Chapter 5

I let out a cold laugh.

Back then, I never came to places like this. I had been abandoned in the old district and left to fend for myself, and survival alone took everything I had.

Jessica knew the truth. She was pretending otherwise on purpose, twisting my reasons into something ugly.

Right on cue, Christian let out a faint, mocking scoff. He clearly thought I had come here for him again.

I had no interest in explaining myself anymore. I turned my attention to the auction stage.

Jessica continued chatting beside me as if nothing unpleasant had happened between us over the past two days.

"Julie, what are you planning to bid on tonight? Chris wants to buy me some jewelry for my wedding gifts." Her voice sounded sweet and playful, but the underlying bragging was impossible to miss.

Fortunately, the auctioneer announced the start of the sale and cut off the one-sided conversation.

The first item was a bracelet. I had no interest in it, but I looked at it a moment longer than usual.

The next instant, Christian lifted his paddle.

"200,000." His tone remained flat, but the number overwhelmed every other bid in the room.

The bracelet went to him. He had his assistant pass it to Jessica, and she smiled so widely her eyes nearly disappeared. "Chris, you're the best."

After that, the pattern became obvious. Anything I looked at for more than a moment, Christian bid on. Each time a lot closed, Jessica shot me a smug glance.

It did not take long for the people around us to notice. I could feel their eyes on me as they waited for the spectacle, their voices dropping to whispers.

"Is Mr. Fairmont backing up his fiancée? He keeps crushing Juliana on purpose."

"Backing her up? He's getting revenge. Back then, Juliana weighed over 200 pounds, and Mr. Fairmont was the only one who didn't mind. He was practically ready to propose, and then she disappeared overseas without a word. Now she hears he's getting married and suddenly comes running back. She has no shame at all."

"So she came back to steal the groom? Then what does that make her? A mistress? Disgusting."

Their words pricked at my ears like needles. I bit the inside of my lip and forced myself to stay calm.

My mother's pendant was the only thing that mattered.

At last, the auctioneer lifted a brocade box. "Our next item is a Victorian-era pendant in excellent condition. Opening bid, 240,000 dollars."

The moment the box opened, I stopped breathing. The gemstones lay inside, warm and translucent under the lights.

It was my mother's. The pendant she used to wear.

I raised my paddle at once. "400,000."

Christian's voice followed immediately. "600,000"

I turned to look at him, but he was not looking at me. His gaze rested on Jessica, as if asking whether to continue.

She smiled and nodded. He raised his paddle again. "1,000,000."

I gripped my paddle so tightly my fingertips turned white. This was the only thing my mother had left behind. I could not let it go. "1,200,000."

"1,600,000." His voice remained light, but the force behind it left no room for doubt.

The auction hall stirred. Someone nearby whispered, "Is Mr. Fairmont trying to take the whole room tonight?"

I stared at him, my throat tightening. "Christian, that was my mother's. Could you just..."

"Your mother's keepsake?" He finally looked at me, a cold smile tugging at his mouth. "Juliana, if you want it, then win it. If you can't, then stop standing here acting pathetic."

He lifted a hand and addressed the auctioneer. "I'm setting a ceiling bid."

The room fell silent. Once someone called that, it meant no matter what anyone else offered, he would take the item.

The auctioneer paused, then broke into a smile. "Mr. Fairmont has placed a ceiling bid. The pendant goes to Mr. Fairmont."

Jessica's eyes lit up. She grabbed Christian's hand and leaned against him with a grin. "Chris, you're amazing. This pendant is so beautiful. I want to put it in our new home."

I stared at their joined hands. Cold spread through my body. It felt as if someone had hollowed out my chest.

After the auction ended, Christian went to settle the payment.

I stepped in front of Jessica. She held the brocade box in her arms and smiled, pleased with herself. "Do you need something, Julie?"

"Sell me the pendant." My voice shook. "Name your price. I'll pay double. No, triple."

Jessica arched a brow, then slowly opened the box to show me the pendant inside.

"You want it that badly?" Her smile widened. "Fine. Kneel and beg me. Then maybe I'll consider it."

People nearby turned to look, their faces lighting up with eager curiosity. I clenched my fists until my nails bit into my palms.

My mother's keepsake was right in front of me. I could not give up.

I bent my knees and knelt.