Three days later, Isabella and Lucas arrived at the Cloud Summit Club.

The venue radiated pure luxury.

Every detail screamed extravagance.

“Are you nervous?” Lucas asked quietly, noticing her tense expression.

“A little,” Isabella admitted, taking a deep breath. “The Starlight Stone means everything to me.”

“Don’t worry,” Lucas reassured her with a steady look. “I’ve got your back.”

She entered the grand auction hall on his arm.

Her eyes scanned the room.

They stopped on a familiar face.

Ethan.

He stood out effortlessly in a tailored black suit.

He looked powerful and impeccably elegant.

Sophia stood beside him.

She wore a flowing white gown.

She stayed close to Ethan, smiling softly.

Their eyes met.

The air instantly turned icy.

Ethan’s expression darkened.

His gaze turned sharp and dangerous.

He strode toward her with purpose.

Sophia followed closely.

“What are you doing here, Isabella?” Ethan demanded.

A heavy weight pressed on Isabella’s chest.

She instinctively tightened her grip on Lucas’s arm.

“I’m here for the auction,” she stated firmly.

“And who is your escort?” Ethan’s eyes dropped to her hand on Lucas.

His face grew colder.

“Lucas, obviously,” Isabella replied without hesitation.

Ethan’s features hardened.

He grabbed her wrist firmly.

His voice was low and commanding. “You’re coming with me.”

“No, I’m not,” Isabella said, pulling her wrist free.

“You…” Ethan seethed at her defiance. “The two of you…”

“Ethan, please,” Sophia interjected softly.

Her tone was soothing but carried a subtle provocation. “Isabella is probably just here to see how the other half lives.” She paused, then added casually, “Lucas has always been so… attentive to her.”

“Sophia Reed!” Isabella snapped, her anger flaring. “Stop stirring the pot!”

“You misunderstand me, Isabella,” Sophia said, feigning hurt. Tears welled in her eyes. “I just hate seeing you two argue.”

“Enough!” Ethan cut in, his intense gaze fixed on Isabella. “I won’t ask again. Come with me.”

“I said no!” Isabella held her ground, meeting his glare. “I don’t take orders from you.”

“You…” Ethan’s jaw tightened. A vein throbbed in his temple.

“Ethan,” Sophia said gently, tugging his sleeve. “Maybe Isabella just doesn’t want to leave Lucas’s side. They…” She trailed off, giving Isabella a meaningful look.

Rage surged through Isabella.

She struggled to keep her composure.

“That’s enough, Sophia!” she said through clenched teeth.

Lucas could no longer stay silent.

He stepped protectively in front of Isabella.

He faced Ethan directly. “Mr. Blackwood, Isabella makes her own choices. You will respect that.”

Ethan glared at him with pure ice.