Chapter 181

Darryl laughed after hearing what Lana said. In high school, she was the teacher he feared most. She had been strict, even once slapping him when he scored the lowest on a test.

"Miss Lana, you were strict enough with me back then," Darryl remarked.

"At the class reunion a few days ago, didn't you see how well your classmates are doing? Giselle Lindt became a superstar, and Dianne Jackson is now a manager at Eleganza Corporation. But look at you now. Don't you feel sorry for yourself?" Lana shook her head.

The man standing beside Lana laughed, "You're Darryl? Haha! It's been years! You sure have changed!"

Darryl had recognized this man as soon as he stepped out of the car. His name was Markus Orian, Darryl's former PE teacher, who had been trying to win Lana’s heart since then. Darryl used to play pranks on Markus, and Markus couldn't retaliate because Darryl was the Second Master of the Darby family. Markus, as a PE teacher, couldn't dare oppose someone from such a powerful family.

In recent years, Markus had left teaching and started a business, making him somewhat successful. The tables had turned—who would have thought Darryl would end up in such rough shape? The sight of Darryl on a motorbike brought Markus satisfaction.

"Darryl, what do you say? Since I was once your teacher, I'll go easy on you. Just pay for the damage you've caused," Markus said impatiently.

This was a new car, only the second time he was driving it! He was planning to take Lana to Platinum Corporation but ran into Darryl instead. He was determined to make him pay.

Lana looked over at Shelly and asked, "Darryl, is this your wife?"

Shelly, who looked elegant and attractive, blushed and replied, "Ah, no... I'm not his wife."

Even his own wife was too embarrassed to acknowledge him in public. Darryl really seemed to have fallen low.

"Darryl, I told you back in school to take your studies seriously and not just fool around. Now look at you! You’re in a bad situation," Lana scowled at him.

Despite her irritation, he was still her former student.

"Miss Lana, you haven't changed—you’re still scolding me," Darryl smiled.

"Don't just brush it off. Even though you've graduated, I'm still your teacher, your elder. I’m telling you, it's important to feel ashamed when you've gone wrong. Look at yourself! Are you happy watching your classmates succeed while you remain stuck? Does this make you feel good?" Lana continued.

Darryl shrugged. "Miss Lana, to be honest, I do regret not studying harder back then, but I’m actually content with my life now."

If he had studied harder, he might have found a decent job after being cast out of the Darby family. Then he wouldn’t have ended up as a live-in son-in-law. Those three years of living with the Lyndons were tough, but they were behind him, especially after what happened with Samantha and Lily at the hospital recently.

Darryl had cut ties with the Lyndons for good. He was pleased with his current life.

"You… how can you be content with this?" Lana frowned, then dismissed the thought. She pointed at Markus's car. "Fine, I'll stop lecturing. Just settle the damage with Markus."

"Because of Miss Lana, I won’t call the police. Just pay me ten thousand dollars to get it fixed," Markus sneered.

"Ten thousand? That’s unreasonable," Darryl thought.

Darryl’s motorbike was heavily damaged, but Markus's car only had a minor dent. It was just a Buick GL8 worth around three hundred thousand, and the damage didn’t come close to ten thousand.

"Damn him! He’s so unreasonable! It was my parking spot anyway," Darryl thought.

"This spot is for cars, not motorbikes. I know you don't have a car and want to feel important by parking here, but it’s against the rules," Markus continued.

"Mister Markus, who said there’s a rule against motorbikes parking here? You hit my motorbike, and I haven’t even asked you to pay for my damages. Instead, you’re blaming me? Besides, this isn’t just any random spot; it belongs to Platinum Corporation, and I’m not violating any rules," Darryl chuckled.

"Darryl! I’m being lenient because you were my student. Don’t try to dodge this! Aren’t you ashamed of yourself?" Markus sneered, growing angrier.

"What was wrong with this kid?"

Chapter 182

Darryl seemed unfazed. "I wonder who should really be ashamed of themselves?"

"What are you trying to say!?" Markus yelled, clenching his fist and preparing to hit Darryl. Being a former PE teacher, tall and muscular, he figured beating up this kid would be easy.

Just then, Lana intervened. "Markus, don’t be impulsive!"

Though she was stopping Markus, Lana felt just as frustrated with Darryl. He was still as rebellious as he’d been in high school. It suddenly crossed her mind—why was Darryl even here?

