Chapter 5

Quietly, Crystal handed the phone back to Priya.

“Who do you think would be the first person you would reveal yourself to?” Priya asked, watching her closely. “I really want to know.”

Crystal gave a small scoff.

“First,” she replied simply.

Priya raised her eyebrows in surprise.

“Anyone who wants to see this unknown writer must first pass through you,” Crystal continued calmly. “Only the person with the highest offer will have the chance to meet me.”

“Auction?” Priya repeated softly.

Crystal’s lips curved slightly. Priya Brown had always known that Crystal Merry was incredibly clever—a woman whose beauty was matched by her intelligence.

An auction, just for the opportunity to meet an unknown writer, sounded unbelievable.

But Priya also knew something about the world they lived in: wealthy people often spent enormous amounts of money on prestige and exclusivity.

After all, as the saying goes, money works for the rich.

So if Crystal were to organize an auction for those eager to meet the mysterious writer, she knew exactly how much attention—and money—it would attract.

There would be a great deal of money involved. Everyone wanted to know how the story would end, and curiosity alone would draw many people in.

Only the person willing to make the highest offer would be given the chance to discover the ending of the story. The rest would simply be left waiting, trapped in suspense.

Of course, there would also be consequences if the person who won the opportunity decided to reveal the ending.

That risk could not be ignored.

But Crystal had already considered every possible outcome. Instead of a private meeting, the revelation would take place during an online reading event. In that way, the moment could be controlled, and if anyone attempted to leak the ending beforehand, there would be clear consequences.

Crystal was not careless. Every detail had been carefully planned.

She understood the value of mystery, and she knew exactly how to use it to her advantage.

Around dusk, when the sun was slowly setting and night was beginning to fall, the pale light of the moon started to appear in the sky.

At the Harrison villa, near the entrance gate, Crystal stood quietly.

Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and the red dress she wore highlighted her figure, making her stand out even more in the fading light.

Just then, she noticed Leonard Harrison’s car parked in the driveway.

He had returned earlier than usual.

Normally, Leonard did not come home until very late—sometimes around eleven at night or even closer to midnight.

As Crystal walked through the entrance of the mansion, she immediately heard the sounds of voices from inside.

The soft clattering of spoons and forks echoed through the dining hall, mixed with quiet conversation and occasional laughter.

Going into the house, Crystal quietly approached the dining area.

Seated at the table were Grandma Harrison, Mr. and Mrs. Harrison, and between them was Leonard Harrison.

Oh my God.

This was the first time she had ever seen Leonard Harrison dining together with members of the family.

They hadn’t noticed her yet, so she remained by the entrance, unintentionally eavesdropping on their conversation.

Grandma Harrison was the first to speak.

“Leo, when will you give an heir to the Harrison family? I’m getting old. I might die someday soon, and I want to see my grandchild before that happens.”

“Mum, don’t pressure him,” Mrs. Harrison said gently. “When they’re ready, they will give an heir to the Harrison family.”

Crystal bit her lip.

What did they mean by “they”? They hadn’t even asked for her opinion when she was married to Leonard Harrison, yet now they were talking as if the decision belonged to both of them.

And suddenly, they expected him to produce an heir for the Harrison family.

A bitter thought crossed her mind.

Over her dead body would she willingly give an heir to the Harrison family.