Isabella stood frozen at the entrance of the grand ballroom.
Chandeliers glittered like stars above, casting a golden glow on velvet drapes and marble floors. The elite of the city had gathered for the annual charity auction—but none of that mattered the moment she spotted him.
Liam Sinclair.
Standing tall in a tailored midnight-blue suit, surrounded by politicians, business moguls, and socialites… yet none of them mattered. Her eyes locked on his face—still handsome, still composed, still cold.
But now she was no longer the abandoned ex-wife in shadows. She was reborn, dressed in a custom-designed crimson gown that hugged her curves and radiated power. Every camera turned when she walked in.
He hadn't seen her yet.
"Are you nervous?" Audrey whispered at her side.
Isabella shook her head slowly. "No. Tonight, I remind him who I am."
As the bidding began, laughter and wine filled the room. A rare painting was displayed, and the host announced the opening price.
"One million dollars," someone called.
Then—"Two million," Liam's deep voice followed.
People turned. He smiled politely at the crowd, unaware that his past was walking right toward him.
"Three million," Isabella spoke calmly, her voice clear and elegant.
A pause. The room stilled.
Liam turned.
And when his eyes landed on her, for the first time in years… his facade cracked.
He stood up straighter, brows slightly furrowed. His lips parted—whether in shock, disbelief, or something deeper, Isabella didn't care.
She only smiled.
"Miss…?" the auctioneer asked.
She tilted her chin. "Isabella Rose." Her voice rang like a bell. "And I believe I just won the bid."
Audrey clapped lightly. Murmurs spread.
Liam watched her walk toward the stage, her every step confident, defiant—a woman he could no longer control.
Tonight, she wasn't there to buy a painting.
She was here to buy back her pride—and make him remember exactly what he lost.