Mag-log inPete walked out of the auction hall with long, decisive strides, his fingers interlocked tightly with Zoe's, moving with the kind of purposeful certainty that dared anyone to question him. The bright lights spilling from behind them poured onto their backs, casting long shadows that stretched across the polished marble floor like unfinished accusations waiting to be spoken aloud.Around them, murmurs rose and fell in waves, confused, indignant, endlessly curious. The very air itself seemed unsettled, as though the auction hall had not yet recovered from what had just unfolded upon that stage only moments before.Zoe leaned slightly toward Pete, her lips curving into a smile she tried, and utterly failed, to hide. Behind them, Petra staggered forward, her legs unsteady beneath her."Pete, stop right there!"Her voice cut through the hall, strained and hoarse, carrying more raw desperation than actual volume. The chatter around them died down almost instantly. Heads turned in uniso
Minutes later, a hush gradually swept across the grand hall, spreading from table to table like a slow tide pulling back before a wave, as a lady dressed in a fitted usher's uniform stepped onto the stage with quiet, practiced grace. She carried a small white box cradled carefully between both hands, holding it against her body as though the smallest jolt might shatter whatever lay inside. When she finally reached the table positioned at the very center of the stage, she lowered the box down with exquisite gentleness and slowly lifted its lid.Inside, resting against soft white lining, lay a small glass vial filled with a red liquid so vivid it seemed to catch every beam of light pouring down from the chandeliers above, glowing faintly, almost hypnotically, like liquid fire trapped inside glass.A murmur rippled instantly through the crowd of guests, rising and falling like wind moving through tall grass.The usher straightened her posture and turned gracefully to face the sea of fa
"Mocking guests like this?" Oscar Wesley repeated, his voice controlled yet sharp as a scalpel's edge. His gaze swept across Zoe Fox and the cluster of women behind her, measuring each of them from head to toe.Every eye within earshot had already begun to turn, drawn by the unmistakable scent of confrontation.Zoe scoffed, stepping forward with the confidence of someone accustomed to getting her way.Her chin lifted defiantly, her designer heels clicking against the floor with each measured step. "Mr. Wesley, here's some friendly advice," she said, her voice dripping with false concern that fooled no one. "This woman is nothing but trouble. Anyone who gets close to her will suffer. It's practically guaranteed."She paused for effect, letting her words sink in before continuing."She's trying to seduce you, can't you see? She's looking for her backup plan now that Pete has finally abandoned her. You're just the next target."The words echoed louder than she'd intended, bouncing off
The white SUV rolled to a smooth stop in front of the Chapman Auction House, its polished surface reflecting the towering glass façade of the building. The place looked exactly as it always had: grand, intimidating, and carefully designed to remind everyone who stepped inside that power and money ruled here. This was a place where influence determined value, and status opened doors that money alone sometimes could not.The rear door opened.Oscar Wesley stepped out first, adjusting his tailored suit before immediately turning back toward the vehicle. Without the slightest hesitation, he reached inside and carefully helped Petra out of the car, supporting her with steady hands as she slowly stepped onto the pavement.She was dressed in a simple white dress that flowed gracefully around her figure. There was nothing extravagant about it, yet its understated elegance drew attention naturally. Unfortunately, the pure white fabric also made the paleness of her face even more obvious.A
Petra was wheeled straight into the operating room, the wheels of the gurney screeching faintly against the polished hospital floor.Every passing second seemed to carry her farther away from the people desperately praying she would survive.Malcolm and Oscar rushed after the medical team, their footsteps uneven with panic and their breathing ragged as fear pushed them forward faster than reason.Just as they reached the entrance, a nurse stretched out her arm firmly, stopping both men before they could take another step."Only authorized medical staff are allowed beyond this point," she said firmly, refusing to yield despite the desperation written across their faces.Neither man appeared willing to accept her words as Oscar instinctively moved forward while Malcolm stepped beside him, both staring past her toward the operating room as though determination alone could carry them inside.The nurse immediately shifted into their path once more before speaking with even greater authorit
"Even the renowned businessman, Mr. Wesley is close with you. Ms. Chapman, don't you think it's shameful to be flirtatious?"That final question from the reporter sliced through the cold night air like a blade. The accusation was loud enough for everyone nearby to hear, and several other reporters immediately turned their cameras toward Petra, waiting eagerly for her reaction. Their flashing cameras illuminated her pale face over and over again, making it impossible for her to escape the public humiliation.Before Petra could even flinch, Oscar stepped forward, pushing past microphones and flashing cameras.His arm shot out like a shield in front of her."Enough!" he thundered, his voice vibrating through the tense atmosphere. "Don't spread rumors if you don't know the truth."His gaze didn't shift from the reporters, but the firmness in his jaw said he wasn't acting. Something deep inside him had reacted purely on instinct. At that moment, protecting Petra mattered far more than h
Zoe had been in the hospital for days, but it felt longer than that. Time inside the ward did not move in a straight line anymore; it looped through pain, medication schedules, half-sleep, and the same unanswered questions that kept returning no matter how many times she tried to push them away.Th
Petra sat on the couch, flipping through a large file, dressed like the billionaire heiress she was now. Her fitted cream blouse rested neatly against her body while the black skirt she wore crossed elegantly over her legs.The once simple woman who used to spend hours cooking and cleaning for Pete
Barrister Stonehead and Rosa sat opposite Pete in the interrogation room. An officer stood at the door, watching them.The atmosphere inside the room felt unbearably heavy. The bright white light above reflected harshly against the cold metal table standing between them.Pete sat quietly on one sid
Officer Lee came out to meet Elizabeth screaming at the top of her voice, beside her stood a man on black suit, holding a briefcase. “Where’s my son?” She demanded. “I want to see him now!”Her sharp voice echoed through the station with such force that even Officer Lee, who had handled countless t







