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Luca, on the other hand, looked like he’d walked out of a magazine cover—dressed in a tailored white suit, crisp and clean, with a pale blue shirt left slightly open at the collar. No tie. Just effortless confidence. The hint of his collarbone, paired with his gentle eyes and well-defined jawline, made him look every bit the charming gentleman—cool, composed, and perfectly poised beside her.
Anya swallowed hard and nodded slightly, her lips pressed into a tense line. Her heels clicked softly as they entered the grand ballroom together, drawing curious glances.
The event space was filled with socialites, business elites, and media whispers—but Anya held her head high, clutching Luca’s arm for strength as they took their seats near the front.
Soon, the auction began. Hosts welcomed the guests, and luxurious diamond pieces started appearing on display. Bids rose quickly. Laughter and soft chatter blended with the sound of numbers being called out.
But as the excitement buzzed around her, Anya’s attention wavered.
Her gaze drifted through the crowd until it locked onto a shadowed figure seated just a few rows away.
Dante.
His presence hit her like a sudden chill. He sat tall in a sharp, black suit. Beside him was Jennifer. She wore a dull gray business suit, her hair tied tightly back, expression polite and impersonal.
When Dante caught her gaze, he noticed how she looked at Jennifer, then back at him—but her expression didn’t change.
Dante’s jaw clenched.
‘She’s not even jealous?’ he thought, the bitterness rising in his chest. ‘She saw me with Jennifer and didn’t even blink?’
His fingers tightened around the glass of champagne in his hand.
‘Does she really not care about me anymore?’
Anya met Dante’s stare, refusing to flinch—until he narrowed his eyes ever so slightly and tilted his head, a silent warning in his gaze. The gesture was subtle but enough to send a chill crawling down her spine.
His expression wasn’t loud, but it was laced with possessiveness and something darker—resentment. As if he was asking her without words:How dare you sit beside him?
Her throat tightened. She quickly turned away, refusing to give him another glance, but she could still feel his glare burning holes into her back—hot, heavy, piercing.
“Anya, how about that one?” Luca leaned toward her, speaking softly to catch her attention.
She blinked, shifting her gaze toward the display. A radiant diamond had just been unveiled—large, with rare deep pink and maroon hues that sparkled under the spotlight like fire and wine fused into stone.
“It’s beautiful,” Anya whispered, eyes widening in awe. “Oh my…”
“You like it?” Luca asked, watching her light up. “Do you want it for yourself?”
She turned to him, surprised by the question. His expression was calm, affectionate even, with a smile on his lips.
“Is that possible? Can I?” Her voice came out breathy, a mix of disbelief and wonder.
“Of course. We can buy other diamonds for business.” Luca replied easily, his tone confident. He gently patted her hand. “Anya, you’re the daughter of one of the wealthiest men in the country. His entire empire is already yours. Don’t overthink something like this.”
A grin stretched across Anya’s face—soft, genuine. She squeezed his hand and said excitedly, “Then I want that diamond, please. I want it so much.”
Without hesitation, Luca turned to the auctioneer and raised his bidding paddle.
“Sixty million.”
The hall stilled instantly.
All whispers died. Heads turned. It was the highest bid so far.
But the silence shattered a heartbeat later—by a calm, clipped voice from across the room.
“Seventy.”