Isabella Robinson's eyes lit up instantly when she heard about the parkour competition.
She discreetly poked Sophia Sullivan's back with her finger.
"Want to check it out?"
She knew her best friend too well—Sophia had always been drawn to extreme sports.
Without turning around, Sophia simply flashed an OK sign.
"Maybe if I have time."
Her attention remained fixed on the auction.
When the next item was displayed, Sophia frowned slightly.
It was a white jade lotus pendant.
The design felt strangely familiar, yet she couldn't recall where she'd seen it before.
She chalked it up to simple attraction.
After the auctioneer finished describing the pendant's background, the bidding began.
"White jade lotus pendant, starting bid at two hundred sixty thousand."
The unique craftsmanship drew multiple bidders, quickly driving the price to five hundred thousand.
Sophia calmly raised her paddle.
"Five hundred fifty thousand."
Ethan Sullivan turned to look at her.
"You like this?"
"It's quite beautiful."
The moment she spoke, Ethan raised his own paddle.
"Six hundred thousand."
Sophia shot him a surprised glance.
What was going through his mind?
He was bidding against her.
Ethan's deep voice murmured near her ear.
"I promised you earlier—anything you fancy at this auction is on me."
His voice carried a rough, magnetic quality.
Three hours ago in bed, he'd whispered in that same tone.
Their heated breaths had mingled with passionate gasps.
In moments of abandon, he'd grip her waist and murmur "Sophia."
Two simple syllables that carried forbidden surrender.
Suddenly, Ian Gallagher appeared on the opposite platform.
He raised his paddle.
"Seven hundred thousand."
Ryan Lawrence, who'd just arrived, wasn't about to be outdone.
"One million."
The young man winked at Sophia.
Liam Winston observed everything from the back rows.
His fists clenched until they turned red.
Chloe Evans interlaced her fingers with his, commenting casually.
"I didn't realize your ex-wife was so popular."
Jealousy burned through her.
How could some country girl constantly outshine her?
Liam sneered.
Their seats were close enough to clearly see Ryan's youthful vibrancy.
That kind of boyish charm was catnip to many women.
Liam felt the sting of betrayal.
After three years of marriage, he'd never realized Sophia possessed such allure.
Noticing their whispers, Ryan scoffed.
"Mr. Winston, keep causing trouble and a beating will be the least of your worries."
Liam forced a smile.
"Is that a threat, Young Master Lawrence?"
"What if it is?"
Danger flashed in the young man's eyes.
The thought of this man having married Sophia yet failing to cherish her made him want to tear him apart.
"Don't push me."
The arrogance was palpable.
This bold attitude bore striking resemblance to Sophia's demeanor on the cruise.
An uneasy shadow crossed Liam's mind.
Chloe quickly intervened.
"Let it go, Liam."
She couldn't afford to offend Ryan.
Adaptability was her survival strategy.
"Our apologies, Young Master Lawrence. We'll move elsewhere."
She signaled Liam with her eyes.
Discretion was the better part of valor.
Liam suppressed his rage.
"Let's go."
He led Chloe away without expression.
When in doubt, retreat.
Only when they'd put distance between themselves and the troublemaker did Chloe relax.
"We have a mission, Liam. Don't waste energy on spoiled rich kids."
Her real concern was getting ejected from the auction—they'd never obtain the token then.