The Diamond Was Never Yours

Looks like Mia was more than just a childhood friend to Liam.

If Liam didn't have a damn good excuse, this billion-dollar arranged marriage was dead.

I called the number I had saved but never actually dialed. He picked up. I didn't waste time.

"Your childhood sweetheart is trying to snatch my engagement jewelry. What do you have to say for yourself?"

Silence on the other end.

Then, a cold, unfamiliar voice. "Who is this? My business with Mia is none of your concern."

Click. He hung up. Before I could even say my name.

I stared at the black screen for a second.

Unbelievable. He didn't even have my number saved.

Mia's laugh cut through the crowd. Smug and toxic.

"Pathetic! You somehow got Liam's number and actually thought he knew you? Oh my god, you're killing me!"

She tilted her chin up, twirling a piece of hair. Looked me up and down.

"Seriously, look at what you're wearing. Even the maids at Liam's estate dress better than you."

Her little rich-kid entourage burst into mocking laughter.

Honestly? I prefer quiet luxury. Pieces like Loro Piana. No flashy logos. But in a room full of flashy new money? Nobody gets it.

I pressed my lips together. Anger flaring in my chest.

"So, you judge people by brand tags? You are unbelievably shallow. Liam sure has interesting taste in women."

Thanks to her, my mood was ruined. No more taking my time.

I turned to the center's manager, pointing straight at the pink rough diamond.

"I want to start a bidding war. Whatever she offers, I'll double it," I said calmly.

The manager glanced at Mia, sweating. "Miss, our automated bidding service is strictly for VIP cardholders."

Mia let out a shrill snort. She dug into her limited-edition Hermes clutch. Pulled out a gold VIP card and slapped it on the counter.

"I spend seven figures here every year. And you? What makes you think you can compete with me?"

I took a deep breath. Pulled out a logo-less Black Card. Dropped it right next to hers.

The manager’s eyes widened the moment he saw it.

“Wait… that’s the Black Diamond Elite Card.”

His voice trembled.

“That card isn’t issued to customers. It’s reserved for the top buyers in the entire diamond industry. And only a handful of people in the country have one！”

“Is that enough?” I said calmly. “Let’s restart the bidding.”

Shocked whispers rippled through the room.

Mia's smile vanished. Her voice turned ice-cold. "This is Astor territory. Anyone who sides with her, I swear I'll ruin you on Wall Street!"

The manager turned pale. He wiped the cold sweat off his forehead and rushed over to me. He tugged at my sleeve, pleading in a low whisper.

"Miss Chloe, I know someone who holds that card certainly isn’t short on money. But please, try to understand. This entire building? The property, the security? It belongs to the Astor family! It's Liam's turf. We can't afford to offend them. Please, just do me a favor and back down..."

A few bystanders tried to warn me.

"Just let it go. I've met Miss Mia before. Mr. Astor gives her whatever she wants."

"Someone crossed her last month. The very next day, their company's stock tanked."

"Miss, don't fight Wall Street giants. Just apologize before this blows up."

Surrounded by cautious looks and warnings, Mia got even more arrogant.

She crossed her arms and stepped closer. A sadistic smile on her face.

"You heard them. Get on your knees. Slap your own face and scream: 'I'm a broke beggar and I was wrong.' Do that, and maybe I'll let you walk out of here alive."