When Nikolas starts experiencing periods of rage where he begins to black out, Emily convinces Nikolas to have tests performed. He insists on throwing a ball first to honor their renewed love. Dubbing it a Black and White Ball, he invites all of their friends. The night of the ball, Nikolas proposes to Emily. She happily accepts. Crazed mafia don Anthony Zacchara breaks into the ball, and terrorizes the guests. During Zacchara's rampage, Nikolas experiences another blackout. Jason ties him to a chair to protect the other guests, and takes Emily to the stables to protect her. Emily leaves, though, and finds Nikolas, who has broken free. While arguing with Emily about her leaving for her own safety, Nikolas is knocked out and Emily is strangled to death. Emily's death leaves her family and friends grief-stricken, while Nikolas is devastated.