Chapter 5

"Ms. Powell…" Emily stirred, the rush of fresh air finally reviving her senses. Two men in black suits stood before her, the letters "TW" embroidered on their collars. Emily immediately recognized them as Tristan's bodyguards. "Tristan's… back?" The men shook their heads. "Mr. Walker's tied up in Jeston and can't get away for now. But he promised to be here at the end of the month and take you back there himself." Emily's throat went dry. She seemed hesitant to speak, but the bodyguard appeared to have read her thoughts. "Mr. Walker failed to take Walker Corporation public. He's concerned that enemies or opportunists might target you. He sent us to protect you. But rest assured, Ms. Powell. We won't invade your privacy." Emily nodded weakly. "Thank you. I just want to go home." They moved swiftly. After treating her heatstroke, they escorted her back to her apartment. The lack of oxygen had left her sluggish. The moment she stepped inside, she collapsed into sleep. When she awoke, her phone was flooded with missed calls—over ten from Ezra—and three unread messages. "Where did you go?" "Clara started crying in shock, so I sent her to the hospital. Who took you away?" "Answer the phone! Emily, don't test my patience!" Ezra's texts were filled with mistrust toward her. Emily felt drained. She didn't even have the strength to respond. Emily decided to stay in hiding for the rest of her days in Arton so she could leave with dignity. But Ezra wasn't done disturbing her peace. Her assistant informed her that the Walkers were hosting an auction in Tas Jegas, showcasing decades of art and collectibles. It was part of their effort to rebuild their overseas presence and re-enter Arton's energy sector. Still recovering, Emily was unable to attend in person. She instructed her assistant to bid on a few items to show support. Lying on the couch, she watched the live stream, eyes drifting over the auctioned pieces with little interest. "Congratulations to Mr. Newman," the auctioneer announced, "for winning the Moran-century princess ring with a bid of ten million dollars." The camera panned to Ezra, who knelt and proposed to Clara. Clara held onto Ezra's arm. The diamond ring on her ring finger was so dazzling that it hurt to look at. Emily stared blankly. Bitterness welled up inside her. She had fought for everything and received nothing in return. Clara, on the other hand, seemed to collect it all effortlessly—Alan's affection, Powell Group, Ezra's public devotion. Then the auctioneer's voice rang out again. "Our next item is a set of artistic photographs from an anonymous seller. Bidding starts at one dollar!" The room filled with excitement as the gavel fell. Despite being exhausted, many socialites rested their heads on their hands, waiting for the items to be revealed. The screen revealed a single photo of a bare back with a heart-shaped birthmark. Emily froze. Her nails dug into the armrest. Anyone who knew her would recognize that mark. "This set of artistic photos is titled 'Sweet Heart.'" Watching the live stream, Emily saw the guests begin to whisper among themselves and noticed many wealthy young scions raising their paddles. "10,000 dollars… 30,000 dollars… 50,000 dollars…" The bids kept coming. Meanwhile, Emily's assistant asked in a trembling voice if she should bid on the pictures. Emily knew very well that the anonymous seller could only be Ezra. Back in college, Ezra had majored in photography. He gave it up to support his mother, Polly Reed, and inherit the family business. During that time, Emily had posed for him—nude—hoping to lift his spirits. Hands shaking, she dialed the number she knew by heart. "Em, you've finally answered my call…" "Ezra, you're behind this, right?" Emily didn't want to beat around the bush. "Is Tas Jegas fun? The photos you took for the auction are lovely, aren't they? How much are you selling them for?" "You're here too?" Ezra froze. "Why are you doing this?" Ezra openly shared his ambition. "I want to ruin Tristan's reputation completely. He's still trying to build his presence overseas so he can make a comeback. "But you're mine. He should call off the engagement with you and stay in Jeston forever. I don't want him to come back to Arton ever!" Of course, Ezra had his selfish desires. He was hoping those who remembered Emily's unique birthmark would contact her. Ezra hadn't seen Emily in a long time. He had been careless enough to ditch her at the mountain road, but he was determined to find out the identity of the man who smashed the car window to rescue her. No one was allowed to touch Emily. Often, Ezra wished he could hide her away—to a place only he knew. At the auction, the bid continued to rise higher. Some even started making outrageous bids. Overwhelmed with shame, Emily was getting extremely anxious. Many elite socialites had attended the auction in Tas Jegas. The media, who got wind of the proposal, were there as well. Now, they were on the brink of uncovering a major scandal. Even if it was just a rumor, such news would still get published in Arton's financial papers. Emily steadied her voice and asked, "What will make you take down those photos?" Seeing that there was enough traction, Ezra decided to call off the bidding. "Em, don't hide from me. Just give me one month. Once I fulfill my end of the bargain, we'll be together forever." Emily answered readily, "Sure. I've already handed in my resignation via Powell Group's official website. I've stepped down from my position. I've also announced that I'm calling off my engagement with Tristan. Ezra, isn't that enough?" Ezra was filled with joy. He assumed Emily had given in and immediately ordered the photos to be taken off the auction.