Chapter 338

Isabella's nails dug deep into her palms.

The ruby necklace meant nothing to her.

It was Sophia's triumphant smile that she couldn't stand.

"Ethan," Isabella whispered, eyes glinting with calculation. "Gabrielle will cry when she finds out the necklace was stolen from her."

Ethan's gaze lingered on Sophia, radiant across the room. "I'll talk to her."

A cold smirk twisted Isabella's lips.

Was he really going to beg for it back?

The auctioneer's voice boomed through the hall. "Congratulations, Mrs. Valdemar!"

"Only the best for Mrs. Valdemar!"

"Some people put on quite a show, only to lose spectacularly."

Sophia accepted the applause gracefully, never once glancing toward Ethan.

"Are you acquainted with Mr. Winston?" someone ventured.

Sophia smiled coolly. "Not really."

Curious eyes darted between the three of them, the air thick with unspoken gossip.

The rest of the auction proceeded smoothly.

Sophia claimed a yellow diamond bracelet, a pink diamond ring, and an imperial jade bangle—totaling three hundred million.

The crowd buzzed.

Isabella stared daggers at Sophia, surrounded by admirers.

Wasn't this woman just a glorified nurse for the Valdemar heir?

Since when did she have this kind of authority?

Reporters swarmed.

"Mrs. Valdemar, won't the family object to such extravagant spending?"

Sophia's lips curved. "The Valdemars don't lack for money."

The remark trended instantly.

Standing beside Ethan, Isabella burned with envy.

The entire evening, she'd been the punchline, subjected to veiled sneers.

Finally, it ended.

Sophia completed the paperwork and headed for the parking lot.

"Sophia!"

She froze at the familiar voice.

Turning, she faced Ethan and a furious Gabrielle.

"Sophia! How dare you take my necklace?" Gabrielle shrieked.

Sophia arched a brow. "Did the asylum grant you day leave?"

Gabrielle lunged, but Ethan held her back.

"Sophia," he said gently. "We just want to discuss transferring the necklace."

Sophia scoffed. "Why would I?"

Ethan frowned. "Give it to me. It'll still be yours eventually. Why let the Valdemars have it?"

Sophia looked at him like he'd lost his mind. "Are you delusional?"