Her fiery red hair fell over one shoulder in soft waves, framing a face so striking that even the brilliance of the crystal chandeliers above seemed to dim in comparison.She moved with effortless confidence, each step measured and composed, as though she had spent her entire life standing above others.The moment her identity became clear, the auction hall erupted into chaos.“Oh my God—that’s Sophia Knight!”“The Business Queen herself!”“I can’t believe she’s actually here!”“Is that really her? I’ve only seen her in magazines!”Excitement spread rapidly through the crowd. Several young businessmen surged forward in their enthusiasm, only to be discreetly intercepted by security before they could approach the stage.One man raised his voice eagerly. “Miss Sophia! I’m your biggest fan! Could I get your autograph?”Another called out from across the hall, “My company has always wanted to collaborate with Knight Holdings!”Even the composed female entrepreneurs in attendance could no

An uneasy stillness settled over the auction hall, stretching across the vast space as every guest remained fixed on the breathtaking woman who had just stepped onto the stage.Her mere presence had overturned the entire atmosphere. Only moments earlier, the crowd had been poised to witness Alexander’s humiliation after his staggering bid of two hundred million for the mysterious treasure chest. Now, not a single person dared to speak.The host was the first to regain her composure. She stepped forward immediately, offering Sophia a respectful bow before turning back to the audience with a practiced, professional smile.“Since Miss Sophia Knight has personally guaranteed the payment for this bid,” she announced clearly, her voice carrying to every corner of the hall, “there will be no further verification. The bidding result stands.”A ripple of reaction moved through the crowd.Some guests nodded, accepting the decision without question. Others shifted their attention back to Alexand

Every gaze shifted toward Aurelia Sophia, who turned as well, studying her with renewed interest.Aurelia stood slowly, maintaining her composure despite the pressure bearing down on her. Her posture remained graceful, though her heart pounded in her chest.Sophia’s eyes rested on her. “Tell me,” she said evenly, “who exactly is he?”Aurelia hesitated only briefly before answering. “He is… my husband.”Her voice softened. “A live-in son-in-law.”She lowered her gaze slightly as she continued. “He does not have money. He has always relied on my family. There is no way he could afford two hundred million.”As the words left her lips, a quiet, selfish thought surfaced deep within her heart.Hoping that if Alexander were exposed here… perhaps his pride would finally break. Perhaps he would abandon the divorce, and then he would return to her.Sophia let out a quiet laugh, her attention shifting back to Alexander. “So,” she said slowly, “this is the fiancée you insisted on marrying?”Alexa

His gaze swept over both of them, sharp and unwavering. “And together, you stand here, mocking the husband you betrayed.”A faint, humorless smile appeared on his lips. “What a devoted pair.”The silence that followed was heavy and uncomfortable.Aurelia’s face turned pale, then flushed red not only from anger but from something deeper. During the three years of their marriage, Alexander had never spoken to her like this. No matter how she treated him, he had always remained patient and gentle.That version of him was gone; her lips trembled. “Alexander…”She wanted to refute him, to explain, to deny his words, but none of those responses came. Deep down, she understood why his words hurt so much. They carried truth.Before she could gather herself, Nahir let out a dismissive sneer. “That’s enough of this drama,” he said, folding his arms. “If you’re done pretending to be the victim, then swipe the card.”He gestured toward the verification machine with clear impatience. “Let’s expose

Had he really possessed wealth all along?Had every hardship she endured… been unnecessary?Without fully realizing what she was doing, she began to walk forward, one step, then another.The crowd instinctively parted to make way for her.Alexander watched her approach in silence. There was confusion in his gaze, and beneath it, a quiet exhaustion, but there was no trace of guilt.She stopped directly in front of him, her trembling hands curling into fists. “Alexander…” she said, her voice breaking.He met her eyes calmly. “What is it?”Before he could say anything more, her hand moved. The sharp sound of the slap echoed across the hall. For a moment, the world seemed to stop.Even the staff behind the stage froze in place.Alexander’s head tilted slightly from the impact, and a faint red mark appeared on his cheek.No one dared to breathe as Clara’s eyes widened in shock.“Alexander!” she called, instinctively stepping forward.He raised a hand quietly, stopping her without even look