The chatter in the room died down as the auctioneer unveiled the fourth item-a breathtaking purple diamond that left everydy in attendance gaping. Diamonds were a girl''s best friend, and this one was the star of the show, The high-societydies knew their gems, and this six-and-a-half-carat stunner was a real head-turner. It was a rare beauty, bigger and more Impressive than most purple diamonds they''d everid eyes on. Yvene''s eyes sparkled with admiration, and Helen''s eyes nearly popped out of her head as she clutched Xavier''s arm, pleading. "Bro, this diamond Is to die for. You have to get it for me." Helen''s words made Yvette''s hand tighten on her dress, and Yvette''s lips pressed together in a thin line.


    palpable


    In the front row, Irene had her sights set on the ne, too. "Yonas, this would look amazing on me, right?" she gushed, her excitement palp


    Yonas remembered the pink diamond he''d won at thest auction. The designer of this purple dazzler was the same, and it was just as famous. He nodded, cating Irene with a smile. Yasmine traced her neck, feeling relieved that she hadn''t worn the ne Yonas had given her.


    Then the auctioneer''s voice cut through the murmurs. This exceptionally rare purple diamond ne is up for grabs, starting at 3 million dors


    Morgan didn''t hesitate and s


    said with a paddle in his hand, "8.5 million dors."


    Yasmine''s gaze shot to Morgan, who added with a grin. "It''s all yours."


    Right then. Xavier raised his paddle and said. "8 million dors"


    Quick as a sh, Irene blurted. "13 million dors!"


    A blue diamond from a top jeweler, barely five carats, had fetched 20 million dors, so this price wasn''t out of this world.


    Morgan''s smile widened as he said, 16.5 million dors!"


    The price had skyrocketed 10 million in the blink of an eye, nearing the purple diamond''s peak value. Going any higher would be a loss


    But for Irene, money was no object. She raised her paddle and said, "20 million dors."


    "20 million dors? Ms. Irene White is ying for keeps


    "The White family''s fortune is at her fingertips. She''s just back in town, and her father William is rolling out the red carpet for her. Plus, there''s Mr. Yonas Russell behind her." "What''s more, Irene and Yonas have been close since they were kids,"


    Helen''s anxious gaze never left Xavier, who seemed unmoved. Yvette, on the other hand, couldn''t help but think. The Flynn family''s coffers aren''t as deep as they used to be. They''ve taken a hit from the Russell family and can''t just buy whatever they want anymore After a while of begging. Helen gave up on Xavier when he didn''t budge.


    Before Morgan could make another move, Yasmine tugged at his sleeve and whispered, "Let her have it, Morgan."


    Yaurine could see Irene''s desire and Yonas''s indifference to the cost.


    But what Yasmine wondered was if Yonas remembered the feeling of wanting to give her the pink diamond and those bracelets, the eagerness to make someone happy-


    Yasmine''s heart ached as she watched Irene im the purple diamond. Yonas, who''d once given her that pink diamond, now stood by Irene''s side. Xavier, seated behind Yasmine, noticed her distant stare at Yonas


    Later, Yasmine had tuned out the rest of the auction. All she knew was that Morgan had won an antique brooch for her, a piece fit for a 17th-century princess, but it felt like it belonged to Irene, who was eye-catching next to Yonas.


    Feeling increasingly restless, Yasmine handed her paddle to Morgan, patted Yoselin''s hand, and said softly, "Hold down the fort for a bit. I''us stepping out to the restroom"


    In the restroom, Yasmine sshed cold water on her face, trying to clear her head. But the image of Yonas and Irene,ughing and chatting. wouldn''t fade. She felt a pang of jealousy and confusion. Why did Xavier and Yonas both push me away for other women? she wondered


    Exiting the restroom, Yasmine leaned against the wall by the venue''s entrance, reluctant to return. Every time she sat down, she''d see Irene and


    Yosas closeness.


    "Why aren''t you inside?" Xavier appeared, catching her off guard.


    Yasmine managed a wry smile. "Just needed some air.


    "What''s going on with you and Yonas Xavier probed


    Yasmine shook her head. "It is what it is"


    Xavier could sense the tension, and so could Yvette and Helen.


    "Did you two have a fight Xavier pursued.


    Yasmine looked at him, puzzled. "Xavier, that''s really none of your business. Your wife is probably in there, and it wouldn''t do for her to see this. I don''t need more gossip.


    Xavier felt a sh of embarrassment and anger. He handed her a handkerchief. I know you''re hurting. We can still be friends, even after the divorce. Call me if you need anything." Yasmine pushed the handkerchief away. "I don''t think I''ll ever need you. With that, she


    e walked back into the venue.


    Xavier watched Yasmine go, a sigh escaping him. He felt a mix of emotions with a lingering concern, even though he knew he had no right. Remembering Yvette was still there, he hurried back inside.


    As Xavier left, Yvette stepped out of the restroom, her eyes red. She watched Xavier go, realizing he could never forget Yasmine and could never fully let her go.


    Yvette knew Xavier''s love for her had changed. Even when he was married to Yasmine, he''d been there for her the moment she returned. But that reckless devotion was gone.


    Yvette picked up her phone, looked at the photo she''d taken, and sent it to someone anonymously.


    As the auction neared its end, the most prized items were upst. The third from the end was a painting masterpiece, estimated at 33 million. Both Xavier and Irene were in the running. "Yonas, Nathan would adore this piece. We have to get it, Irene insisted, her resolve clear.


    The painting was the reason why so many people were here. Starting at 165 million, it quickly soared to 26.5 million in minutes, and the bids kepting


    When the top bidder called out 30 million, Irene didn''t hesitate to jump to 33 million.


    Xavier bowed out; the price was too steep. This was a


    a game for the big leagues now.


    Irene, however, was unfazed by the numbers, calmly raising her paddle. When the price hit 65 million, the room fell silent. No one else dared to bid. She surveyed the room, meeting no challenges. In the end, Irene imed the piece, her excitement palpable as she asked Yonas, "What do you think Nathan will reward me with?"


    Yonas responded with a serious tone, "No clue"