Chapter 6

The chandeliers in the auction hall glittered brilliantly, illuminating the gathering of high society's elite. Tonight's spotlight was on the legendary rare violet diamond, drawing the attention of nearly the entire upper class.

Adrian Valentine's cold gaze swept over Evelyn Roland, brimming with disdain. In his eyes, this once-docile woman had no place at such an event.

Evelyn met his stare head-on. The sharp angles of his handsome face were accentuated by the light, but his eyes burned with contempt. She couldn't understand how two people who had once loved each other could end up like this.

Her four-month pregnancy showed in the slight swell of her abdomen, a constant reminder of their shattered marriage. She had wanted to salvage it—until she caught him with Isabella Langley.

"Evelyn, who gave you the audacity to show up here?" Adrian's voice was icy. "When the real guest of honor arrives, don't embarrass yourself."

Her chest tightened. What did she even mean to him?

This relationship had finally woken her up. Some people were never meant to be the light in her life.

Leaning lazily against her seat, she parted her red lips. "If you can be here, why can't I? Judging by the seating arrangement, my credentials seem higher than yours."

Adrian's pupils constricted. The radiant, defiant woman before him bore no resemblance to the melancholic, obedient wife he remembered. Were the rumors of luxury cars and handsome escorts true?

"Here on behalf of your sugar daddy?" he growled, barely containing his fury.

Evelyn smirked. "I earned my place here on my own."

Julian Roscente suddenly tugged Adrian's sleeve, pointing to the guest list. At the top was Sebastian Cortez's name.

"So you've latched onto Sebastian Cortez." Adrian's eyes darkened with rage. "Evelyn, you disgust me."

The words sliced through her heart like a blade.

Was this how low she had fallen in his eyes?

All lingering affection turned to ashes in that moment. She lifted her gaze, her eyes now devoid of warmth. "Adrian, a decent ex should be as silent as the dead."

His Adam's apple bobbed, but no retort came.

Nearby, Isabella curled her lips. In this battle, Evelyn was destined to lose.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we now present tonight's first lot—'Renaissance Masterpiece'!"

The auctioneer's voice sent a jolt through Evelyn. Her disbelieving eyes locked onto the display. How could this painting be here?

It was Alexander Durand's work. But he was already—

Tears welled in her eyes as she watched Adrian raise his bidding paddle.

When their gazes met, Adrian froze. He had never seen Evelyn cry before. The sight of her shattered expression sent an inexplicable pang through his chest.

Who was she crying for?

Evelyn swiftly composed herself, her focus snapping back to the painting. No matter why it had resurfaced, she couldn't let it fall into anyone else's hands.

She quickly texted her assistant Victoria Laurent in the back row: Win that painting at any cost.

The bid had already skyrocketed to ten million. Under Adrian's intimidating presence, no one dared to counter.

"Ten million going once... twice... Any further bids?" the auctioneer called out.