Chapter 38

The grand ballroom buzzed with excitement as the towering birthday cake was wheeled out, its intricate tiers decorated with delicate swirls and glimmering details. Gasps of admiration rippled through the crowd.

"Oh my God, look at it!"

"It's massive!"

"The colour is perfect!"

“Oh! Isn't it just beautiful?”

Anderson moved swiftly through the sea of masked faces, his steps deliberate. He manoeuvred through the crowd like a shadow, blending in effortlessly. As he neared the cake, his hand slipped unnoticed toward the middle tier, discreetly dropping something onto the side.

"Yes," he whispered to himself, satisfaction lacing his tone. But no sooner had he done the deed than a sudden wave of dizziness hit him. His vision blurred, and his legs felt weak.

"What…what’s happening?" he muttered, barely audible. His heart raced as he staggered, gripping the back of a chair for support. ‘Not now,’ he thought desperately. ‘Please, not now.’

"And now, it’s time for the birthday girl to cut h