Chapter 2

The staff, who had always been so polite and deferential to me, didn’t even budge. Instead, a flicker of disdain crossed his eyes.

“I’m sorry, but Jamie Smith is our top auctioneer. Whatever she says represents the stance of our boss.”

Beside him, Jamie wiped away her tears and let out a mocking laugh.

“Miss Green, running to a man for help every time something happens isn’t exactly the hallmark of a good woman, is it?”

I couldn’t hold back anymore. My patience snapped, and I slapped her hard across the face.

She let out a sharp scream and, to my shock, fell straight into Zac’s arms.

I was dumbfounded, staring at her dramatic reaction. I reached out to push her away, but Zac grabbed my wrist firmly.

“Ria, you hit her! Apologize immediately!” he said coldly.

I froze, staring at Zac in disbelief. “Honey, didn’t you hear her? She’s the one who slandered me—”

Before I could finish, Zac cut me off, his face cold.

“She works here. Why would she lie?

“Ria, tell me the truth. Who’s this ‘old man’ she mentioned? And if your family’s bankrupt, why didn’t you tell me?”

The sharpness in his tone, something I had never heard before, startled me. I quickly tried to explain.

“Those are just rumors! If my family were really bankrupt, would I bring you to such an expensive place to relax?

“And those so-called ‘old men’? They’re just my uncles and family friends. They’re into collectibles. Is that a crime?”

Zac’s expression finally softened after my explanation, but Jamie clung to him like she was glued in place. She stayed nestled against his chest, making no move to let go.

I frowned deeply, glaring at the two of them.

“Honey, do you know Miss Smith? Why have you never mentioned her before?”

At that, they suddenly sprang apart as if jolted by electricity.

Zac cleared his throat and quickly regained his usual calm demeanor.

“I was in a rush to get to a meeting and had a small run-in with her. I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it, so I just let it slide,” he said lightly.

“Don’t overthink it, Ria,” he added gently, tightening his grip on my hand.

My earlier doubts eased as I let out a sigh of relief.

Zac was the son of our family’s chauffeur, following in his father’s footsteps. We grew up together as childhood sweethearts.

Even though my parents disapproved of him, I secretly married him anyway. He was my husband and I should not let baseless suspicions get to me.

I smiled at him, reassured, and reached out to take the crown.

“Let’s go home,” I said.

Zac smiled back, holding my hand as we turned to leave.

But in the next moment, Jamie grabbed his other hand.

I froze in shock as Jamie started to sob pitifully.

“Mr. Quinn, you’re such a good man. I can’t stand by and watch you be deceived by a gold digger like her.

“She brings a different man with her every time, and they’re clearly close. I only broke the rules today to repay your kindness. Here’s your card, Mr. Quinn. I just hope you’ll find someone who truly cherishes you.”

Her melodramatic performance drew a round of applause from Miss Zimmer, who was clearly enjoying the chaos.

“Ria, stop pretending already!” she jeered. “Even if the Green family isn’t bankrupt yet, it’s only a matter of time. Everyone knows your family’s assets are plummeting.

“The once-proud Miss Green reduced to selling herself. What a joke! Just give up on the crown and let me have it.”

Her disdainful words sparked an uproar of laughter from the crowd. The buzzing whispers and mocking comments made me tremble with anger.

Just then, Uncle Lincoln, who had always doted on me, peeked his head out from backstage.