as proxy. This woman truly was willing to try anything to save him!
But did she truly understand the danger she was putting herself in?
If Gu Yilong found out she had stolen the heart, the world's top assassins would surely take the contract, and she might not escape death.
***
That evening, the debutantes attended the ball in their finest attire, each as beautiful and captivating as a princess. Their escorts were already waiting outside the luxurious cars to welcome them.
Su Ruiyi took several deep breaths. As the elegant Young Master Emmanuel extended his hand to her, Su Ruiyi immediately put on a practiced smile and took it.
Emmanuel: "Miss Su, good evening. It is an honor to attend the ball with you tonight."
Emmanuel was graceful and refined. Although he was somewhat thin and his pale complexion gave him a stern appearance, it could not conceal his noble demeanor.
Su Ruiyi: "Hello, the honor is mine as well. I hope we will have a wonderful evening together."
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Su Ruiyi linked arms with Emmanuel, and they slowly walked into the ballroom.
Once all the debutantes had arrived, the ballroom lights were dimmed to a soft glow. Soon, the debutantes would take turns dancing with their partners.
As it was nearing their turn to dance, Su Ruiyi clearly felt Emmanuel's hand grow colder.
When Su Ruiyi turned to look at Emmanuel, he was clutching his chest, appearing to be in great discomfort.
Su Ruiyi: "Mr. Emmanuel, are you alright?"
Emmanuel: "I... I'm fine..."
Emmanuel quickly pulled a small pill bottle from his pocket and swallowed a few tablets. After a while, a hint of color returned to his face.
Emmanuel: "It's our turn."
Emmanuel bowed to Su Ruiyi. When Su Ruiyi placed her hand on his again, she could feel Emmanuel forcing himself to endure his physical discomfort. Perhaps he was ill.