Chapter 45

Vivian could have walked away that very moment. In just twenty days, their divorce would be finalized, severing all ties between them forever.

If Ethan died tonight, she'd inherit a fortune as his legal wife. She'd be set for life beyond her wildest dreams.

Yet she couldn't bring herself to be that heartless. Despite everything, she turned back toward the auction hall.

What choice did she have? He was still the father of her children. If they ever discovered she'd abandoned him in his hour of need, they'd never forgive her.

The bidding frenzy reached its peak as she slipped back into her seat.

"Five million!"

"Six million!"

"Six point five!"

Celebrities and socialites waved their paddles with feverish excitement. The item up for auction? The very ring she'd removed from her finger moments earlier.

When Vivian sat down, the bid already stood at 6.8 million. "Absurd," she muttered. That ring had cost barely half that amount. These people had more money than sense.

She reached for her drink to steady her nerves, her fingers accidentally brushing against Ethan's. His skin felt as cold as his piercing gaze. "You've certainly made yourself the center of attention tonight," he said icily. "Who knew my wife could part with her wedding ring so easily after four years?"

Vivian took a deliberate sip before responding with a smile. "Nothing mysterious about it, Mr. Blackwood. Just putting it to better use."

Ethan's eyes darkened dangerously. If they'd been alone, she had no doubt he'd have torn her apart.

Leaning closer, she whispered, "As your soon-to-be ex-wife, I feel obliged to warn you - don't go on that stage. Someone means you harm."

She'd scanned the room earlier but spotted no obvious threats. Still, with Ethan exposed under spotlights while danger lurked in shadows, the risk was too great.

Ethan studied her with sudden intensity. "What game are you playing now?"

"No game. Just heed my warning if you value your life."

"Twelve million!"

"Twelve point five!"

"Thirteen!"

The bids climbed to ludicrous heights, nearing fifteen million. Among the bidders, Julian Montgomery stood out - waving his paddle with reckless abandon. As the favored heir to his family's fortune, money meant nothing to him.

"Thirteen point five!" Julian called out.

Silence fell. The ring's true value lay not in its diamonds, but in its history as Vivian Lockhart's wedding band.

"Going once!"

"Going twice!"

The auctioneer's voice trembled with excitement. "This is your last chance, ladies and gentlemen! A one-of-a-kind piece with immense sentimental value!"

When no counteroffer came, he raised his gavel. "Sold for thirteen point five mil-"

"Fifteen million." Ethan's emotionless voice cut through the room as he raised his paddle.

Gasps erupted.

Vivian stared in disbelief. Had he lost his mind? With their divorce imminent, why waste fifteen million on a symbol of their failed marriage?

"True love prevails!" someone cried.

"Whatever belongs to the wife should return to her!"

"Mr. Blackwood clearly adores his wife! So much for those cold marriage rumors!"

The crowd swooned over Ethan's grand gesture.

But Cassandra Delacroix, seated nearby, glared daggers at Vivian, her fists clenched in jealous rage.

The auctioneer turned to Julian. "Mr. Montgomery? Any counteroffer?"

Julian merely shrugged with an easy smile. "I'm tapped out. It's all yours."

"Fifteen million - going once!"

"Going twice!"

"Sold to Mr. Blackwood for fifteen million!" The auctioneer beamed. "Please join us on stage for a few words!"

Ethan maintained his usual cool demeanor, though privately he wondered if he'd walked into some trap set by Vivian and Julian. Or had he stepped in willingly?

Spotlights found him as he stood, adjusting his suit jacket.

"Don't go up there," Vivian hissed, grabbing his arm. On that stage, he'd be an easy target.

When he ignored her, she tightened her grip. "Fine. Then I'm coming with you."