Three days later, a confidential invitation swept through the city's elite circles.
"Jiang Corporation's Exclusive Midnight Auction—One Item, One Night, One Final Bid."
The item wasn't revealed, but rumors swirled—it was something tied to the mysterious Damian Lu's supposed death.
Selina stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows of her penthouse, her eyes cold as steel.
"If you're really alive, Damian… you won't be able to resist this."
Behind her, a hidden surveillance team prepared for the most daring hunt in Imperial Crown City's history.
Midnight – Secret Auction Hall
Selina entered in a dazzling black satin gown, a thin silver mask covering her eyes.
The hall was filled with powerful figures, but she wasn't here for them.
She was here for him.
The final item was brought out—a small, obsidian box.
Selina's heart clenched. Only she knew what was inside—Damian's bloodstained cufflink from the night he "died."
The auctioneer smiled mysteriously.
"Final item: A priceless symbol of betrayal… or survival."
From the VIP section above, hidden behind a one-way mirror, a familiar pair of icy blue eyes watched her every move.
Damian clenched his fists, his face hidden behind the shadows.
"So, this is your move, Selina…"
Just as Selina prepared to call out the final bid, a voice echoed through the speakers, low and unmistakable:
"Mine."
The lights cut out.
Chaos erupted.
A single spotlight flared back on—focused on the VIP balcony.
Empty.
Selina's eyes widened.
He was here. He saw her. And now… he vanished again.
Her breathing grew erratic, panic clawing at her chest.
Why, Damian? Why won't you face me?
Just then, her phone buzzed with a single message:
Unknown Number:"Check your son's bedroom. The king always protects his heir first."
Selina's blood ran cold. Her knees nearly buckled.
"My son…" she gasped.
Fade to black.