4

The grand elite auction would commence anytime from now. Alighting from my car, I glanced at my wristwatch to check the time. I will finally have the chance to meet the new CEO of the Imperial Company at this gathering today. I've approached them about partnering, but they haven't accepted my offer. Given the excellent standing of my company and my stellar reputation, I anticipate that they will accept my offer right away.

A forced grin tugged at my lips as I cast a glance at the gigantic Marino Empire which towered over the other buildings beside it. Parts of the building had gold plaster applied to them, and the walls were composed of sturdy glass. The courtyard was lined with posh, expensive cars, and there were uniformed guards stationed at strategic locations like statues. The entire place screamed wealth as only highly reputable people visited it..

"Michael, you must get me that Hope diamond at the auction today. I've been craving to have that for years.." Vivian chirped happily as she held my outstretched hands and alighted from the car. I smiled at her, not giving her a reply.

Together, we made our way into the opulent hall as confidently as possible. Vivan kept walking at a slow pace on the red carpet, careful not to trip on her three-inch black stilettos. Vibrant lights bathed the entrance in a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colors, reflecting the pulsating energy that emanated from within. Live music instantly spilled through the silent hallway and we darted our eyes at every smiling face in the hall.

Paparazzi swarm around us to take several shots of us. I'm not shocked to see that our entrance had garnered so much attention, all thanks to my reputation and popularity in the business sector. My company manufactures one of the greatest male accessories. I also own one of the best fashion houses in the city. Partnering with a top elite company like Imperial will broaden my horizon and help my business scopes.

As we made our way to our seat, Vivian tapped me and squealed excitingly.

"What is it?" I asked with raised brows.

"Michael, that's the Hope diamond necklace. Take a look at it shining in its own brilliance inside that box. I want you to be the highest bidder, Michael. it mustn't belong to someone else," she added, and I shifted my gaze to the huge glass box which contained the necklace, one of the classiest and expensive necklaces in the world.

It was a highly anticipated jewelry and I know that a number of people are vying for it today. Everything about the jewelry speaks quality. It was a deep blue diamond, stubbed in a pendant, Toison d'or with a dark grayish blue color under ordinary light because of trace amounts of boron within its crystal structure. It's definitely f**g expensive, but I'll try to get it to make Vivian happy.

"Heard there's a notable guest tonight.." Martin, my friend, spoke after swilling some wine.

"Who?" I asked curiously.

"The new CEO of imperial holdings. I heard she will be joining the auction tonight.."

My face brightened up with enthusiasm at what he said. I had been eagerly anticipating this moment as well. Glancing at several elite people in the hall, I smiled confidently as I straightened my suit, giving an air of perfection.

As soon as the host came out from backstage, the auction began.

"Please take note that St. Hopkins Hospital and orphanage home will receive half of the proceeds from this auction, naturally with the presence of Dr. Henry Norman, the current director."

The high-pitched voice of a woman wearing a crimson gown and golden jewelry echoed across the hall as she grabbed the microphone. She gave the microphone to the event's MC, a man dressed in a white suit.

The auction began with the display of certain jewelries, which shimmered in their own uniqueness. First was the Golden gem.. a type of jewelry that appears to have been crafted from a combination of gold and gem. Bidding started at S 300,000 and went up to $800,000. The bidding went on until a thin man wearing blazers paid a million dollars for it.

"Alright! This is the next one! The first bid is for S 500,000"Alright! The next one is this! The bidding starts at $500,000!" The MC announced, grabbing our attention to the silvery jewelry in his hand..

Each piece was brought outside one by one. Each recipient of an auction object is required to sign an ownership and contract at the administration office. A few more objects were on show, and my friend Martin acquired an antique Leonardo da Vinci picture for himself.

When the last piece arrived after considerable bidding, everyone started to pay attention. The big glossy box with the Hope diamond necklace within captured our whole attention. Many have not placed a bid yet, as they are holding out to bid on the last item of jewelry. The Hope diamond necklace It reminded me of how pricey it was as it glistened in my eyes. I gulped down the lump in my throat as Vivian clutched my arm.

"Come on, Michael. We can't let this go. We won't lose it to someone else, right?" The smile on her face exceeded her ears. Her smile vanished as soon as she saw I was silent.

I took a deep breath and replied, "Yes. I will get it for you.."

"Okay.. For the Hope diamond necklace, the price begins at a million dollars!" The MC announced and my heart plummeted to my stomach. A million dollars for a start made me cringe. It's definitely going to be competitive since there are a lot of bidders wanting to get it.

"$1.2 million dollars!"

