Leaning against the second-floor railing, Olivier chuckled at the text message. He looked down at Gwenda, her angry expression widening his smile. He tapped on his screen, sending another message: "Do you like the 'Heart of the Ocean'?"

Gwenda replied, "Never seen it."

This meant she couldn't say whether she liked it. Olivier smiled and texted back, "Take a good look at it later. If you like it, I'll get it for you."

Gwenda's eyes flickered, recalling Justina's words. "Nah, I'm good. I have no interest in snatching things other people want."

Confusion clouded Olivier's face as he read the text. Snatching things other people wanted? What did she mean? Deciding against questioning it, he pocketed his phone, his eyes darkening.

At that moment, the first auction item sold. Next was the legendary "Heart of the Ocean." The host's spirits soared. "I believe everyone here has anticipated our most valuable item, the 'Heart of the Ocean.' So, without further ado, let's have the staff bring it up."

The staff presented the necklace. Gasps filled the room.

"Oh, it's so gorgeous! Even stationary, it sparkles!"

"As expected, it lives up to its reputation as a relic from a top jewelry designer."

"The design is perfection."

Nearby, Gretchen was captivated by the "Heart of the Ocean." Martin, seeing her excited smile, tightened his arm around her waist, leaning in to whisper, "You like it?"

Gretchen nodded shyly. "Yes, it's pretty."

"Then I'll put it on you later," Martin promised, gently nibbling her earlobe.

Gretchen blushed. "Okay."

Bidding began at one million dollars. Many initially participated, but as the price climbed, fewer remained. Martin seized the opportunity, bidding five million dollars.

"Mr. Morel bids five million dollars! Is anyone willing to bid higher?" the host shouted excitedly.

The guests exchanged glances, declining to bid. Justina smiled at Gretchen. "If you wear this necklace tonight, it'll look stunning."

Gretchen smiled faintly, glancing toward Gwenda. She whispered, "I think my sister likes this necklace, too."

"Oh, but she'd need fate's blessing to wear it," Justina scoffed disdainfully.

Gretchen bit her lip, but didn't object.

"Is anyone willing to bid higher than Mr. Morel?"

The bidding reached its climax.

"Five million, going once!"

"Five million, going twice!"

"Five million, going thri—"

"Ten million!"

A shout from the crowd cut through the silence, a second before the hammer fell. All eyes turned.

"Who? Who bid that?"

"That gentleman over there."

"Who is he?"

Gwenda, engrossed in the spectacle, turned out of curiosity. She was stunned when she saw the bidder.

"I bid ten million!" Otto held up his bidder card, smiling at the host.

"Wonderful! Ten million! Is anyone willing to bid higher?"

All eyes fell on Martin.