“She was so selfless, even in the end. But why, Ruby? Lilah, how could you? Why is Gerard with you if you and Ruby were so close?"

“After reading her note, my heart feels heavy. Ruby's pain is palpable. But she should've fought for her place. After all, it's her child. Given time, he would've chosen her."

Every corner of the Internet seemed to echo the same sentiment.

"Lilah, how could you?"

The comments swelled with disdain, every word dripping with blame.

"Had it not been for Lilah, Ruby might've had her family back by now."

Many raged, wishing it was Lilah in that precarious position, not Ruby.

Gerard's hands gripped the steering wheel as he drove. When he caught a fleeting look at Lilah's screen, fury darkened his eyes. “Don't read that. I wouldn't be surprised if this was all Ruby's game."

Lilah, her face an unreadable mask, pocketed her phone. The thought of Ruby using such a desperate act to manipulate her had never crossed her mind.

When they reached the hospital, the scenario became all too clear.

Rumor was Ruby had been saved in the ER an hour earlier, but the Internet was none the wiser.

Everything pointed to a setup. Ruby and her agent seemed intent on letting the chaos bubble a bit more.

The Harris Group had a stake in this hospital, so they quickly found Ruby in VIP Room 478.

Though Ruby had lost a lot of blood from a superficial wrist cut, she was far from a life-threatening condition. There she was, propped against her bed, scrolling through her phone, basking in the storm she'd whipped up.

Her agent, leaning close, whispered, "The Internet's on your side. No matter what Lilah does next, stay silent. You're the ‘victim’ here.

Concentrate on your career. If Gerard poses a threat, we've got more cards to play."

This was Ruby's game. She'd given up on the dream of being a part of the Harris family and decided her comeback would be in the Limelight.

And if it meant stepping on Lilah and Gerard along the way? So be it.

In Ruby's eyes, they owed her.

"We'll keep my ‘awakening' a secret for now. Let the drama simmer a bit more." Gloating, Ruby cursed, "“Lilah thought she could have it all? Watch as your happy-ever-after crumbles." A sinister smile curled her lips, making her intentions crystal clear.

Ruby couldn't help but laugh.

Lilah, just outside, overheard every word, her heart shattering into pieces.

She realized her supposed friend had been betraying her all along.

"So, you got what you wanted. Are you pleased?" Lilah questioned.