NEW YORK CITY. MARINO EMPIRE**

Logan’s Point of View~

The grand elite auction was moments away from commencing.

As I stepped out of my car, the cool New York air brushed lightly against my skin, carrying with it a faint mix of luxury perfumes and polished leather from the surrounding vehicles. I adjusted my cufflinks slowly, then glanced at my wristwatch, watching the second hand tick with precision.

Right on time.

Today was not just another social gathering. It was an opportunity. A calculated move.

I would finally meet the new CEO of Imperial Holdings.

For months, I had sent proposals, carefully crafted and strategically positioned, yet none had been accepted. That alone was enough to bruise my pride. Companies did not ignore me. Not at my level. Not with my influence.

Still, I remained confident.

There was no reason for refusal once they met me in person.

A slow, assured smile formed on my lips as I lifted my gaze toward the towering structure ahead.

The Marino Empire stood like a monument carved out of wealth itself.

Its towering height dominated the skyline, casting long shadows over the surrounding buildings as though asserting its superiority. The exterior shimmered under the sunlight, sections of it layered in gold detailing that gleamed brilliantly, while the vast glass walls reflected the movement of luxury cars and elegantly dressed guests arriving one after another.

The courtyard was a spectacle on its own.

Rows of exotic cars lined the entrance, their polished surfaces reflecting flashes of light with every movement. Uniformed guards stood at calculated intervals, their posture rigid, their expressions unreadable. They did not move. They did not speak. They simply watched.

Everything about the place whispered power.

Only the most influential individuals in the world were allowed beyond those doors.

“Logan, you have to get me the Hope Diamond today. I have dreamed of owning it for years.”

Vivian’s voice broke into my thoughts, light and eager, as she slipped her hand into mine while stepping out of the car.

I turned my head slightly to look at her.

Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, her lips curved in excitement.

I gave her a faint smile, but I did not respond.

Together, we walked toward the entrance, our presence naturally drawing attention. Conversations dimmed slightly as we passed, and I could feel eyes following us, measuring, observing, acknowledging.

The moment we stepped inside, the atmosphere changed completely.

Warm golden light cascaded from enormous crystal chandeliers hanging high above, their intricate designs scattering reflections across the polished floors. The red carpet stretched endlessly ahead, soft beneath each step, giving a quiet sense of grandeur.

The air was filled with the gentle sound of live classical music, the notes flowing smoothly through the hall, blending with the soft murmur of elite conversations. The faint clinking of wine glasses and the occasional laughter added to the richness of the moment.

The scent of expensive colognes and rare perfumes lingered heavily.

Then came the flashes.

Bright bursts of light exploded around us as paparazzi rushed forward, calling out my name. Cameras clicked rapidly, capturing every angle, every expression.

I was used to it.

My name carried weight. My presence alone was enough to shift attention in any room.

My company dominated the male luxury market, from high end accessories to fashion lines that set trends across cities. Partnering with Imperial Holdings would not only strengthen my influence, it would expand it into territories I had yet to conquer.

As we made our way toward our seats, Vivian suddenly tightened her grip on my arm.

“Logan… look.”

Her voice dropped into a whisper filled with awe.

I followed her gaze.

And there it was.

Encased in a large glass display stood the Hope Diamond necklace.

The moment my eyes settled on it, everything else seemed to fade.

The diamond glowed with an almost hypnotic brilliance. Its deep blue color shifted subtly under the lights, revealing layers of intensity that felt almost alive. The surface captured every beam of light, bending it, reflecting it, turning it into something mesmerizing.

The craftsmanship was flawless.

The pendant design rested elegantly, each detail carefully structured to elevate the diamond’s presence. Its rare hue, born from the natural composition of boron within its structure, gave it an otherworldly depth.

It was not just jewelry.

It was a statement.

A symbol of wealth that could not be ignored.

“I want it,” Vivian said softly, her voice laced with desire as her eyes remained locked on the diamond. “No one else should have it.”

I inhaled slowly, my gaze still fixed on the display.

The competition would be fierce.

But losing was not an option.