"$1.5 million dollars!" A fat man with beards yelled as he got on his feet, darting his eyes at every face to see if anyone would challenge him.

"$2 million dollars!" Another voice erupted in the audience.

"Going! Going-"

"$4 million dollars!" I exclaimed as I got on my feet while Vivian squealed happily, trying to contain her excitement My face beamed with pride when I see no one else challenging me.

"$8 Million Dollars!" a young Italian man exclaimed, smirking as he got on his feet, causing the audience to release audible gasps. Vivian bit her lips as she glanced at me, wanting me to challenge him.

As the bid arose, I didn't stop. We were halfway getting it and the only competitor I had was Mr Vincenzo, a famous designer in Italy and the US.

Vincenzo's gaze lingered on mine, and a smirk pulled at the sides of his lips.

"$15 million dollars!" He announced.

Vivian held my hands, her eyes widening like saucers. "Don't let it go away, Michael. I need this badly.." she implored, shifting her gaze to the sparkling diamond necklace.

"$20 million!" I said with a confident smile, my eyes shimmering with an undiluted pride.

People gasped, and I saw Martin's eyes sprang wide. Vivian bit her lips, staring at Vincenzo with so much attention. She was inwardly praying for him to give up. It was purely evident in her face.

"$20 million dollars! Going! Going!" The MC announced, staring at the audience.

Vincenzo made the surrender sign by keeping his hand in his pocket. At that, Vincenzo returned to his seat, and Vivian got up to hug me.

"I know you will do this. I know you'll surely make me proud, Michael. I love you!"

"We have a winner for tonight, then. The precious Hope diamond necklace worn by the Great Queen Elizabeth goes to--"

"$100 million dollars!!" a voice erupted from behind, grabbing everyone's attention. Loud gasps filled the entire hall and my brows creased as I whipped my head in the direction of the voice.

My gaze settled on a lady cladded in an exceptionally white, pristine suit that did justice to the well endowed curves of her body. A smirk appeared on her ruby lips as soon as she locked eyes with me. Her every stride in those white pointy heels exuded poise and remarkable confidence that had the hairs on my skin rising.

She walked calmly to the podium, her heels clacking on the white tiles of the stage.

is now sold to the lady in White! Let us celebrate her!" The MC announced before giving her a handshake. stood still, my eyes wide as I took in her appearance. Her gaze lingered on mine and I felt my heart racing and thudding frantically against my ribcage.

My body froze in a position, unable to move, react, or even escape eye contact.

This is none other than Vanessa. Her gaze intensified, confirming my suspicions.

Standing before me was the one person I thought I'd never see again. She appeared so stunning and exceedingly beautiful. Everything about her exuded wealth. Her smile was captivating, her presence was magnetic, and her words exuded elegance.

My eyes were fixed on hers, but she tried not to acknowledge them as she averted them away from me. It's like she's consumed every corner in my mind. I couldn't avoid replaying our past encounters and the unresolved tension that clung between us.

The MC grabbed the mic and said, "Like 1 mentioned earlier, there will be a special guest tonight. We're aware that her shocking entrance bawled our lungs out. No one expected that she'd be a part of the bidders. I'll give her a moment to introduce herself. Let's clap our hands as she prepares to give her speech."

My heart dropped to my stomach when she revealed her identity as the New CEO of the imperial company. I snagged my fingers into my hair, finding it unbelievable. My mind feels like it is stricken and my heart is pounding like a tsunami.

Vanessa became a CEO of a very famous jewel company. Damn! Am I dreaming?!

"Michael.. this.. this is Vanessa. She's back! But how and when did she become rich?!" Vivian asked, staring at me with wide eyes. My heart raced and my gaze lingered on Vanessa as she left the stage after her speech. I was completely confused and restless. She even had her name changed to Emerald.

My worst fears came when I saw Matthew, my business rival, wałking up to Vanessa. He kissed her and clutched her hands passionately, causing my heart to drop to my stomach.

I gulped down the lump in my throat and my eyes went round like saucers.

Are they dating? How long had Vanessa known Matthew?! How did she become the CEO of the imperial company??

I balled my fists and gritted my teeth, my mind was tense at the moment. It was like a silent conversation with myself, avoiding the inevitable question that needed to be addressed.

Shit! This is crazy! This is damn crazy!

"According to legible sources... these two are dating, Mr. Michael. I just confirmed from the internet," Martin whispered in my ears and I stared at the pictures with conflicted emotions on my face. I was unsure of my feelings-angry, jealous, guilty, or unhappy.

Grabbing my phone out of my pocket, I called my secretary and said, "Find everything about Vanessa's life for the last five years.”