Chapter 2
The show officially kicked off, and Camila, the guest of honor personally invited by the organizers, made her grand entrance.
Dressed in a fiery red gown, her delicate features were accentuated by the "Starry Night" necklace around her neck, instantly capturing everyone's attention.
"Starting bid, ten million dollars," the host announced, and gasps of surprise echoed through the room.
Clifford, seated in the front row of the VIP section, casually tapped his fingers on the armrest, his gaze subtly fixed on Camila's face.
Jewelry seemed redundant; she herself was far more captivating than these trinkets.
So when the auctioneer announced the starting bid of ten million dollars, Clifford didn't even flinch.
"Twenty million dollars," he called out, raising the bid without hesitation.
"Thirty million dollars."
"Forty million dollars."
"Fifty million dollars."
In just a few minutes, the price soared to fifty million dollars.
The hands that had been eagerly raised before now quietly lowered.
Clifford's amber eyes were locked onto the stage, a cigar in one hand, as if declaring his claim.
Suddenly, the auction room doors were thrown open, and a light chuckle came from the back, "Sixty million dollars."
Camila turned to see Albert, who had somehow taken a seat in the back row, his deep, affectionate eyes filled with amusement, fixed on the necklace around her neck.
Clifford whipped his head around, the chair legs screeching against the floor, "Seventy million dollars."
"Eighty million dollars." Albert leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips, "Actually, I wouldn't mind conceding to Mr. Thompson, but unfortunately, I want to give it to my fiancée."
At the mention of "fiancée," Clifford sneered, his defined hand raising again, "One hundred million dollars."
The auctioneer's voice trembled, and the sound of camera shutters filled the room.
The tension between the two men was palpable, the air thick with hostility. Guests around them stepped back, wary of getting caught in the storm.
Just then, Camila stepped down from the stage, a faint smile on her lips, "Since Mr. Thompson likes this necklace so much, Albert, why don't you let him have it?"
Clifford's fist clenched, his hidden anger ignited. "No need."
This was her warning; whenever someone crossed her line, she would deliberately show affection to another man to pressure him.
Damn it, he knew it all too well, yet he couldn't resist.
"Forget it, it's just a necklace. I'm not interested."
In the end, the necklace was sold to Albert for a staggering one hundred million dollars.
Applause erupted, and Camila calmly removed the necklace, personally handing it to Albert.
They exchanged smiles, and Albert wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her into a passionate kiss that drew gasps from the crowd.
After the auction, Camila walked in her high heels, with Albert following behind, his fingers lightly touching the zipper of her dress, the cold metal sending a shiver through the thin fabric.
His voice was emotionless, yet laden with meaning, "Clifford has never been interested in jewelry."
His voice was low, tinged with curiosity, "I'm curious why he was so interested in the necklace."
Camila seemed unfazed, calmly walking to the mirror and using a cotton pad to remove her makeup. "I find it strange too. Maybe he has a new love interest."
"Really?"
Albert moved beside her, wrapping his arms around her waist and inhaling the scent of her hair. "I think he was after you."
Camila covered her mouth with a light laugh, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "What are you thinking?"
"He's seen all kinds of women. If you hadn't shown up today, he probably wouldn't even recognize me as your girlfriend."
She playfully kissed Albert's cheek. "See how charming your girlfriend is? Even a man who barely knows me can't help but be attracted."
Her lighthearted tone made Albert laugh, the curiosity in his eyes fading. He gently removed the decoration from her hair. "Mom wants us to come home for dinner and discuss the wedding."
Wedding?
Camila smiled without a word, but her hand unconsciously tightened. "Sure, but if we get married now, it might interfere with your work. But don't worry, I'll have a good talk with them."
Albert felt a pang of guilt, pulling her into a tight embrace. "Once everything is settled, we'll get married."
"I know you're always considerate, never making things difficult for me."
"Of course."
Camila gently patted his back, providing the emotional support he needed, but it wasn't time to commit to marriage yet.
"Alright, you go ahead. I need to change."
After Albert left, she took out her phone, seeing several missed calls.
"What do you mean?"
As soon as she answered, Clifford's demanding voice came through, filled with suppressed anger.
"Nothing. You went to such lengths to get a necklace, it raises suspicion."
Clifford let out a cold laugh, full of sarcasm. "Really? I should thank you then."
Camila lifted her hair, revealing her smooth forehead, speaking nonchalantly. "This is the last time. He's already suspicious. If it happens again, we're done."
There was a brief silence on the other end, only heavy breathing could be heard. "You're ruthless."
With that, he hung up abruptly.
Camila took her time changing and walked to the parking lot. As she opened the car door, Albert frowned. "Emily went to my house."
That name was an unspoken understanding between them, never brought to light.
But this time, she had dared to go to the Garcia Mansion, causing a scene.
Camila nodded understandingly, adjusting her posture. "It's okay, I'll go with you."
The blue Lamborghini pulled up in front of the Garcia Mansion.
Outside, a stunningly beautiful woman knelt under the scorching sun, her face pale.
Albert's pupils contracted, almost instinctively moving to help her up.
"Don't you dare!"
A commanding voice came from inside, and Albert's mother, Isla Jackson, appeared, her well-maintained face stern.
"If she wants to kneel, let her. As long as I'm alive, I won't allow such a scheming woman into this house."
At her words, Emily's body trembled, tears streaming down her face. She reached for her stomach, about to speak when Camila interrupted.
"Isla, don't be angry. It's been a while since we talked. I brought some pastries. Let's chat over tea."