"Darryl, what are you doing here? Do you work at Platinum Corporation?" she asked.

Platinum Corporation was located in a high-end area, typically only accessed by the wealthy. By his appearance, she assumed Darryl must be a low-ranking employee.

"If you don’t pay me ten thousand dollars today, you’re not getting away," Markus threatened, thinking Darryl was practically begging for trouble. He was ready to land a punch.

Darryl remained calm, smiling faintly.

Just then, Lana’s phone rang. She pulled it from her jeans pocket, enhancing her already attractive figure. The caller ID showed Pearl’s name, but she’d taken too long to answer, and the call had disconnected. Pearl, whom Lana had added on WeChat, was supposed to meet her for an interview today. Because of the accident, Lana was running late, and it was her first time visiting a corporation this large—she wanted to make a good impression.

“Miss Lana, please go on up. I’ll handle this,” Markus offered confidently. He’d never dared confront Darryl in the past due to his status as the Second Master of the Darby family. Now that Darryl was down on his luck, Markus couldn’t resist taking advantage.

“Come on, kid, just pay up!” Markus glared at Darryl.

Finally, Shelly, who’d been silent until now, couldn’t hold back any longer.

"How can you be so unreasonable? You were the one who ran into us. How dare you demand payment from us?” she snapped.

Shelly guessed these two were Darryl’s former teachers, but she was appalled by how unreasonable they were.

Markus sneered, “I’ve told you many times, Gorgeous, I’m not criticizing you, but why waste time with someone like Darryl? What could you possibly gain from associating with him?”

Trash? Trash who helped her become a hospital director? Shelly thought to herself.

Before she could reply, a woman in professional attire, high heels, and black-rimmed glasses strode toward them from the lobby.

“Secretary Hahn?” Lana called out, rushing forward. She’d only met Pearl once before but remembered her well.

Pearl gave a brief nod but kept walking, heading straight for Darryl.

Upon hearing “Secretary Hahn,” Markus eagerly stepped forward too.

“Hello, Secretary Hahn. Isn’t it true that motorbikes aren’t allowed in this parking area? Look at this! He parked his motorbike in a car spot and damaged my vehicle. Surely it’s reasonable for him to cover the costs?” Markus said loudly.

Since Lana was about to sign with Platinum Corporation as a major client and Markus was her companion, he expected the secretary would see things his way.

Lana nodded in agreement with Markus, exasperated by Darryl’s actions. A small payment would have resolved everything, but he insisted on making a scene. Now that Secretary Hahn was involved, Darryl might even lose his job.

Chapter 183

Pearl Hahn suddenly stopped in front of Darryl and greeted him with a deep ninety-degree bow. "President Darryl, I sincerely apologize. I assure you this won't happen again!" she said nervously, cold sweat forming on her forehead.

As the corporation’s secretary, Pearl managed all the details, including the parking arrangements. A similar incident had happened before when Giselle came for an interview, and now it was happening again with Lana. Regardless of Darryl’s usual patience, she knew he had every reason to be upset.

Everyone stared in shock, their disbelief palpable. Had Secretary Hahn just called Darryl President? Even the staff observing the situation were stunned; whenever Darryl came in, he usually went straight to his office, so few people recognized him.

Suddenly, silence fell over the scene as everyone processed what they’d just heard. The notion that the man with the motorbike was actually the President of Platinum Corporation seemed impossible.

Markus walked over, clearly refusing to accept it. "Are you kidding? He's the President of the corporation? Secretary Hahn, are you playing a prank on us?"

Pearl answered with a steely look. "As the secretary, I think I know exactly who my President is."

A shiver ran through Lana as she processed what was happening. Wasn't he supposed to be a live-in son-in-law? she thought. How could he be the President of the very company I’m applying to?

Markus, still stunned, quickly regained his composure. "So what if you’re the President, Darryl? Does that give you the right to park your motorbike in a car space? Is this how you lead? What good is a large corporation with a leader like you?" he shouted, drawing more attention from onlookers.

Pearl stepped forward, her expression firm. "Excuse me, sir. This is a private parking space reserved exclusively for the President. If you check the sign right next to you, it’s clearly marked. Our President could park anything he likes here, even a cow, and it wouldn't concern you. You’re the one parked here without permission. You owe us for the damage!"

