Before she could react, someone suddenly charged at her from behind and knocked her to the ground. The box in her hand hit the floor with a thud. Through a blur, she caught a glimpse of what was inside—the box contained a high-quality diamond, its color bright and smooth.
Then, a sharp gunshot rang out across the chaotic hall. The crowd below erupted into a frenzy, with screams, cries, and shouts blending together. The person behind her grunted before falling silent.
In a panic, she scrambled to get up and turned over the person who had shielded her from the fatal shot. There, Vincent lay on the ground, his face pale and his chest soaked with blood. She felt dizzy, as if her breath were about to stop entirely.
Tears streamed down her face as she held him tightly in her arms, letting out a piercing scream.
"No—! Vince, brother—!"