Isabella mindlessly turned the pages of the auction catalog, her thoughts drifting far away—until her fingers suddenly stilled.

There, on the glossy paper, was a photograph of an antique beaded necklace—exquisitely carved, one-of-a-kind in design.

A piece entirely unique.

Her heartbeat accelerated.

A sudden shiver ran through her fingertips as she traced the image in shock. It had been her mother’s. The very necklace that vanished along with her all those years ago.

Isabella had searched relentlessly, combed through every possibility—but the beads had disappeared without a clue. She had long given up hope of ever finding them again.

And yet, here they were. Displayed. Up for sale.

Her chest constricted, emotions surging through her—disbelief, shock, and a grief so profound it nearly stole her breath.

Ethan, always perceptive, noticed the sudden shift in her demeanor. “What is it?”

Isabella drew a sharp breath, forcing herself to calm her racing pulse. She pointed at the image, her voice barely audible and trembling with suppressed feeling. “This necklace… It was my mother’s.”

Ethan’s expression darkened as he followed her gaze to the catalog. His brow furrowed. “You’re sure?”

“Absolutely. My mother carved this herself. I could never mistake it.”

The auctioneer’s voice cut through the hall, smooth and authoritative.

“Opening bid, five hundred thousand.”

Isabella didn’t hesitate. “One million.”

A wave of murmurs spread across the room, punctuated by surprised gasps.

One million—for a simple string of beads? It wasn’t a certified antique, nor crafted with precious gems. Yet Isabella had instantly doubled the opening bid. For her, this was far more than an auction item.

It was a tangible connection to the mother she had spent years trying to find.

But just as the auctioneer prepared to speak, a slow, honeyed voice interjected. “One million one hundred thousand.”

Isabella’s gaze snapped toward the sound. Zoe?

Amusement glinted in Zoe’s eyes, her crimson lips curling into a sly smirk. “Isabella, it seems you’re quite taken with this piece.”

Isabella met her gaze steadily, expression unflinching. “This necklace means a great deal to me.”

Zoe let out a soft laugh, tilting her head. “Oh? What a coincidence.” She tapped her bidding paddle lightly against her fingers. “I’ve suddenly decided I must have it too.”

“One million five hundred thousand.” Isabella’s grip tightened around her paddle.

But Zoe arched a brow, her smirk deepening. “One million six hundred thousand.”

“One million seven hundred thousand.” Isabella’s voice wavered slightly.

“One million eight hundred thousand,” Zoe countered with a dismissive sneer. As Isabella inhaled, ready to bid again, a strong hand pressed her paddle down.

Turning, she met Ethan’s intense gaze.

“Two million,” he stated calmly, his voice resonating with undeniable authority.

A ripple of astonishment moved through the crowd.

Two million for a necklace of uncertain provenance was nothing short of insanity.

Zoe’s face twisted in surprise; she hadn’t anticipated Ethan’s involvement.

“Mr. Blackwood, what is the meaning of this?” she demanded.