Sullivan Manor was ablaze with lights.

Crimson lanterns hung high, casting a festive glow over the entire estate.

Eleanor Sullivan sat at the head of the table, her eyes crinkling with joy. Ethan Sullivan was seated to her left, Sophia Laurent to her right, and across from them was Natalie Sullivan.

"Sophia, try this." The elderly woman ladled a bowl of cordyceps chicken soup and pushed it toward Sophia. "It's good for replenishing energy—perfect for when you're trying to conceive."

Sophia accepted it with both hands. "Thank you, Grandmother."

Eleanor's eyes curved into crescents. "You'll be twenty-five after the New Year—just the right age to start a family."

Victor Sullivan suddenly interjected, "How about June 18th for the wedding? Six-one-eight—an auspicious date."

Sophia froze.

The shift in his attitude was too abrupt.

Ethan squeezed her palm. "I chose it. It coincides with Sophia's birthday."

Victor nodded eagerly. "An excellent choice! Sophia is truly blessed—even her birthday brings good fortune to her husband."

Sophia nearly choked on her soup.

This time last year, the old man had claimed her birth chart spelled doom for her spouse.

Ethan placed a piece of steamed sea bass on her plate. "Fortune isn't dictated by birth dates—it's about the person."

Victor's expression stiffened.

Eleanor shot him a glare. "Can't you keep your mouth shut even while eating?"

Victor lowered his head sheepishly.

Eleanor turned to Natalie, who had been quietly focused on her meal. "Little one, why so quiet today?"

Natalie looked up. "I miss Alexander."

The table erupted in laughter.

Ethan massaged his temples.

His sister had absolutely no sense of restraint.

Eleanor teased, "Why not share a wedding with your brother?"

"Yes! Absolutely!" Natalie's eyes sparkled like stars.

Victor cleared his throat loudly. "You're still young. There's no rush."

Natalie slammed her chopsticks down. "Sophia got married at twenty!"

"That was different," Victor said sternly. "Marriage is a serious matter—it requires careful consideration."

Natalie sneered. "No wonder your wife left you!"

Victor's face instantly turned ashen.

He didn't utter another word for the rest of the meal.

After the New Year's Eve dinner, Sophia received a call from Audrey Sullivan. "Come to my studio. I've designed a few wedding gowns for you."

"But the one from before hasn't even been worn yet..."

"That was two years ago!" Audrey's tone brooked no argument. "Bring Ethan along—I'll make him a new suit too."

On the evening of the eighth day of the New Year, at Audrey's studio...

"My, this skin." Audrey pinched Sophia's cheek. "Like a peeled hard-boiled egg."

Sophia's eyes curved into smiles. "You're the one who looks barely older than me."

"Now that's what I like to hear." Audrey beamed.

When it was Ethan's turn, she patted her son's shoulder. "Handsome! No surprise—you take after me."

Ethan turned his face away. "Narcissist."

Audrey huffed. "Ask your wife if I'm wrong!"

Sophia immediately chimed in, "My mother-in-law is the most beautiful woman in the world, and my husband is the most handsome man."

Audrey grinned from ear to ear. "Hear that? Such sweet words!"

Ethan shook his head in resignation. "No need to flatter her."

"Just stating facts," Sophia said with a blink.

After finalizing the wedding dress designs, evening had fallen.

Audrey watched the young couple walk away hand in hand, a flicker of envy in her eyes.

If only back then...

She shook her head, dispelling the futile fantasy.

As she finished tidying the studio and pushed the door open, a flurry of snowflakes greeted her face.

A Rolls-Royce glided to a stop before her.

The window rolled down, revealing Victor's aged face.

"It's snowing. Let me drive you."

Audrey turned on her heel and walked away.

Victor hurriedly stepped out of the car and chased after her. "Audrey..."

"Get lost!"

"Not a chance." Victor lowered his voice. "I'll sacrifice my dignity, but not my wife."

Audrey halted. "Have you lost your mind?"

Victor leaned close to her ear. "For you, I'd go mad."

Audrey smirked and pulled out her phone. "Bring me two pounds of rat poison. Someone's in a hurry to die."

Ten minutes later, her assistant arrived with two buckets of poison.

Audrey shoved them toward Victor. "Help yourself."

Victor stared at the containers, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

To eat or not to eat?

That was the lethal question.