Mrs. Fu beamed. "Now that all the unpleasant people are gone, Emily, happy birthday! Let's sing and cut the cake."
The atmosphere instantly lifted with warmth and joy.
——
At that moment, Nathaniel Fu stood silently on the second-floor landing, leaning on the carved banister as he watched everything unfold below.
His brows furrowed slightly as his gaze fell on Emily's radiant face. He hadn't expected her birthmark to disappear so completely.
He had even met with Rosalie for her sake—asking her to prepare a perfume to help Emily. And yet, here she was, flawless and glowing, surrounded by laughter and love.
No wonder the three of them had been laughing and whispering in the room earlier—he had been the only one left in the dark.
Nathaniel's eyes drifted to Celia, her slim silhouette standing calmly beside the cake. She had told him he'd be watching a show, and sure enough—he had just witnessed the spectacular downfall of a manipulative couple.
Indeed, what sort of schemes could that clever little head of hers be plotting?
Just then, a new group entered the hall—black-suited bodyguards led by a tall man with a composed but commanding presence.
Someone from the Imperial Capital had arrived.
It was Victor Fu, Emily's father.
Nathaniel's expression turned cold. He straightened and swiftly descended the staircase.
——
Victor Fu had rushed from the capital, determined to take his daughter home.
He had been tormented knowing Emily had suffered so much here. As a father, he couldn't rest easy.
But the moment he reached the doorway, he paused.
There she was—his daughter.
No trace of the birthmark. Her face was radiant. She stood in a sea of admiration, the soft candlelight reflecting in her joyful eyes as everyone around her sang Happy Birthday.
Victor had braced himself to find a broken, sobbing girl.
Instead, he found a dazzling little princess.
He was stunned.
——
Inside, Emily and Mrs. Fu began slicing the cake.
Aunt Zhou walked briskly toward Celia and whispered, "Young Madam."
Celia turned and looked at her. "What is it?"
Aunt Zhou hesitated. "Someone from the Fu family in the capital is here. Miss Emily's father has arrived. He wants to take her back."
She glanced discreetly at Mrs. Fu. "He also asked to speak with her. Hmph, I don't trust his intentions."
Mrs. Fu walked over, holding a large plate. "Celia, I saved the biggest slice of strawberry cake for you."
Celia smiled faintly. "Thanks, Mom, but I need to use the restroom first."
"Alright, don't take too long."
Celia nodded and left with Aunt Zhou. "Take me to him."
"Yes, ma'am."
A short while later, Aunt Zhou led her to Victor Fu. The tall man glanced up as Celia approached.
"Hello, Uncle," she greeted politely.
Victor looked surprised to see a young girl. His brows creased. "You're not who I asked for."
As the eldest son of the Fu family in the capital, Victor's aura carried an innate authority. But Celia stood tall, calm and composed, her clear eyes unflinching.
"Madam Fu isn't available at the moment," she said. "If there's something you need, you can speak to me."
Victor reached into his coat and pulled out a sleek black card with gold embossing. "Give this to Madam Fu."
Celia didn't take it. "What is it?"
"I heard Emily used a so-called 'fragrance pill' from your Madam Fu," he said coldly. "Whatever it cost, I'll pay. I don't owe you anything."
A slow smile curved Celia's lips. "How much is on it?"
Victor narrowed his eyes, but before he could reply, she went on.
"Three hundred million? Three billion? Thirty billion? Since you're so wealthy, Uncle, why didn't you buy one yourself? If you could just buy a cure, you could've healed your daughter's face long ago and given her a new life."
Her tone was light, but each word hit with precision.
She met his gaze steadily.
"Or is it… that even all your money couldn't buy it?"