Markus was speechless. As he glanced at the sign, he saw that it indeed read: "Reserved Private Space. Do Not Park." His face flushed red with embarrassment, frozen in confusion.

"President Darryl, how would you like to handle this?" Pearl asked softly.

"Do you really need to ask me?" Darryl replied.

Pearl nodded, knowing what to do. She turned to Markus. "Sir, you're no longer welcome at Platinum Corporation. Please leave immediately. Also, you owe compensation for the damage to the President's vehicle."

Darryl interrupted, "Let it go; it’s just a motorbike. It’s not worth it." Taking Shelly's hand, he added, "Come on, let's go. I’ll show you around."

With a nod, Shelly followed him, clearly excited.

Lana, still reeling from the shock, regretted the way she'd spoken to Darryl earlier, criticizing him for being "useless." All along, he was actually the President of Platinum Corporation.

"Darryl..." she muttered quietly.

She had been hoping to sign with Platinum Corporation for years. Now, at nearly thirty, she knew missing this opportunity could haunt her.

As Darryl walked a few steps ahead, he paused, looked back, and with a smile, said, "Are you still interested in the interview? Come on up!"

Lana, relieved, followed him, her former confidence replaced with a humbled demeanor.

On Monday morning, the streets of Donghai City bustled as workers rushed into Neptunus Corporation, with Lily among them, heading inside purposefully.

Chapter 184

Lily arrived at the office with a heavy heart, her brows furrowed as she thought about how it had been over a week since she'd seen Darryl. He hadn’t been home or called her back, and though she’d been tempted to reach out, her pride held her back. "Why does he have to be so prideful? Why do I have to be the one to call first?" she thought, dismissing the idea as she entered the lobby.

Upon stepping in, something felt off. Normally, the receptionists would stand to greet her, but today, they remained seated, chatting away as if she wasn’t there. Confused but brushing it off, she headed toward her office, only to see several staff members casually chatting or even playing games on their phones. The workday had already started! What was stranger was that they completely ignored her, the director of the board, acting as if she were invisible.

Angered, Lily marched over to them. "Put those phones away! Who gave you permission to slack off during work hours?" she scolded, expecting them to respond.

Instead, they glanced at each other, unfazed, and went back to what they were doing, even laughing softly among themselves. Stunned by their blatant disregard, Lily shouted, "All of you, pack your things and leave immediately! This company doesn’t need people like you."

Just then, her assistant hurried over with an anxious look. "President Lyndon, there's something you need to know..."

"Something to know?" Lily repeated. "Since when does the staff get to ignore the President's orders? I said you're all fired!" she announced firmly.

At that moment, a gravelly voice sounded from the doorway. "I told them they could."

Turning, Lily saw Granny Lyndon entering, accompanied by William and a few others. Granny? Lily thought, startled—Granny rarely left the mansion, so what was she doing here?

"Lily, stop causing a scene. I’m the one who gave them the day off," Granny said coolly. "We held a board meeting earlier, and it was decided that you’re no longer the President of the board."

The words hit Lily like a thunderbolt. Shocked, she asked, "Granny, why?"

"Why?" William sneered, stepping forward. "Haven't you had enough days as President? You’ve held authority long enough—it’s time to hand it back."

For days, William had been feeding Granny negative comments about Lily, and as her favorite grandson, he’d easily swayed her.

Lily took a deep breath, barely containing her frustration. "Granny, just a few days ago, you asked me for shares, and I gave you 20%, as stated in the contract. I still have 30% of the shares—more than anyone else. How can you fire me?"

William smirked and tossed a folder onto the desk. "Take a look for yourself. It’s all right here."

As she opened the folder, horror washed over her. The contract stated she had voluntarily given up all her shares. A few days ago, Granny had asked her to sign some paperwork, and without suspecting anything, she had done so, unaware of the trick they’d pulled on her.

"Pack up your things and leave," William demanded impatiently.

Heartbroken and disillusioned, Lily looked at Granny, barely able to contain her pain. "Granny..."

Granny Lyndon leaned on her walking stick, her face stern. "William's right, Lilybud. You did an acceptable job, but in the end, you’re still a woman. We need someone more suitable in charge. Without shares, you have no place in the Lyndon residence. Leave, and don’t come back." 

