Sophia Sullivan's gaze remained fixed on Ethan Sullivan's direction.
She gently tugged at Liam Winston's sleeve.
"Liam, Sophia's connections are truly impressive," Chloe Evans said with deliberate envy.
"That lotus pendant started at just a few million, but it sold for over three million in the end."
Though the details of the VIP section were unclear, she distinctly saw Ryan Lawrence hand the pendant to Sophia after winning the bid.
Jealousy coiled around her heart like a venomous serpent.
She had divorced abroad and schemed relentlessly to marry Liam, all for a place among the elite.
Yet now, she couldn't even measure up to Sophia!
"If I'd known she was this materialistic, I never would've married her," Liam muttered, his chest heaving.
Finally, he understood why Sophia had agreed to the divorce so readily.
She had already secured her next target.
But he needed to stay composed.
The auction was about to reach its climax.
The golden token was next.
Chloe held her breath, gripping Liam's hand tightly.
"Liam, that's it!"
When the token was unveiled, disappointed murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"Gold craftsmanship? So what? It's not even an antique."
"The gemstones embedded in it are valuable, though."
"The craftsmanship is exquisite—clearly a master's work."
As chatter filled the room, Sophia's expression turned icy.
The symbol on the token was all too familiar.
This was unmistakably an assassin organization's insignia.
How had it ended up at an auction?
Ethan's brow furrowed as well.
He caught the shift in Sophia's demeanor instantly.
"Ms. Sullivan, interested in this piece?" he asked casually.
"Just curious," Sophia replied, meeting his gaze with a knowing look.
"Mr. Sullivan, with your vast knowledge, surely you recognize this?"
"Gold and jewels? I know a thing or two," he deflected smoothly.
Their exchange was a dance of veiled words.
Then, a voice cut through the room—
"Seven million!"
Gasps erupted.
"How is that token worth that much?"
A staff member wiped his brow nervously.
"Apologies, but no further details are provided for the final lot," he stammered.
"This item is only for the right buyer. For security reasons, we cannot elaborate."
The cryptic explanation only fueled more speculation.
"Just smoke and mirrors. Not even rosewood would fetch that price."
"Mr. Roscente's auctions don't peddle fakes. There must be more to it."
"Marketing gimmick. I'm not falling for it."
Some scoffed, while others leaned forward with renewed interest.
But Sophia's heart sank.
She had thought all such tokens were destroyed.
Yet here was one that slipped through.
Whoever possessed it could command the assassins' loyalty.
No task would be too difficult—no price too high.
Chloe's eyes burned with intensity as she stared at the display.
"Liam, we must have it," she whispered fiercely.
With this token, she could eliminate every obstacle in her path.
Those three men fawning over Sophia?
She would make them disappear—permanently.