Night fell, and the city lit up with brilliant lights. 

The entrance of Crown Auctions was bustling with activity. Luxury cars lined up, each one highlighting the prestige of its owner. Guests in lavish attire stepped out in groups, heading towards the grand entrance, eager for the event.

A red carpet was rolled out in front, with security and receptionists efficiently guiding guests inside. Golden arches with sparkling crystal chandeliers illuminated each guest as they entered, making it feel like a star-studded event.

At that moment, a low-profile yet luxurious black Bentley pulled into the parking area. The car door opened, and Evelyn gracefully stepped out. 

She wore a perfectly tailored purple evening gown, the hem swaying gently with her steps, revealing her long legs. Her long hair was elegantly styled, with a few curls around her ears, adding a touch of allure and elegance.

As soon as Evelyn got out of the car, her phone rang. She answered with a gentle tone, 

"Darling, have you finished your meeting?"

Liam's deep voice came through the phone, "Not yet. It's break time now, but the meeting will continue shortly. You don't have to wait for me. If you see any jewelry you like, just buy it. Don't worry about the cost. I'll join you as soon as the meeting is over."

Evelyn chuckled softly, glancing at the bustling scene inside, "Alright, focus on your meeting."

Liam's voice was tender, "If you need anything, call me anytime. I'll be there soon."

"Okay, I'll be waiting," Evelyn replied softly before hanging up. Then she walked towards the entrance.

The receptionists at the door bowed respectfully and guided her inside.Inside the hall, crystal chandeliers dazzled brightly, and luxurious decorations and exquisite artworks were everywhere, exuding nobility and elegance. Guests chatted enthusiastically, and the atmosphere grew livelier.

Evelyn checked the time and saw that the auction was about to start. She was about to take her seat when she unexpectedly spotted a woman she never wanted to see again. 

What a small world, Evelyn thought. 

She tried to change direction and leave, but the woman walked straight up to block her path, "What a coincidence! We haven't seen each other since university. I always thought these events were for people with real status." She looked Evelyn up and down, "Seems I was wrong. By the way, your jewelry today is beautiful. It almost looks real."

Evelyn didn't want to engage and turned to leave, but the woman blocked her, "What, angry because I exposed you?" She glanced around, "Where's your generous sugar daddy? To bring you here, he must be wealthy. You better hold on tight!"

Evelyn stayed calm, "Serena, you haven't changed. You still belittle others to feel better about yourself. As for my jewelry, no surprise you think it's fake. People who wear imitation jewelry and use fake luxury goods always assume others' things are fake too."

Serena's face darkened, but when she saw a man approaching, she quickly changed her expression and clung to his arm, "Darling, look who I ran into."

The man, seeing Evelyn, gave an awkward smile, "Evelyn, long time no see."

Evelyn felt it must be her unlucky day. Within a few minutes, she encountered the second person she never wanted to see again in her life—her ex-boyfriend.

She had often imagined what she would do if she saw Julian and Serena again: slap Julian or curse Serena for betraying her friendship. 

She never thought she would be this calm. Perhaps it was because her current life was so happy that Serena and Julian, who had betrayed her, were now like mud-stained shoes she once loved. She could throw them away without wasting any emotions.

"Excuse me, the auction is about to start," Evelyn said, not even glancing at Julian.

Julian watched Evelyn's departing figure with a longing look. Serena, seeing Julian's expression, stepped on his foot. "What are you doing?" Julian asked angrily.

"I'm sorry, darling, I didn't mean to. The auction is about to start, let's go," Serena said, trying to appease him.

In the center of the auction hall, a high auction stage was surrounded by red velvet curtains. On the stage were several precious artworks and jewelry pieces. The auctioneer, Jonathan, stood in the center. He wore a well-fitted black suit and held a gavel, looking energetic and ready to begin.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to tonight's auction," Jonathan's voice echoed through the microphone. 

"Tonight, we will auction a series of rare artworks and jewelry, carefully selected from around the world."

Jonathan signaled with his hand, and the curtains slowly opened, revealing a vintage emerald necklace adorned with diamonds. The necklace sparkled under the lights, catching everyone's attention.

"This necklace features a 20-carat top-grade emerald as its centerpiece, with a rich, clear green color. Emeralds are renowned for their unique green hue, and this one is a prime example, Jonathan continued. "Surrounding the emerald are top-grade diamonds, each meticulously cut to emit unparalleled brilliance."

He paused, allowing the guests time to appreciate the necklace's beauty, then continued, "The design of this necklace is exceptionally unique, crafted by a world-renowned jewelry designer. The overall design is both classical and elegant, yet infused with modernity. Every detail showcases the pinnacle of jewelry craftsmanship. The starting bid for this necklace is one million dollars."

