"Nathan said Alexander will compensate you with something even more extraordinary at tonight's auction."

"So, what do you think? Are you intrigued?"

The mere mention of an auction instantly captured Victoria's attention.

"What kind of auction is it?"

Nathan smirked. "It's the Royal Solmaris annual charity auction. Completely different from those mediocre monthly events."

"Picture this—all the treasures that surface only once a year."

He adopted a dramatic tone. "Rumors say there will be rare, one-of-a-kind pieces—things I've never even laid eyes on before."

"This auction attracts half of Newhaven's elite. Even if they're not bidding, they come just to witness the spectacle."

Nathan hesitated briefly before lowering his voice. "Victoria, do you remember your violin, the Siren's Melody? Alexander acquired it for you at this very auction years ago."

The Siren's Melody had been Alexander's final gift to Victoria—a parting token, in a way.

Over the years, Victoria had performed with that violin in countless international competitions, securing numerous prestigious awards.

Her talent was undeniable, of course. But wielding a world-class instrument had only amplified her brilliance.

Recalling this, Victoria asked, "Nathan, did you ever uncover what Amy was involved in before her marriage? Did she compete, or join any music societies?"

Nathan scoffed. "Alexander and I both investigated. Turns out she dropped out of high school—never even earned her diploma."

"Margaret wasn't wrong about her; she truly only completed middle school."

Noticing Victoria's thoughtful expression, Nathan chuckled. "Don't tell me you actually believed that story Samantha fed you?"

"You know, the whole 'Solmaris Conservatory' tale? I had someone verify it with the institution, room by room. Not a single soul there had ever heard of Amy."

"She just didn’t want to humiliate herself in front of everyone, so she fabricated the entire thing."

Victoria murmured, "Still... she does possess some skill."

The average listener might miss it, but Victoria was an expert—and she could discern that Amy had genuine ability.

Nathan dismissed it with a wave. "So she delivered one impressive performance—big deal. Haven’t you ever had an exceptional day, played beyond your usual standard?"

"And let’s be honest, her mother is the renowned violinist Caroline. Even if she absorbed it passively, it’s no surprise she knows her way around a violin."

"Besides, maybe she discovered Alexander adores violin music and has been practicing in secret for years. Who knows how long she’s been at it?"

"Ultimately, she just craves Alexander’s attention—same as with this entire divorce charade."

Nathan sounded utterly convinced. "She thinks filing for divorce will give her leverage, but Alexander isn’t falling for it. Just wait—she’ll come crawling back to him soon enough."

Victoria’s expression softened slightly.

It was true; she’d had her own moments when everything aligned perfectly.

She’d even reached out to contacts in the music world to inquire about Amy. No one had ever heard of her.

Perhaps, just perhaps, Nathan was right—maybe Amy had been practicing in secret all along.

...

7:30 p.m., the Royal Solmaris Auction Hall.