Chapter 256

Una's sudden action naturally drew the attention and confusion of everyone present. She thought, “What was going on with me?!” During the auction, it was permissible to leave and continue inspecting the raw jade stones. So Una's departure was allowed. Others who were unsure about their bids would also go back to check the stones. Of course, as long as they didn’t miss their turn.

Seeing Una dash out, Stanley and the Woodward Group’s stone gambler quickly followed after her. Only Claire remained seated. Ever since she had given Una luck, she had felt somewhat drained. But now, she suddenly sensed an unfamiliar fullness within her, as if something that had been weighing her down had disappeared. It meant that what Phoebe had mentioned earlier had come true.

As Una dashed out, Claire couldn’t help but glance at Phoebe. Sensing her gaze, Phoebe turned slightly and winked at her. Claire’s eyes reddened instantly—she had an overwhelming urge to cry. She then turned back and took out her phone, typing a message. Claire’s phone vibrated. She looked down at the screen.

Phoebe: [Una has suffered backlash. She’s definitely going to take it out on you. Get up now and head to the restroom. There’s a woman wearing a black baseball cap and a mask waiting for you. Follow her and leave immediately for Solara City:]

Phoebe knew Una’s ruthless nature well. After experiencing such a devastating setback, Una would undoubtedly lash out, and Claire would be her first target. Una had brought a lot of people with her, and Stanley certainly wouldn’t help Claire. Now that most of them had left to re-examine the jade stones, it was the perfect time and opportunity to slip away. Phoebe had planned everything in advance. That was why she had sent her assistant, Wendy, here the day before—to escort Claire away. Instead of taking a flight, Wendy would drive her back. The residual energy on Claire would take half a day to a full day to dissipate. Driving around to multiple locations would further confuse those tracking her. Once all traces of energy were gone, Una’s people would no longer be able to find her.

Claire felt warmth surge in her heart as she read the message—Phoebe had arranged everything for her. She wanted to stay and witness Una’s downfall, to see her suffer the consequences of the backlash and lose everything in this auction. But she also knew she couldn’t be a burden to Phoebe.

Claire: (Okay, I’ll do as you say. Thank you, Phoebe.)

After sending the message, she swiftly stood up and walked towards the restroom.

Phoebe: I’ll livestream it for you later. Una’s reaction and the final auction results—you won’t miss the show.

She knew Claire would want to see Una’s downfall. If their roles were reversed, Phoebe would want to see it too. So, she didn’t want Claire to miss out and planned to set up a video call for her later. Tears streamed down Claire’s face uncontrollably. For the first time in her life, someone was taking care of her so considerately. Phoebe was truly kind.

Claire: (Alright, I really do want to see it.)

She didn’t say thank you again. Instead, she etched this moment into her heart. As Claire reached the restroom entrance, she immediately spotted the woman Phoebe had mentioned.

12:12 AM

Chapter 256

Wendy saw Claire as well and quickly approached, linking her arm through Claire’s. “Let’s go, I’ll take you out of here.” Claire didn’t resist. She nodded and replied, “Alright.” The two of them quickly left the auction hall. Wendy led her to an off-road vehicle. A burly man was already inside—both the driver and their bodyguard. A talisman was stuck on the rear glass of the car—for protection and to prevent tracking. As soon as the two women got in, the driver immediately started the car and drove away.

Claire was still crying. Wendy didn’t know about the luck transfer, but she had heard from Phoebe about Claire’s tragic past—how she had been swapped at birth and then suppressed and mistreated by her so-called family after returning. She felt both sympathy and heartache for Claire. Pulling out a tissue, Wendy handed it to her while gently patting her back in silent comfort. She didn’t tell Claire to stop crying—sometimes, letting it out was better. Claire took the tissue, wiping her tears as she sobbed, “Thank you.” Wendy radiated warmth, too. Continuing to pat her back, Wendy said, “You’re welcome. Once we get to Solara City, you can stay with me for now. From now on, we’ll look after each other.” She was currently living alone in a company-arranged apartment. When Phoebe had asked if she could take care of Claire for a while, Wendy had agreed without hesitation.

Claire sniffled and said, “Alright.” It would be the first time she lived with someone other than those two families. Before, she had no choice. When she was in middle school, she had asked to live in a dormitory, hoping to escape the suffocating household of her adoptive parents. But they had refused. They even threatened that if she insisted on dorming, they wouldn’t let her continue school. In college, the Woodward family took control. She was forced to attend the same university as Una, in the same major. On top of that, they arranged for her to be a day student instead of living on campus. She had always longed to live outside, hoping to meet some easygoing roommates and make a few real friends because growing up, she had never known any friends. Anyone who got close to her would experience misfortune. She was afraid to get close to people, afraid she would bring them harm. But now, for the first time, she looked forward to the future.

Meanwhile, Phoebe hacked into the auction house’s surveillance system using her phone. She erased all footage of Claire standing up and leaving the auction hall. Now, Una and the Woodward family wouldn’t be able to find Claire—let alone demand her return.

As the bidding continued, Phoebe set her sights on certain raw jade stones. She participated in the auction, bidding when the price was reasonable and letting go when it got too high.

Outside, Una was on the verge of losing her composure. She tried to use her special sense on the jade stones as usual, but nothing happened. That mysterious ability to perceive the emeralds inside was gone. She frantically touched one stone after another, but there was nothing. Because she had rushed through her initial examination, relying too much on her special sense, she hadn’t bothered to memorize specific details. She had only noted down the numbers of stones containing high-quality and top-tier emeralds, completely disregarding mid-to-low grade ones. Now, without her ability, every stone looked the same to her. How was she supposed to bid now?!

Stanley noticed Una’s panic and near breakdown. His heart skipped a beat. He reached out and pulled on her sleeve, asking nervously, “Una, what’s wrong with you?” Una was already in a foul mood. His touch and questioning only made it worse. She raised her hand and slapped Stanley across the face, her expression ice-cold.

“This is all your fault!” she snapped. “I had already noted down all the must-bid stones. But because of your stupid phone call, you bumped into me and spilled water all over my notebook!” She transferred all her anger onto Stanley. “Now we have no way to bid! You’re nothing but a useless fool who ruins everything!”

12:12 AM Chapter 256