The auction hall glittered like a constellation.

Sophia clenched her bidding paddle, her palms damp with sweat.

"Iris, this price is outrageous," she whispered, eyes wide.

A faint smile played on Sophia's lips as she studied the landscape painting in the auctioneer's hands.

The anonymous artwork glowed with an ancient patina under the lights.

"Starting bid at six hundred thousand," the auctioneer's voice echoed through the hall.

Bids came in sporadically.

Sophia tapped her fingers against the armrest.

When the price stalled at eight hundred thousand, she raised her paddle. "One million."

Every head turned toward her.

A chuckle came from behind. "Two million."

Sophia glanced sideways.

Zane Riveron lounged with crossed legs, his gold watch glinting.

He arched an eyebrow at her, eyes dancing with amusement.

Iris leaned in. "The playboy heir of the Riveron Museum."

Sophia turned away.

"Five million," she said coolly.

The room erupted in murmurs.

As the gavel fell, Zane's expression darkened.

"Are you insane?" Iris stomped her foot.

Sophia pulled on white gloves, tracing the painting's edge. "Fan Kuan's raindrop brushstrokes. No mistake."

Her magnifying glass revealed a tiny signature hidden among pine needles.

Gasps filled the hall.

Zane shot to his feet, his gold-rimmed glasses slipping down his nose.

Outside the payment office, Zane blocked their path.

"Six million. Give me the painting." He removed his sunglasses, eyes gleaming with determination.

Sophia tightened her grip on the case. "Too rich for your blood now, Mr. Riveron?"

"I've reconsidered." He flipped open a checkbook. "Consider it a friendly gesture."

Sophia laughed. "Eight million."

Zane gritted his teeth. "Ruthless."

When the transfer notification chimed, Iris's knees nearly buckled.

"Sophia, we're rich!"

Sophia gazed at the cityscape beyond the window.

The Sullivan Group tower stood cold and distant in the sunset.

One day, she'd make that man who looked down on her understand—

A phoenix rises from ashes to claim the sky.