Chapter 844

The auctioneer nervously wiped sweat from his brow, his gaze repeatedly darting toward the event organizers.

After receiving silent approval, he cleared his throat. "The next item is a pair of diamond wedding bands donated by Mr. Vincent Croix. These rings were once exchanged between him and his ex-wife. Mr. Croix wishes to contribute to education as atonement for irreparable mistakes in his marriage..."

The ballroom plunged into eerie silence.

Even breathing became inaudible.

Guests openly stared or stole glances behind raised glasses, their eyes shifting between Vincent and Bianca Langley.

Bianca sipped champagne with an impassive expression.

Vincent kept his gaze fixed on the auction stage as if the rings held no connection to him.

"One million, going once..."

"One million, going twice..."

"One million, sold!"

The rings were bought back at starting price—by Vincent himself.

Evelyn Carter watched coldly, fingertips absently tracing her glass rim. She knew Vincent's game too well—this was a meticulously staged melodrama.

After the auction, the four departed with separate agendas.

Early summer wind carried a tipsy warmth as Bianca walked ahead alone, her ten-centimeter heels clicking. Her slender frame looked paper-thin under the streetlights.

"Miss Langley!" Evelyn hurried after her.

Bianca turned. Her wedding band glinted coldly under the lamplight.

"Dr. Carter." Her smile didn't reach her hollow eyes. "Thank you for caring for Baby Chloe."

Evelyn's chest tightened. "How have you been—"

"I saw the auroras." Bianca gazed at the stars. "Adrian promised to take me."

Headlights suddenly tore through the darkness.

"Look out—!"

Alexander Hamilton's shout shattered the night.

Evelyn was yanked into a warm embrace as tires screeched. In that split second, she saw Vincent lunging desperately toward Bianca.

Thud.

Vincent's body crumpled five meters away like a broken doll.

Bianca collapsed by a flowerbed, stockings torn by bushes, blood snaking down her calves.

"Call an ambulance!" Alexander lifted Evelyn, his glare sharp as the fleeing taillights vanished.

The ER lights glared mercilessly.

Bianca sat motionless as nurses treated her wounds—until Vincent's critical condition was announced. She suddenly seized scissors.

Snip.

Bloodstained fabric fluttered to the floor.

"Miss—?" The nurse gaped.

"I don't know that man." Bianca slammed the scissors down. As she turned, her ring cracked against an IV pole.

Down the hall, Alexander barked into his phone: "Trace that vehicle. I want whoever's behind this."

Evelyn handed him water, fingers trembling. "Too coincidental. Like..."

"Like last time." His fist clenched. "Except Vincent nearly got himself killed."

Amid antiseptic smells, Bianca watched dawn brighten the windows and suddenly laughed. "Tell me... isn't this karma?"

She raised her hand. Only a pale band of skin remained where her ring had been.