“Heard there is a special guest tonight,” Martin said from beside me, casually swirling the wine in his glass.

I turned slightly toward him.

“Who?”

“The new CEO of Imperial Holdings.”

My attention sharpened instantly.

So this was it.

I adjusted my suit, smoothing out the fabric as I lifted my chin slightly, scanning the room filled with influential figures.

Then the stage lights brightened.

The host stepped forward.

And the auction began.

One by one, exquisite pieces were presented. Gold encrusted designs, rare gemstones, antique collections that carried history within them. Each item drew admiration, followed by aggressive bidding.

Voices rose.

Numbers climbed.

The energy in the room intensified with every passing minute.

Yet beneath it all, there was anticipation.

Everyone was waiting.

When the Hope Diamond was finally brought out, a sudden silence fell across the hall.

It was as if the entire room held its breath at once.

I felt my pulse quicken.

Vivian’s fingers tightened around my arm.

“Do not let this slip away,” she whispered urgently.

The bidding began at one million dollars.

Almost instantly, voices erupted.

One point two million.

One point five million.

Two million.

The numbers rose rapidly, each bid louder than the last.

I stood.

“Four million.”

The reaction was immediate.

A wave of murmurs spread across the audience.

Then came the challenge.

“Eight million.”

I turned.

Vincenzo.

A smirk rested on his lips as he held my gaze, confident, daring.

The competition escalated.

Ten million.

Twelve million.

Fifteen million.

The tension grew thicker with every bid.

Vivian’s breathing became uneven.

“Do not let him win,” she whispered again, her voice trembling slightly.

I stepped forward, my expression calm, controlled.

“Twenty million.”

Gasps echoed throughout the hall.

Silence followed.

The MC began counting.

No one spoke.

Vincenzo leaned back slowly, lifting his hand in surrender.

A surge of satisfaction filled my chest.

I had it.

Vivian wrapped her arms around me instantly, her excitement overwhelming.

“I knew you would win,” she said, her voice filled with admiration.

The MC raised his hand.

“And the Hope Diamond goes to…”

“One hundred million dollars.”

The voice shattered the moment.

Everything froze.

The air shifted.

Slowly, I turned toward the source.

She stood there.

Dressed in pristine white.

The suit fit her perfectly, every line accentuating her figure with effortless elegance. Her posture was flawless, her presence commanding without effort. Each step she took was slow, deliberate, controlled.

The sound of her heels echoed sharply against the floor, each step drawing more attention, pulling every gaze toward her.

Then her eyes met mine.

My breath stopped.

Emily.

No.

Emerald.

She looked nothing like the woman I once knew.

There was no softness.

No hesitation.

Only power.

Only confidence.

Only distance.

Everything about her had changed.

Yet I recognized her instantly.

My body went still, my thoughts scattering, my chest tightening with something I could not immediately name.

Memories surged forward.

Unwanted. Uncontrolled.

The past stood right in front of me.

Alive.

Unreachable.

The MC spoke again, but his voice felt distant.

All I could see was her.

Then she introduced herself.

The new CEO of Imperial Holdings.

The words struck deeper than anything else.

My mind struggled to process it.

Emily… standing there… as a CEO.

It did not make sense.

“Logan… that is Emily,” Vivian whispered, her voice filled with disbelief.

I did not respond.

I could not.

My gaze remained locked on her.

Then I saw him.

Collin.

He approached her with familiarity, confidence, possession.

He took her hand.

He kissed it.

Something inside me snapped.

My fists clenched tightly, my jaw locking as a sharp, burning sensation spread through my chest.

Jealousy.

Raw. Unfamiliar. Unwelcome.

“How long…” I muttered under my breath, my thoughts racing uncontrollably.

“According to reports… they are together,” Martin said quietly, showing me his phone.

The images confirmed it.

My grip tightened.

Anger. Confusion. Regret.

All at once.

I pulled out my phone immediately, my voice turning cold.

“Find everything about Emily’s life in the last five years.”

Because the woman standing before me now…

Was no longer someone I understood.

And that terrified me.