Chapter 371

Emily took a deep breath. "Starting tomorrow, I'm going to learn how to cook."

James was always so busy; she couldn't let him waste his precious downtime on household chores.

James chuckled. "Just don't blow up the kitchen."

When it came to cooking, Emily wasn't exactly confident. But she had already made up her mind to learn.

After chatting for a bit, Emily asked, "How was your first day at the company? Are you getting used to it?"

James shrugged. "Nicole gave me some trouble, but I can handle it."

It was clear James didn't want to talk about it. But Emily knew his personality well. He always shouldered burdens alone, especially around her.

Emily didn't press further. "Do I need to prepare anything for tomorrow night?"

"No."

Even though James said it wasn't necessary, Emily still prepared some gifts for everyone. She got limited-edition gemstone earrings for the three sisters-in-law from a hard-to-find brand. For Amelia, she brought a bottle of her favorite perfume. And for Gabriel, a handcrafted chess table made from rare wood.

Everyone was pleased with their gifts. Of course, Emily also prepared a gift for Nicole, the same limited-edition earrings as the sisters-in-law.

But at dinner, Emily didn't see Nicole. Amelia had gathered the family because she knew James and Emily were coming back. Emily had seen Nicole's car in the driveway and assumed she was home, but she didn't show up at the table.

Vincent explained, "Today is a big day for Nicole. She usually comes back but stays in her space. Don't take it personally, Emmy."

Emily just shook her head. "It's fine."

Amelia sighed. "It's our fault, your father's and mine."

Amelia didn't want to say more and instead opened the bottle of calming perfume Emily had given her, clearly delighted. "Emmy, this perfume really works. My sleep has improved so much, even when I'm in Starry Capital. Make sure to keep me stocked up."

Emily smiled. "Of course, Mrs. Smith. Anytime you need it, I'll send it over."

Amelia laughed. Vincent chimed in, "You should start calling her 'Mom' like the rest of us."

Emily suddenly remembered that she and James were officially married. She smiled and said, "Mom."

Amelia beamed. "No rush. I haven't even given you a wedding gift yet."

She turned to Gabriel. "Gabriel, do you think ten billion dollars is too little for a wedding gift?"

Gabriel looked at her warmly. "If you think it's too little, add more. It's up to you."

Emily and James stayed for dinner. Afterward, they returned to their quarters. Once inside the cozy courtyard, Emily finally felt at ease. A while later, Neil came to fetch James, saying Gabriel wanted to see him in the study. Emily decided to head to the treehouse in the sycamore tree. She loved this place. Nestled inside, it felt like the safest spot in the world. There was even a small balcony with a lounge chair where she could enjoy the night view.

As she lay there, Emily suddenly heard the faint sound of singing, like an opera. The music seemed to come from far away, yet also felt close by. Curiosity piqued, she looked around and saw a brightly lit area in the neighboring courtyard. It looked like a theater.

Emily remembered James mentioning that Nicole belonged to the neighboring courtyard. During dinner, Amelia had mentioned that today was a significant day for Nicole. January 1st, New Year's Day. What could be so important about today?

Emily listened closely and recognized the opera as "Romeo and Juliet." Her heart tightened. She recalled the performance Nicole had taken her to on Angel Island, where the actors had tragically ended their lives on stage. It was a haunting memory that still troubled her.

Nicole was twisted like that. She manipulated actors, threatening their families to force them into a real-life "Romeo and Juliet" performance, all to satisfy her dark obsessions.

Emily had always regretted not realizing sooner, not seeing the signs. If she had, maybe those two lives could have been saved. The memory of their deaths haunted her, a constant, dull ache in her heart.

Was history about to repeat itself tonight? Emily's heart raced. She had to find out. Even though James had warned her not to go to Nicole's courtyard, she couldn't ignore the possibility of another tragedy.

She climbed down from the treehouse. Emily didn't plan to enter through the main gate. She had already scoped out the area from above and mapped out a route in her mind, including an escape plan.

She had to see what was happening. If it were like Angel Island, she would intervene.

High walls, reminiscent of an old castle, separated the courtyards. Emily found a tall sycamore tree whose branches extended into Nicole's courtyard. Quickly, she climbed the tree and jumped down to the other side.

In a few minutes, she found the courtyard with the stage. It was a small, bamboo-filled garden with rock formations, trees, and pavilions. In the center was a brightly lit stage. On it stood a single performer, dressed as Juliet, in a lavish costume that glittered under the lights, like a flame burning on stage.