Lily stood frozen, the betrayal of her own family cutting deeper than she’d ever imagined.

Chapter 185

Lily felt crushed, her thoughts racing. That's it? They’re really just throwing me out? Granny’s words felt like needles piercing her heart. Desperately holding back tears, she gathered her belongings and walked out of the office, tears streaming down her face.

The next day, Lily sat on her couch, her eyes swollen and bloodshot from crying. Beside her, her mother, Samantha, sighed deeply. "What are we going to do now, Lily? How will we survive?"

"Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll figure out a way to make money," Lily replied, trying to sound confident.

Samantha looked at her skeptically. "Find a way to make money? You know how hard it is to earn a decent living these days. What can you do with a job that pays just a few thousand a month?"

She’s right, Lily thought, feeling a pang of regret. Darryl had warned her against giving up her shares, and now, she wished she had listened.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed with a notification: "Gorgeous ladies in their twenties making five million a month through live-streaming." She stared at the message, half in disbelief.

Meanwhile, in his office at the Platinum Corporation, Darryl sighed with satisfaction as he closed the "Infinite Elixir Manual" he’d been studying. Recently, he’d managed to acquire several Monk’s Blood Fruits, and the manual detailed how he could refine two different types of elixirs with them. One was the Black Spirit Pill, which would enhance a cultivator’s strength, and the other was the Obeying Pill, which would make someone follow the commands of the person who gave it to them for two hours.

The Obeying Pill sounds interesting, Darryl thought. But after considering it, he decided that the strength-enhancing Black Spirit Pill would be more useful. Without wasting any time, he began preparing the ingredients to refine it.

Just two days earlier, he had signed his former teacher, Lana Thomas, to the corporation for a new show, 101 Superstar. It was a continuation of their popular Superstar series, and contestants from all over the country, talented in singing and dancing, competed to form a nine-member girl group. As soon as the show launched, it became wildly popular, and Lana, with her beauty and charm, quickly became a fan favorite. Darryl had planned it all carefully, and the show’s success exceeded his expectations.

After finishing his preparation, Darryl eagerly opened a porcelain jar, and the fragrant aroma filled the room. Inside, ten perfectly formed Black Spirit Pills were lined up. The manual cautioned against taking more than two pills within a fortnight, but Darryl, driven by excitement, swallowed five of them at once.

Almost immediately, a powerful heat surged through his body, followed by intense pain radiating from his nerves. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he gritted his teeth to endure the agony. After what felt like an eternity, the pain subsided, and he realized he’d ascended to Level Four Master status. Only one more level, and he would reach Master General!

Just then, his friend Dax Sanders called, inviting him out. Darryl changed clothes and left his office. Stepping outside, he noticed an employee chuckling at a show on his phone, his laughter loud and unrestrained.

Unbelievable! While others are working hard, this guy’s slacking off, Darryl thought, initially tempted to brush it off. But as the man continued laughing loudly, even snorting, Darryl’s patience wore thin.

Chapter 186

Darryl stepped closer, drawing the attention of the nearby staff, who held their breath in suspense, knowing that the President had every right to fire someone caught slacking off. “What are you watching?” Darryl asked with a faint smile, stopping in front of the employee.

Startled, the man almost dropped his phone. “President!” he stammered.

On the phone’s screen, a woman was live-streaming, radiating a charm that had captivated her small audience. Darryl’s eyes narrowed as he recognized the woman—it was his wife, Lily. Surprised, he wondered why she was live-streaming. Lily had never shown interest in social media, let alone live-streaming. Wasn’t she supposed to be working?

Trying to keep his voice steady, Darryl asked, “Who’s this anchor?”

“P-President, that’s… Lily Lyndon,” the employee stammered. “She’s new to the platform. I heard she’s from Donghai City and only started a few days ago.”

Darryl nodded thoughtfully, then looked over at his assistant, Pearl. “Pearl, look into this. Find out what happened and why she’s live-streaming.”

“Of course, I’ll handle it right away,” Pearl replied, pulling out her phone.

Later that afternoon, Pearl knocked on his office door and entered, looking troubled. “President, I found out what happened. The live-streamer is indeed Lily Lyndon, and it appears she was removed from her family business two days ago.”

Darryl’s expression hardened, but he took a steadying breath. “And this live-streaming platform?”

