“This is a private family matter, Lucas. Stay out of it.”

“Private?” Lucas let out a derisive laugh. “Mr. Blackwood, do you truly consider the way you’ve been treating Isabella nothing more than a ‘family matter’?”

“You—” Ethan’s composure was on the verge of shattering.

“Enough, Ethan.” Sophia stepped in smoothly, her hand resting lightly on his arm. “The auction is starting soon.”

Ethan drew a sharp, controlled breath, reining in his fury. He shot Isabella one last, unreadable look before turning away.

Sophia glanced back over her shoulder, a glint of triumph in her eyes, then followed him.

Isabella watched them go, her emotions in turmoil.

“Are you all right?” Lucas’s voice was soft with concern.

She gave a slight nod, forcing a smile. “I’m fine. Let’s focus on the auction.”

Running into Ethan here was the last thing she had expected.

She walked beside Lucas to their assigned seats.

The auction commenced without delay.

The auctioneer’s voice echoed through the grand hall, full of energy as each new lot was presented. Bidders competed fiercely, one item after another falling under the hammer. Each decisive strike made Isabella’s heart beat faster.

She was waiting, anxiously, for one specific item.

“Next, the highlight of our evening—a magnificent 10-carat natural Starlight gem,” the auctioneer announced, unveiling a stone of breathtaking beauty that drew gasps from the crowd.

Its deep blue depths seemed to hold captured starlight, radiating six brilliant beams.

Isabella’s breath caught. Her chest tightened. The Starlight Stone was finally here.

“We will begin the bidding at five million!”

“Six million!” a voice called out immediately.

Without pause, Isabella raised her paddle. “Seven million!”

From across the room, Sophia’s voice followed, laced with challenge. “Eight million!”

Isabella’s head snapped around. Her eyes locked with Sophia’s.

Determined, she raised her paddle again. “Nine million!”

Sophia was relentless. “Ten million!”

Pressure mounted, but Isabella held firm, though her hand trembled slightly. She knew Sophia was baiting her, yet she refused to yield.

“Eleven million!” Lucas’s voice cut through the tension, strong and steady beside her.

Sophia seemed momentarily taken aback by his intervention but quickly recovered. “Twelve million!”

Isabella squeezed Lucas’s hand gently, her eyes conveying silent gratitude.

He didn’t hesitate. “Thirteen million!”

Then, cutting through the escalating bids, Ethan’s authoritative voice boomed across the room. “Fifteen million!”

A wave of murmurs swept through the audience as all eyes turned in surprise toward Ethan, who had just dramatically entered the fray.