07

"Don't get too excited, Hadley. You are merely Andrew’s ex-wife, and tonight he'll purchase me the most amazing purple diamond and pop the question.”

"Really? I'm trying to find it.” Hadley gave a smirk.

After a brief delay, she shut the car door firmly and departed from the Shaw Group.

Kingsley Fern, her grandfather, called her in the interim.

"Hi, Grandpa." 

"Had, at tonight's charity event, a violet diamond will be up for auction. You have to buy it regardless of the price.”

Hadley was a little taken aback. “I didn't know you were interested in diamonds, Grandpa."

"Hurry up. Simply purchase it. I have my motivations.”

Hadley grinned and said, "All right! Later, I'll visit that place. Send me the invitation, then.”

After hanging up, Hadley thought, "What a coincidence, Andrew. Don't blame me for ruining your proposal."

The Dove Auction House was bustling with prominent people and elites as night fell.

There was a genuine treasure in everything up for auction.

Every woman in the room gave Laura and Andrew jealous looks as they entered the banquet hall.

In her limited-edition red dress, Laura looked gorgeous tonight.

Her already glowing appearance was further enhanced by the stunning diamond earrings she wore.

Laura felt a rush of pride and raised her head slightly as she observed their envious looks.

She was the only woman Andrew had ever dated at a gathering like this, after all.

He didn't love Hadley, even if she was once his wife. Additionally, he had never accompanied her in public.

Laura grew smug as she considered that.

After that, she politely greeted everyone in her vicinity. 

In the auction house, Andrew’s appearance created quite a fuss, but he was quite cool with it.

Laura was then led to the seats by him.

Naturally, Andrew had the greatest seats in the first row because he was an SVIP there.

However, as soon as he sat down, he saw that there was still a seat available.

It must have been set aside for someone more significant than him, he thought.

"Who’s that guest?" he asked his buddy Harry Dove, who was seated next to him.

Harry had a chiseled face and owned the auction house. His stunning features were framed by his gently curled shoulder-length hair. He had the regal yet carefree appearance of a prince from a picture.

Harry appeared more like a playboy, whereas Andrew exuded a sense of stability and dependability.

Harry said with a thoughtful expression, "I'm also curious. It's for his most distinguished guest," my grandfather said as he set up the seat.”

Andrew scowled a little. His piercing eyes were frighteningly cold. 

The most notable visitor seems to be present for the violet diamond as well.

Which business tycoon was it, he wondered?

Laura was equally intrigued by the enigmatic visitor.

All of the attendees were seated gradually.

However, the enigmatic visitor had yet to show up.

The first object up for auction was brought to the stage while the host was walking there, escorted by bodyguards.

The violet diamond was the reason everyone came here.

At that moment, a thin figure entered through the side entrance.

Hadley arrived at the last minute. 

Even though she disliked crowds, her grandfather insisted on purchasing the violet diamond.

Everyone's attention was drawn to Hadley’s appearance, and they were all astounded by her attractive features.

Hadley’s expression became somewhat somber as she looked around the throng.

She saw that the auction house was crowded with elite. It appeared that she was unaware of the worth of this diamond.

Andrew was stunned and couldn't look away from her.

Hadley’s complexion looked smooth and radiant, and she was wearing a black gown that exposed her collarbones.

Although she had not worn many clothes in the past, Andrew was well aware that she would still look gorgeous in rags.

And she was the center of attention at the moment.

When Laura saw Hadley, her eyes lit up with rage. She was shocked that Hadley would still capture Andrew in such a way.

“It appears that Had hasn't moved on from you, Drew. Why would she be here otherwise?” Laura sneered as she spoke.

Andrew looked calm and collected as he softly pressed his lips upon hearing it.

The charity function was only open to the wealthy and influential.

He was insane with the idea of Hadley being picked up in a nice car. 

Even now, a month after their breakup, Andrew still couldn't believe she had moved on.

Hadley, meanwhile, made her way to the seat that was set aside for her.  She took a seat without even looking at Andrew or Laura.

Both were shocked.

When Laura saw Hadley was the most distinguished guest, the light in her eyes faded.

Andrew’s suppressed feelings sprang to the surface, and his eyes showed surprise. 

So Hadley is that important that Harry’s dad had to set the seat specifically?

Funny.

How many secrets had she been hiding from him, Andrew wondered