“It’s called Longya Live Streaming Platform. They’re one of our business partners,” Pearl explained.

“Alright,” Darryl nodded. “I want you to find a way to boost her popularity on this platform.”

“Understood,” Pearl answered and left his office.

Once alone, Darryl took out his phone and created an account on Longya, choosing the nickname “Hill” as a play on his own name. He entered Lily’s live stream, seeing only a few viewers commenting. With a natural glow and a subtle filter, Lily looked radiant.

Just as Darryl joined, a user called Donghai Boss sent her a virtual gift worth twenty thousand bucks. Shocked and excited, Lily stood up to thank him. “Thank you, Donghai Boss!”

The big spender soon left a request in the comments.  

Goddess, dance to a song.

Lily hesitated, replying, “Sorry, I… I don’t know how to dance.”

The viewers knew that “dance” here implied something provocative. The Donghai Boss wasn’t pleased.

Are you unaware of the platform rules? I’m the top-paying viewer, and you’re supposed to do what I ask, as long as it’s legal. I paid twenty thousand bucks. Do you want to get kicked off the platform?

Other viewers chimed in:  

He’s right! Twenty thousand is no small amount.

Who do you think you are?

Dance! Dance!

Lily bit her lip, feeling cornered. The audience waited eagerly, expecting her to comply.

Chapter 187

Lily stood motionless, anxiety gripping her as she considered the comments urging her to dance. Then, unexpectedly, a series of virtual gifts worth a staggering two million bucks lit up her screen. The username Hill appeared with a calm message: You don’t have to do anything. Sing if you feel like singing.

The viewers were stunned. Donghai Boss, who’d been pressuring her, fell silent. Overwhelmed, Lily’s heart filled with gratitude as she looked at Hill’s name. But before she could respond, he had already left the stream.

Just then, a knock sounded at Darryl’s office door.

“Come in.”

Pearl entered with a stack of documents. “President, I’ve arranged everything for Lily Lyndon’s streaming platform, as you requested. Here’s the monthly revenue report too.”

Darryl flipped through the papers with a smile. “Not bad, Pearl! Great work.”

Encouraged by the compliment, Pearl ventured, “President, Roger’s Auction is happening tonight. Would you like to attend? They sent an invitation earlier.”

“Auction?” Darryl raised an eyebrow, not particularly interested.

“It’s hosted by the Roger family,” Pearl explained. “They’re auctioning rare jewels, treasures, real estate, and exclusive items. I think you might enjoy it.”

Pearl’s hopeful expression made Darryl pause. He knew she’d been looking forward to this event. Smiling, he agreed, “Alright. You can come with me.”

Pearl beamed. “Thank you, President!”

Meanwhile, Yvonne Young had been preoccupied with thoughts of Darryl. The memories of him fighting off sharks, assessing antiques, and courageously protecting her during the robbery seemed to replay in her mind, her heart racing each time. It had been weeks since she’d seen him, and the distance had left her feeling restless and distracted.

“Yvonne!” Her father, Kingston, interrupted her thoughts, striding into the room.

“Why are you daydreaming again?” he asked, noticing her distant expression. “Come with me! I’m taking you to something exciting.”

Yvonne sighed. “Dad, I don’t really feel like going anywhere.”

Kingston chuckled. “Trust me, you’ll want to see this auction. Roger’s Auction is offering rare antiques and treasures, including a pair of The Worship of Crystal you’ve always admired.” 

Curiosity piqued, Yvonne finally nodded, allowing herself to feel a glimmer of anticipation.

Chapter 188

“Are you serious?!” Yvonne’s face lit up with excitement. She’d always dreamed of owning a pair of The Worship of Crystal shoes. She’d even offered to pay Lily double if she could find out who gifted her a pair, but Lily hadn’t known.

Yvonne reappeared dressed simply yet stylishly in a t-shirt and denim shorts, looking fresh and effortlessly charming. Her father, Kingston, nodded approvingly as they headed out.

As they reached the entrance, a BMW parked nearby, and a young man in a sharp suit stepped out with a smile.

“Uncle Young. Yvonne.” The man greeted them, his eyes lingering on Yvonne.

“Tristan! What brings you here?” Yvonne asked, slightly raising her brows, which only emphasized her striking features.

