Whispers rippled through the crowd.
"That serpentine necklace belonged to the late Mrs. Sullivan."
"It's around Miss Sullivan's neck now."
Murmurs spread like wildfire.
The truth became crystal clear.
The rumors about her climbing into bed for wealth were nothing but baseless slander.
It was Ethan Sullivan pursuing Sophia all along.
The tide turned instantly.
Those eager to curry favor spoke up.
"Mr. Winston, if you lack taste, keep quiet."
"Wrong about the necklace, wrong about the woman."
"Take the compromise—you got your first love anyway."
"Why block Miss Sullivan from finding true happiness?"
"Focus on the auction. Don't make this uglier."
The room brimmed with elites.
Liam Winston's divorce had already made headlines.
His estrangement from the Winston patriarch was common knowledge.
Now, many seized the chance to kick him while down to please Ethan.
Liam's vision darkened.
A temporary setback, and these vultures dared bare their fangs?
He clenched his jaw.
"Consider this a dog bite."
The auction mattered more.
With masks off, pretenses were unnecessary.
"Ethan Sullivan, this isn't over!"
Rage burned in his chest.
Yet his gaze remained glued to the necklace.
How soon after the divorce
had she worn another family's heirloom?
The implication was obvious.
The Sophia who once adored only him
now shone brilliantly for another.
What did this radiant woman
mean to him now?
Possessive fury consumed him.
He was losing his mind.
Ethan lifted his eyes.
Darkness pooled in their depths.
"For my father's sake, I'll let this slide."
"But you insulted my mother's legacy."
"There will be consequences."
His tone was calm yet glacial.
"I look forward
to seeing how far
your 'this isn't over' goes."
Gasps filled the room.
This meant corporate war!
Pitying glances turned toward Liam.
"How dare Winston Group challenge Sullivan Enterprises?"
"He's finished."
"Still running his mouth."
"Should've swallowed his pride."
A disastrous marriage ruins generations.
Mistaking glass for diamonds—
this would fuel gossip for years.
Chloe Evans paled.
Her eyes reddened with unshed tears.
She tugged Liam's sleeve.
"Let's go, Liam."
Staying meant more humiliation.
Today's disgrace—
she'd repay it a hundredfold!
......
In the shadows,
Zachary Sullivan watched with amusement.
"Delicious drama."
His lips curled coldly.
Seeing Chloe support Liam's exit,
a plan formed.
He summoned his assistant.
Pressed a VIP card into his palm.
"Give this to Miss Evans discreetly."
"Understood."
The aide grasped his intent.
Zachary propped his chin lazily.
An enemy's enemy
made a useful ally.
This Chloe seemed
delightfully easy to manipulate.
"Don't disappoint me."
He drained his champagne flute.