The Rocelyn Family, though, were her relatives. Her plan for revenge would definitely seem cruel to most people.
Alastor raised an eyebrow. "Do whatever you want. You don't need to fear anyone in Star City."
Eclipse smiled. Even though she felt like she didn't need to explain, she still said softly, "There's nothing between me and Robert anymore."
The Eclipse who had loved Robert so much was long gone, killed by the betrayal of the man she once adored.
Alastor looked at her seriously, and the darkness in his eyes seemed to vanish. He leaned closer and whispered, "I know."
Even if there had been something left, he would've cut it off.
Eclipse blinked, surprised that Alastor trusted her this much. Most men wouldn't be so easy to convince. After all, the old Eclipse had been obsessed with Robert, and everyone knew how crazy she had acted.
When she thought about that poor girl, Eclipse felt sad and guilty.
Alastor's hand gently touched her hair, and he wrapped his arm around her waist. "In five days," he said, his voice soft but strong, "you'll show them all. You don't need them. You'll live better than anyone else."
Eclipse stared at him for a moment, then laughed. She brushed her fingers over his eyebrow and smiled gratefully. "I will."
Just then, the last item of the auction was brought onto the stage. It was a rare, emerald-green diamond, glowing like a star. The diamond was beautiful, cold, and noble.
As soon as the diamond appeared, the atmosphere in the auction house became tense. Everyone was watching closely.
It was well known that green gems were the rarest, and this one was huge. Pink gems were cute, red ones were majestic, but green ones were quiet and noble. This gem was unique, a one-of-a-kind treasure.
The women in the crowd tugged on their husbands' sleeves, their eyes shining with excitement.
The host explained, "This diamond was found by the winner of the stone-gambling competition three years ago. It's priceless and has never been owned by anyone. The starting price is eight million!"
Eight million wasn't much for the richest people in Star City, especially those who wanted to impress their dates.
Right away, the bidding started.
"Ten million!"
"Twelve million!"
"Fifteen million!"
By the time the price reached thirty million, only a few people were still in the running. Not everyone wanted to spend that much on a diamond, and not all women were worth such a huge price.
Amid the chatter, Robert Jade stood up and shouted confidently, "Fifty million!"
Everyone looked over. It was the CEO of the Jade Group. The other bidders backed off, not wanting to challenge him.
The women in the room looked at Jessica, sitting next to him, with envy. She was beautiful and elegant, and the women whispered to each other.
"Jessica is so lucky. Even though she's just a stepsister, she's treated like a queen by the young master of the Jade Family."
"Eclipse was a fool. She had a fiancé but couldn't stay loyal to him."
"Yeah, if I were Robert, I'd choose Jessica too. She's talented and sweet."
Jessica smiled proudly, holding onto Robert's arm. She was happy. Even though she had stolen Robert from Eclipse, all she got now was praise and admiration.
Eclipse couldn't compete with her. She didn't stand a chance.
"Fifty million, going once… twice…"
Just when it seemed like the auction was over, a smooth, deep voice called out from nowhere.
"Five hundred million."
The entire room went silent. Did they hear that right?
Five hundred million? For a diamond?
For a moment, no one moved. Then, there was an explosion of chatter. Everyone looked up toward the second floor.
From the VIP room, a man's hand rested on the railing. Though his face couldn't be seen, his presence was overwhelming. Even from far away, the air seemed heavy with power.
Next to the man sat another figure, slim and elegant.
The women in the crowd were breathless, staring up, wondering who this mysterious man could be.