The tension at the table was thick, yet Yvonne didn’t flinch. Instead, she rose from her seat with quiet elegance, her dress falling softly around her legs. Her lips curved into a calm smile as she looked straight at Zach.“I’m sure we will see each other soon anyway,” she said smoothly, her voice holding a steady confidence.Barbara’s brows twitched. That wasn’t what she expected. She turned to Zach, searching his face. And he – he simply gave Yvonne a short nod. Silent. Composed. Unbothered.Yvonne’s smile grew just a little wider, her eyes still on him. There was something knowing behind her gaze. “In that case,” she added, “I’m sure whenever I give you a call, you will show up. We’ve got a valid reason for that. Bye for now.”Then, as if remembering Barbara’s presence, she turned slightly. “Have a great time at the auction with Zach, for the meantime.”Barbara’s face hardened immediately. Her jaw tightened, her eyes narrowing. For the meantime? She scoffed inwardly. How dare she s

The entire hall fell into a heavy silence.No one moved. No one spoke. Conversations fizzled out mid-sentence as all eyes turned toward the tension building like a storm. There stood Barbara Davis, poised, powerful, a vision of elegance in a deep wine-colored dress that matched the boldness in her eyes. Across from her, Maya, Zach’s ex-wife, held her ground, but even her stiff posture couldn’t hide the twitch in her lips or the tremble in her hand.“Maya,” Barbara’s voice sliced the air, calm yet laced with unmistakable warning. “I would do more damage to you if you dare think of raising your finger to Zach again. He’s with me. Respect yourself.”A hush spread like wildfire. Maya blinked, yanking her arm back as if Barbara’s words had singed her skin.Zach stood between them, jaw tight. His eyes swept over Maya with a hint of pity, but he said nothing.Barbara stepped forward, shoulders squared, gaze sharp. “This isn’t your playground. Control yourself.”A smirk danced at the edge of

The auctioneer returned to the podium, tapping the microphone gently. A soft hum filled the grand hall as guests fell into silence. The ushers in dark velvet uniforms moved elegantly between rows, guiding stragglers to their seats with courteous nods and quiet precision.“Ladies and gentlemen,” the auctioneer began, voice rich and warm, “thank you for your patience. We’re now ready to begin.”He paused, his eyes gliding across the room like a practiced performer gauging his audience. “Tonight’s collection includes some exquisite artifacts—rare art, luxury timepieces, and a one-of-a-kind yacht. But what you’ve all been waiting for… the Bellwood Estate.”A murmur rippled through the audience.“Comprising twelve parcels of prime real estate, Bellwood is the crown jewel of this evening’s auction. We expected a special guest who had shown considerable interest in it—the CEO of Mega Group—but since he’s absent, we shall proceed.”A smirk played on Wilson’s lips as he turned to Maya. “Well, t

Gasps filled the air like wind rippling through leaves as Zach took his card. The room was suddenly too silent. The card in Zach's hand glinted under the chandelier’s glow, mocking every doubter in the room. The same people who had mocked him minutes ago now looked like they’d swallowed bitter pills.The guests who had laughed now shifted uncomfortably in their seats, whispers rippling like waves in a still pond. Those who had sneered looked away. Some glanced at Barbara with newfound respect, as if she had somehow been in on a grand secret.Zach lowered the card with quiet dignity, not a smirk in sight. His eyes remained calm, steady, unchanged by the chaos unraveling around him.Maya, pale as if blood had drained from her face, slowly sank into her seat. Her hands trembled under the table. Everything she thought she knew was crumbling in real-time.Barbara’s heels clicked softly on the glossy floor as she walked toward Zach. A knowing smile danced at the corners of her lips. She did

Ricky drove Yvonne home in silence, his hands steady on the wheel, his eyes fixed ahead. The air inside the car felt heavy, almost as if his cold expression had sucked away any trace of warmth from the earlier outing. She tried to peek at him a few times, hoping he would relax, but his jaw remained clenched, his brows furrowed as though he was still back at the restaurant, reliving the moment.The car slowed to a stop in front of the house. The exterior lights were already on, bathing the yard in a soft golden brightness that contrasted sharply with the cool, dark night around them. Yvonne stepped out slowly, her heels clicking against the driveway.She paused, tilting her head back. The dark velvet sky was scattered with tiny stars, each one glimmering faintly, but it was the moon that caught her gaze. It sat high and proud, bathing the night in its silvery glow. She smiled to herself, her thoughts drifting to Zach.She wished they had more time together, more than the barely thirty