Tristan Zink, from a prominent jewelry family, had been pursuing Yvonne for some time. Chuckling, he gestured towards Kingston, “Your dad invited me along!”

Yvonne scowled. “He’s my dad, not yours, so choose your words carefully.”

Turning to her father, she asked, “Dad, what’s going on? Why is he here?”

Kingston scratched his head, knowing Yvonne had been down lately because of Darryl. He’d invited Tristan, hoping it might nudge them closer together.

“Your dad thought it would cheer you up,” Tristan said with a smirk. 

“Stop calling him that!” Yvonne retorted, rolling her eyes as Tristan opened the car door for them.

As Yvonne got in, Kingston pulled Tristan aside. “I’m giving you this chance. Make it count.”

“Don’t worry, sir,” Tristan replied confidently. “I’m serious about Yvonne.”

“Also, stop calling me ‘Dad,’ at least for now.”

“Understood, sir.”

At the Central Building, Darryl and Pearl arrived and immediately spotted a familiar face—Dax Sanders, chatting animatedly with his wife and some executives. As soon as he saw Darryl, he made his way over, grinning.

“Darryl! Glad you’re here! Is my sister-in-law with you?”

Darryl chuckled and nodded to Pearl, “You go ahead. I’ll catch up before the auction.”

Once Pearl left, Dax gave Darryl a mischievous look. “Who was that?”

“My secretary,” Darryl replied with a smile.

Dax laughed, “You know the saying—‘When you’re busy, let your secretary handle things. When you’re free, take care of your secretary.’”

Suddenly, a buzz went through the crowd. A BMW pulled up, and out stepped Yvonne, turning heads instantly. Dressed simply, she looked effortlessly beautiful, drawing attention from all around. Darryl inwardly cursed, realizing he’d forgotten to respond to her messages.

Yvonne spotted him right away and hurried over. She was as charming as ever, and her simple outfit only highlighted her allure. However, Kingston’s face darkened when he saw Darryl. Memories flooded back—Darryl tying up three women, including his own daughter, in his living room. What was Darryl doing here?

Chapter 189

Kingston’s scowl deepened, giving Tristan a look that said it all. Taking the cue, Tristan strutted over, eyeing Darryl with disdain. “Well, isn’t this the Lyndon family’s live-in son-in-law?” he sneered, sliding his arm possessively around Yvonne’s waist. “Yvonne, why bother saying hi to him? He’s just a live-in son-in-law, after all.”

Yvonne shot Tristan a frustrated look, pulling herself free. “What do you think you’re doing? Darryl, don’t take this the wrong way.”

Tristan only laughed, glancing at Darryl with feigned pity. “Does it really matter how he takes it?” He then squared his shoulders and smirked at Darryl. “Do you even know who I am? I’m Tristan Zink. My family owns the five ‘Zink Jewelry’ stores in Donghai City. And, just so we’re clear, I have my eyes on Yvonne. So, do us all a favor and keep your distance.”

Darryl chuckled, unfazed by Tristan’s bluster. Nearby, the crowd was streaming into the auction hall, and Tristan seized the moment to mock Darryl again. “It’s a joke that someone like you even got into a place like this,” he jeered. “Do you even belong here?”

Darryl kept his composure. “Is there some rule that says you need money just to be here?”

Tristan scoffed, but then adopted a condescending smile. “You’re right. A poor man can be here too. Look, I’m generous. If you’re looking to buy something, I can lend you some cash,” he offered with a smug grin.

“Oh, that’s very generous of you,” Darryl replied, amused.

“Don’t be shy,” Tristan continued, relishing the moment. “Here’s a deal. Call me ‘Daddy’ and Yvonne ‘Mommy,’ and I’ll give you two million bucks right here, right now.”

Darryl just smirked. But Dax, standing beside him, couldn’t hold back. “What’s your problem?” he snapped, bristling. Dax wasn’t known for his patience, especially with anyone insulting Darryl.

Tristan sneered at Dax. “Even this live-in son-in-law has some muscle to back him up, huh?” Mistaking Dax for a nobody, he arrogantly tapped his head, egging Dax on. “Come on, hit me right here. But you’d better be prepared to spend the rest of your life in prison if you dare—”

Smack!

