Chapter 69

Evelyn's breath hitched.

Her face drained of color as if struck by a bolt of lightning.

Beside her, Margaret froze, her fingers tightening around the armrest.

"Mother! What is happening?"

Evelyn's voice was a whisper, sharp with panic. Cold sweat dotted her forehead. "You sold it—why is it here?"

"I did sell it!" Margaret hissed, her eyes wide with disbelief. "This can't be real!"

Nathan was right there.

He had seen it.

He knew.

Her stomach twisted. What would he think when he saw his precious gift—the symbol of his love—being auctioned off like some cheap trinket?

He would despise her.

Her vision blurred with unshed tears.

"Maybe it's a replica—" Margaret began weakly.

"It's not!" Evelyn snapped. "The auctioneer just confirmed it—Crimson Promise was custom-made for me! There's no other like it!"

Panic coiled between them, thick and suffocating.

Evelyn's mind raced—how could she explain this to Nathan?

Margaret, meanwhile, stared daggers into Evelyn's back.

Her thoughts spiraled.

That pawnshop—had it belonged to the Kingsleys?

Out of all the valuables they received daily, why would they donate this piece?

Unless...

Her lips curled.

That scheming little witch.

Only Evelyn would know the significance of Crimson Promise.

Only Evelyn would be petty enough to humiliate Nathan like this—to drive a wedge between him and Victoria.

At the front, Nathan's expression was glacial.

His chest rose and fell sharply beneath his tailored suit. A bead of sweat trailed down his temple.

"Nathan, are you alright?" Julian frowned at his friend's uncharacteristic reaction.

Nathan didn't answer.

His jaw clenched so tight it ached.

He had poured his soul into that necklace—sketched every curve, handpicked every gem, spent sleepless nights perfecting it.

It was supposed to be sacred.

Now, it was being paraded before a room full of vultures.

Humiliation burned through him like acid.

"The Crimson Promise," the auctioneer announced, "is a symbol of undying devotion. True love is priceless, so we will proceed with silent bidding—no reserve price."

Evelyn slumped, her stomach hollow.

The crowd buzzed with excitement, louder than during any previous lot.

Nathan couldn't take it anymore.

His voice was a blade.

"Stop this."

Julian blinked. "What?"

"Stop the auction. That necklace is mine."

Julian's mouth fell open.

Then Nathan noticed—Sebastian's seat was empty.

Evelyn had slipped away.

His fist slammed against the armrest. The air around him turned arctic.

Evelyn.

You wanted to shame me?

Well, congratulations.

She had orchestrated this spectacle—then left before the curtain fell.

Unseen, Evelyn stood before a bathroom mirror, exhaling slowly.

The show was just beginning.

But she had already lost interest in watching.