At the sight of it, my expression shifted. "Don't you dare touch that."
As my sudden tension became apparent, Stella sneered, "Changed your tune, have you? Just moments ago, you were so brazen. Are you trembling now?"
The hosts were emboldened by her confidence. "Guys, this mistress has finally shown her fear. It seems the contents of this box are of great value!"
"What could be hidden within?"
They speculated, and their excitement mounted as if they had unearthed a treasure trove.
The audience in the live broadcast room buzzed with fervor. Their curiosity was piqued to its zenith.
I spoke with caution, "There is nothing of value within, but it holds great significance to me. You must not touch it."
As I uttered these words, I stepped forward, intent on seizing the sandalwood box.
Yet, Stella was swift; she snatched the box and flung it open, revealing a pearl necklace nestled quietly inside.
"I thought it might be something grand. Just a pearl necklace!"
Stella scoffed, dangling the necklace with disdain.
"Give it back to me!"
I rushed over nervously.
That necklace was a labor of love crafted by my mother and me. We painstakingly gathered each pearl and meticulously strung them together.
My mother wore it until her final breath, so it was the last tangible piece of her I had left.
It was invaluable not for its material worth but for the immeasurable sentiments and memories it encapsulated.
I could endure the loss of all else, but not this necklace.
I would never allow anyone to break it.
Before I could close the gap, Stella yanked the necklace with force.
A sharp snap echoed as the strand broke.
Pearls were scattered across the floor.
The mob stomped over the scattered pearls, crushing them beneath their feet.
"No!"
I witnessed the obliteration of my mother's final legacy.
My heart shattered, and tears streamed uncontrollably.
It was the second time I had wept; the first was at my mother's funeral.
"Look! The bitch is crying!"
"Did you not foresee this fate when you shamelessly embraced your role as a mistress?"
"Do not presume that your actions go unpunished merely because the law does not address your kind. Remember, we, the righteous online judges, are here!"
With reddened eyes, I fixed my gaze upon these frenzied souls and spoke with icy resolve, "You will rue this day."
Faced with my threats, they erupted in laughter.
A host even thrust the camera close to my face.