The auction hall fell silent as everyone held their breath, waiting for the bidding to begin. Jonathan raised the gavel and announced, "Now, the bidding starts!"

Several paddles were raised from the crowd, and Jonathan called out the prices one by one, "1.1 million, 1.15 million, 1.2 million!"

Evelyn raised her paddle, her voice clear and firm, "1.3 million." She then cast a challenging glance in Serena's direction.

Serena's eyes flashed with surprise, but she defiantly raised her paddle, "1.4 million!"

Evelyn didn't hesitate and immediately responded, "1.5 million."

Serena, visibly irritated, raised her paddle again, "1.7 million!"

"2 million," Evelyn quickly outbid. The price had already far exceeded the necklace's actual value, causing many to drop out of the bidding.

Serena's face turned pale. She knew that further raising the bid would exceed Julian's budget. She turned to Julian and pleaded, "Darling, this necklace means so much to me. I can't let Evelyn look down on me. You have to help me get it."

Julian frowned and whispered, "This necklace isn't worth that much."

Serena persistently shook Julian's arm, pleading, "Please, darling, I really love this necklace. Didn't you say you wanted me to..." Serena lowered her voice, "I'll agree to your request, but I need this necklace."

"Really?" Julian's eyes lit up, "Alright, but the maximum is 2.5 million."

Serena smiled triumphantly and raised her paddle, "2.1 million!"

"2.3 million," Evelyn said, looking unconcerned.

"2.5 million," Serena continued.

Surprisingly, Evelyn decided to stop bidding and smiled at Serena. Serena suddenly realized that Evelyn had never intended to buy the necklace; she had just wanted to drive up the price and make Serena spend more money!

Jonathan brought down the gavel, and the necklace went to Serena. Although Serena was seething inside, she maintained a facade of triumph.

The auction continued with other valuable artworks and jewelry, but the atmosphere had already reached a peak due to the intense bidding. Jonathan energetically introduced each item, and the guests continued to bid enthusiastically.

Finally, all the items were successfully auctioned, and Jonathan announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight's auction has come to an end. Thank you for your participation. We hope you had a pleasant evening."

As the guests began to leave, the auction hall gradually quieted down. Evelyn was about to leave when Serena rushed over to her, "You did it on purpose! You drove up the price so I would spend more money!"

Evelyn smiled innocently, "I just felt the price exceeded my budget, so I decided to stop bidding. How was I supposed to know you were willing to spend so much on a necklace? Serena, if you truly wanted it, wouldn't it be worth the price? Or did you buy this necklace just to prove you're better than me, just like you did when you lured Julian away?"

Serena's face turned pale with rage, and she raised her hand to slap Evelyn. At that moment, a large hand firmly caught her wrist.

"You should apologize to my fiancée," Liam said coldly, his gaze as sharp as a blade.

Serena was taken aback by Liam's imposing presence, her face turning even paler, but she defiantly retorted, "Who do you think you are, daring to stop me? Do you know who my husband is?"

Julian hurried over and scolded Serena harshly, "This is Liam, the CEO of TechNova. Apologize immediately!"

Then, he turned to Liam with a forced smile, "Liam, I apologize for the misunderstanding..."

"I saw her about to hit my fiancée. You call that a misunderstanding?" Liam's voice was icy.

Serena's face turned white, and Julian was utterly panicked. He tried to explain, but no words came out.

Liam sneered and said contemptuously, "A misunderstanding? Very well. Then, I'll make sure your company understands the feeling of being misunderstood." 

He took out his phone and made a call, "Blacklist Julian's company immediately. Terminate all collaboration projects. Spare no effort in bringing this company to bankruptcy."

Serena and Julian's faces turned ashen, completely overwhelmed by fear. Julian pleaded, "Mr. Liam, please forgive us. We had no idea Evelyn was your fiancée."

Liam sneered, "Ignorance is no excuse for rudeness. You'd better learn from your mistakes." He gave them a cold glance, then turned and walked away with Evelyn, holding her hand.

Evelyn smiled and leaned on Liam's shoulder, "Thank you, Liam, for giving me a sense of security."

Liam spoke tenderly, "I will always be by your side. No one can harm you."

As they walked out of the auction hall, the cool night air brushed against Evelyn's face, and she felt a profound sense of relief. 

She had faced her past demons and emerged victorious, with Liam by her side. 

Together, they stepped into their car, leaving the glittering lights of the city behind, ready to embrace their future.