Wife by Day, Boss by Night

Brian was silent again, his gaze on the commotion unfolding before him as

people clawed and fought over the Pigeon's Blood, a ruby that was the centerpiece of the diamond

exhibition and the main draw for the crowd. Everyone was after it.

The gem, which had been the cause of noble bloodshed in the West since the 16th

century, symbolized supreme power. Its deep crimson hue bore witness to the countless conflicts it had ignited.

Ambitious men were naturally drawn to it.

Natalie glanced at Brian as the bidding soared past one hundred million dollars and whispered, "You don't want it?"

"I do," Brian nodded calmly, "but a person's worth isn't determined by a stone."

They yearned for the stone, driven by nothing but vanity.

With that money, Brian could broaden his horizons in more substantial ways.

The auction for the Pigeon's Blood ended with a collective sigh as it sold for 1.8 billion dollars.

Natalie did the math in her head, thinking about everything she could do with that money, It was more than the value of some medium-sized companies.

The way these men went crazy over a red stone was a sight to behold.

The final item was the Golconda diamond.

Natalie hadn't even noticed when the bidding had started, but Brian was already raising his paddle. "1 billion."

It was the diamond Brian intended to secure.

He had cared for Natalie for over a decade and knew the glint in her eye when she desired something. Tonight, it was this diamond she wanted.

His earlier bidding war with Gracia was just a probing move. He hadn't been serious about it, simply testing to see how much backing Gracia had from Davis.

Probably, a billion dollars was the most Davis was willing to stomach.

But for this Golconda diamond, Brian was determined to win it at any cost.

The room fell silent again as Brian's opening bid made his intentions clear to all. He was there for this diamond and nothing else.

"1.2 billion," came a voice from a corner of the VIP seating, where a figure, who had been silent all evening, raised the paddle.

11.057

Brian frowned and looked in that direction.

The man wore a half-mask of silver, his right-hand fingers lightly stroking his chin, meeting Brian's gaze with amusement.

It was Max!

Natalie also turned to look, freezing on the spot.

Despite being months since she'd seen him, Natalie recognized Max instantly. His voice was distinctive, O slightly hoarse, as if grated over

sandpaper. She was sure it was Mand

"1.5 billion," Brian called out, raising his paddle, eyes locked on Max.

"1.8 billion," the man replied without hesitation, not even blinking.

room.

Natalie felt a surge of panic. What was Max doing?

She grew increasingly restless as the two men locked horns.

"I need to use the restroom. I'll beContent (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

right back," Natalie said abruptly, rising to her feet and speaking quietly to Brian.

Brian turned, watching Natalie's retreating figure with an intense gaze.