Dax’s fist landed squarely on Tristan’s head, leaving him seeing stars. “You’re gonna regret this!” Tristan bellowed, holding his swelling forehead. “When this auction’s over, you’re both going to pay for this!”

Yvonne, exasperated, stepped in, “Enough, Tristan! Stop making a scene!” She turned and headed toward the auction hall, heels clicking sharply on the marble floor.

“Yvonne, wait up!” Tristan called, following her as the hall filled up.

Inside, the venue was grand, easily the size of four basketball courts, with rows of plush seats filled by high-class guests. Pearl was seated in the front row on behalf of the Platinum Corporation. Darryl chose a seat further back with Dax and his wife, steering clear of the attention.

Just then, Yvonne approached them. “Mind if I sit here?” she asked softly, her gaze on Darryl. She had two reasons for sitting close—she wanted his advice on the auction, and, more than anything, she missed his company.

Tristan appeared immediately, catching her response. “Yvonne, there are better seats up front,” he urged. “Let’s go sit over there.”

“No, I’m fine here,” Yvonne replied coolly, settling beside Darryl.

Resigned, Tristan slumped into the seat next to her, glancing sideways at Darryl, wondering what Yvonne saw in him that he couldn’t understand.

Soon, the auction began, opening with a series of minor jewels and antiques priced modestly in the thousands. Yvonne, with her background in antiques, looked on, disinterested; she’d seen all these common items before. The real excitement was still to come.

Chapter 190

The auction took an electrifying turn when the fifth item was revealed: a pair of dazzling, crystal-studded heels known as “The Worship of Crystal.” The eyes of women across the hall lit up, entranced by the stunning craftsmanship of the shoes. Yvonne’s hands clenched with excitement. She had always dreamed of owning these heels, but despite her efforts, she hadn’t been able to get a pair. Now, seeing them up close, she was filled with determination to make them hers.

But her excitement was cut short when she saw the starting bid—fifty million. Her smile faded. She knew the original price was only thirty million, but here, with so many eager bidders, it was clear the price would soar. She had only brought sixty million in cash, and by the looks of it, that wouldn’t be enough.

Tristan noticed her longing and saw his chance. “Yvonne, I know how much you want those shoes. Don’t worry; I’ll get them for you,” he assured her, lifting his hand confidently.

“Fifty million! Mister Zink bids fifty million!” the auctioneer announced with a bright smile.

Immediately, the bids escalated. “Sixty million… Seventy million… Seventy-five… Eighty million!”

Tristan’s eyes widened. He hadn’t expected the price to shoot up so fast. These bidders were relentless! But he had promised Yvonne, so he gritted his teeth and tried again. “Eighty-one million!”

Laughter broke out across the hall. His bid, only a million above the last, showed hesitation. Though his family was well-off, he couldn’t keep throwing money at this bidding war.

“Ninety million!” A woman with short hair shot up, raising her paddle.

“Ninety million! Miss Goyard bids ninety million!” the auctioneer declared with exhilaration. She knew her commission would be significant with such a high bid.

The room buzzed with chatter. The allure of “The Worship of Crystal” was undeniable, but few could justify the cost. Seeing the bid at ninety million, most guests wisely withdrew.

Tristan’s face turned beet red. He was completely outbid. Yvonne noticed his discomfort and, touched by his effort, leaned over. “Tristan, I know you tried,” she said, offering him a small smile. “It’s okay—I don’t want them that much anymore.”

She was lying, of course; her longing for the shoes was apparent. But she also understood that Tristan simply couldn’t keep up with the spiraling bids.

“Alright, Yvonne. If you don’t want them anymore, I won’t bid,” he sighed, though clearly relieved to have a reason to stop.

Darryl, observing the spectacle, couldn’t hold back and burst out laughing. This was the same Tristan who boasted about his wealth, only to back out when things got serious.

“What’s so funny?” Tristan snapped, flustered. “At least I was able to bid ninety million. Can you even afford that? You’re just a live-in son-in-law. Did you come here to feel relevant because no one values you at home?”

Yvonne’s face fell as she listened. She had appreciated Tristan’s initial willingness to bid, but his arrogance soured her mood. Mocking Darryl like that was a step too far, especially when Darryl had shown courage and sincerity in ways Tristan hadn’t.

“Tristan, if you keep acting like this, I’m leaving,” she warned, her expression serious.

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