"Alexander, the auction is about to begin. Whatever you wish to discuss can wait until afterward."

Alexander Blackwood's gaze followed Amy Sinclair and Sebastian Kingsley as they walked away together, his lips thinning into a tight line. A dangerous glint of calculation flashed in his piercing blue eyes.

Inside the grand Royal Solmaris Auction Hall, Samantha Reynolds immediately waved when she spotted Amy and Sebastian entering.

"Celeste! Mr. Kingsley! Over here!"

Amy gracefully made her way to her best friend. "I told you we could have arrived together, but you insisted on coming separately."

"If I walked in with you two, I'd be completely overshadowed. Look at you both—you're practically radiating glamour. Every eye in this room would be on you, while I'd just blend into the background," Samantha declared with playful exaggeration.

She glanced around discreetly before rolling her eyes. "Did you see how Victoria Langley and Alexander were preening earlier? Especially Victoria—strutting around like she owns the place, basking in all the attention."

"And the crowd isn't any better—fawning over her like she's some divine being descended from the heavens. Ridiculous." Samantha scoffed. "Her accomplishments pale in comparison to yours. I don't understand why everyone's making such a fuss."

Sebastian interjected smoothly, "Victoria must possess certain qualities that captivate people. She's still occupying Alexander's thoughts, and Nathan Prescott has been chasing after her for years. There must be a reason."

He turned slightly toward Amy. "From my research, she's been exceptional since childhood—top of her class everywhere, even received an offer from a famous film director which she declined."

"A multi-talented musician, though the violin is her true forte. That's how she gained admission to Solmaris Conservatory."

"Even after her breakup with Alexander, she didn't fade into obscurity. She's been winning international competitions left and right. Rumor has it she once defeated a much-hyped prodigy—the poor fellow never recovered from the loss."

Amy nodded thoughtfully. "There are many prodigies in this world, but few who can sustain their brilliance and truly achieve greatness. Victoria... she's undoubtedly talented."

Unlike me, Amy thought silently. Had she not gone through the divorce, would she have ever picked up her violin again? The answer remained uncertain.

As the trio conversed, the auction officially commenced.

Sebastian, never one for such social events, had only attended tonight because he'd secured premium tickets. Their seats were respectable—fourth row to the left. The closer to the front, the higher one's social standing.

Alexander, Victoria, and Nathan, naturally, occupied the coveted front row.

As they passed Amy's row, Nathan shot her a disdainful glance accompanied by a derisive snort—his contempt palpable. So much for Amy's supposed connections; she remained relegated to the fourth row.

Five minutes later, the auctioneer began the proceedings.

The first item was a set of antique porcelain cups once used in a royal palace. Several collectors and socialites engaged in enthusiastic bidding, finally selling for three million.

The second item was a dazzling early twentieth-century European royal crown, its diamonds sparkling brilliantly enough to nearly blind the audience.

Victoria gasped audibly. "What an exquisite crown!"

Nathan immediately agreed, "Absolutely stunning. Imagine wearing that during one of your performances—you'd be unforgettable."

The bidding started at one million. Nathan didn't hesitate—he raised his paddle confidently.

"Two million."

Victoria turned to him, eyes shining with false modesty. "Nathan, you really shouldn't go to such lengths..."

Yet her expression betrayed her delight at the attention.

Nathan preened under her gaze. "Don't worry, I'm determined to win this crown for you no matter the—"

Before he could finish, a cool, melodious female voice cut through the hall.

"Three million."