Chapter 1

The annual auction in Oakwood was a tradition my father and I shared.

Today was particularly significant; my mother's belongings were up for auction.

The owner of the auction house, an old friend of my father's, had reserved front-row seats for us. As the auctioneer announced the next item, my heart skipped a beat. It was my mother's ruby necklace.

"One million," I called out without hesitation.

"Five million."

A few seconds later, another bidder raised the stakes, and the price skyrocketed.

The voice was familiar.

I turned around and saw Anton's assistant, his eyes darting away as soon as they met mine.

He couldn't possibly afford five million dollars. It had to be Anton's money.

Seeing his expression, I realized who this necklace was meant for.

That woman, Skylar Hall, was now Anton's new favorite.

...

"Isn't that Anton's assistant?" my father recognized, his brow furrowing. "Is he bidding for you? Didn't you tell him you were coming today?"

I shook my head, a lump forming in my throat.

It had been over a month since Anton last came home, and we hadn't spoken in ages.

Even if I had told him, he wouldn't have cared.

Seeing my expression, my father seemed to understand something. His face darkened, and he raised his paddle. "Six million."

"Ten million." Without hesitation, the other bidder raised his paddle again.

"Fifteen million."

"Thirty million."

My father's hand trembled, and he seemed to hesitate, but eventually, the paddle fell weakly onto his lap.

Our family's business was small and short of funds. We couldn't compete with that kind of money.

The gavel struck three times, sealing the deal.

My father and I watched helplessly as my mother's necklace was sealed back in their box and taken away. We had lost interest in the rest of the auction.

As soon as it ended, I got up and walked towards Anton's assistant.

"Roland," I called out to him.

He paused, turning to face me with a look of unease.

"Why are you here at the auction?" I asked, hoping against hope that Anton hadn't sent him.

Before he could answer, a lively female voice came from upstairs. "Ms. Barnett, he came with me."

I looked up to see a girl descending the stairs in a pink halter dress.

She wore the latest cute makeup, with a round, rosy face and a petite figure.

She was delicate and adorable. This was exactly Anton's current type.

He was desperate to divorce me for her.

...

The VIP area was upstairs, reserved for those with enough money and status.

Ironically, as Anton's wife, I didn't have the privilege, but Skylar did.

She approached me with a feigned innocent look.

"Anton knows I like ruby necklaces, but he's out of town on business and couldn't make it back, so he sent Roland with me to bid," Skylar said with a sly smile. "I didn't expect you would also be interested in this necklace."