My Wedding Invite Denied His Plea Free Preview

Kiara Woodburn had been in the hospital for a whole week.

On the day she was discharged, she overheard nurses talking at their station.

They said she came in alone for a pregnancy termination, and not a single family member had visited her. How pitiful.

Some even whispered she must have been someone's lover, exposed by the real wife. Kiara was probably forced to end the pregnancy and take some hush money.

...

Kiara's fingers curled tightly as she looked down at her stomach.

The doctor said she had healed well. But why did she still feel that tearing pain inside, like her flesh was being ripped away?

She slipped on sunglasses to hide the exhaustion in her eyes and walked out of the hospital.

Back at Crestfell, Kiara went straight to the bedroom on the second floor.

The room looked exactly the same as when she'd left, which meant Ned hadn't come home at all.

But she no longer had the strength to care where he was or whose bed he had been sleeping in.

She was exhausted.

After taking a few melatonin tablets, she finally drifted into a quiet sleep.

Again, she dreamed of that day a week ago. The gush of blood flooding beneath her, the call that never picked up, no matter how many times she dialed.

"Baby!"

Kiara jolted awake from the nightmare. She opened her eyes and saw the familiar room.

She lay still for a long time, staring at the ceiling.

That deep pain—starting from her stomach, piercing through her heart, and spreading to every corner of her body—felt like it would never leave her.

A knock came at the door. Before Kiara could answer, the door swung open.

"Mr. Olson called. He'll be home tonight. Mrs. Olson, you should get up and prepare dinner."

Kiara blinked away the tears in her eyes. Her voice was hoarse.

"I'm not feeling well. Just have the staff handle it."

She turned her back to the door.

But the housekeeper wouldn't let it go. Bridget Cook walked right to her bedside instead.

"That won't do! Ms. Carina loves your cooking. Mr. Olson is rarely home. Since he's coming back tonight, you should seize the chance to win both their hearts!"

As she spoke, Bridget reached out to pull Kiara up.

Kiara frowned and pushed her away.

"I said I'm not feeling well."

She pointed to the door. "Get out."

Bridget was surprised by the sudden anger.

She pulled her hand back and muttered, "Why take it out on me? Once he comes home, you'll still be the first to run to him."

She didn't say it quietly. Kiara heard every word.

And it was true. Even the staff knew that every time Ned came home, she would rush around fixing everything—meals, clothes, whatever he needed—just hoping he'd look at her.

But that man had never truly cared.

Their marriage wasn't built on love. The family needed a suitable lady of the household. Ned needed a beautiful wife. And Carina needed a mother to take care of her. That was all Kiara was to him.

Kiara curled into a ball, holding her empty belly as tightly as she could.

Today, she didn't want to be strong or pretend nothing happened. She just wanted to be a mother who had lost her child.

The sleeping pills slowly took over. She drifted back into a deep sleep.

When she woke up, there were soft rustling sounds around her.

A moment later, Ned climbed onto the bed. His kisses were hot and forceful. With just a few quick moves, he removed her bathrobe.

He always did things this way. Never caring about how she felt.

"No, don't touch me!"

Kiara pushed weakly against his chest.

But Ned, still in the mood, thought she was playing hard to get with him.

He grabbed her wrists and held them above her head, kissing her tender lips again.

Her posture was embarrassing. She turned her face away, avoiding his kiss.

Ned's eyes flashed with annoyance. When he realized she truly didn't want this, he lost interest.

He wasn't the kind of man who would force a woman.

He got off the bed, pulled on his robe, and loosely tied it at the waist. Then, Ned sat on the couch by the window. He lit a cigarette.

Kiara's clothes were a mess. She sat up, fixing them with shaky hands.

Then she looked at him and said quietly, "Ned, let's get a divorce."

He slowly exhaled a cloud of smoke. That handsome, almost untouchable face turned cold.

"Divorce?"

He gave a short laugh, like he'd heard a joke.

"What else do you think you can be without the title of Mrs. Olson?"

His distant eyes scanned her from head to toe. He tapped his finger, and ashes fell onto the soft carpet.

"All I did was take our daughter on a vacation overseas. Why are you acting out? The housekeeper said you've been gone for a week and only came back today. What is this? You trying to threaten me by running away?"

Kiara gave a bitter smile in her heart.

Vacation with his daughter? Did he really need to bring his secretary along too?

In the past, Kiara would have pulled up that woman's Instagram and forced Ned to explain himself.

But now, there was no need.

"I was in the hospital this week," Kiara said quietly.

"I wasn't feeling well."

Kiara was about to tell Ned she had lost the baby when the bedroom door suddenly opened.

"You're awake? I want to eat the cookies you bake!"

A little girl in a pink nightgown ran in barefoot.

Kiara bent down and looked at her gently.

"Carina, I need to talk to your dad about something important. How about we make cookies tomorrow?"

"No way! I want them now!"

Carina had always been spoiled. She never took no for an answer.

Kiara was about to coax her again when Ned spoke.

"Talk to me tomorrow. She's been asking for cookies since we were on the road. Go bake with her."

Before, Kiara would have gone downstairs right away to make cookies with Carina. But she had just gone through surgery. Her body was still weak, and she had no strength to take care of a five-year-old.

"I'm not feeling well. And I want to talk to you about our baby."

Ned's expression instantly changed.

He crushed his cigarette in the ashtray, looking at Kiara with eyes as flat and cold, yet full of hidden pressure.

"I already told you I'm not having more kids. Just take good care of Carina. Stop dreaming about anything else!"

He pulled a card from his wallet and tossed it onto the table.

"Take this. And stop making a scene."

Then Ned walked out of the bedroom.

Carina, sharp and observant since she was young, stepped back and put some distance between them.

"You made Dad upset again. Let's see what you do this time."

Her eyes narrowed. That cold and arrogant expression was the exact copy of her father's.

She made a face at Kiara, then skipped out of the room.

Silence finally filled the bedroom.

Cold wind seeped through the window. The luxurious bedroom felt like an icy cell with no warmth.

Kiara glanced outside. In the pitch-black night, only a few distant lights flickered in the distance.

She reached into her bag and pulled out an invitation. Wurora was holding a large auction soon, and they wanted her to be the auctioneer.

Kiara hadn't agreed yet, because it was a big event. Ned would definitely be there.

He didn't allow her to work.

In the past, she had put Ned at the center of her world. Kiara had given up her career, the one thing she was proud of, to become his wife.

Now, she remembered what he said earlier.

Without the title Mrs. Olson, she was nothing.

If that's the case, then she didn't want that title anymore.

Kiara had just undergone surgery. She should have been resting, staying warm, and recovering. Instead, she spent the whole night out in the cold. Before long, she came down with a fever.

Half-asleep, she drifted in and out of consciousness until a sudden knock on the door woke her.

Kiara forced her eyes open. Her head felt heavy, foggy, and painful.

She glanced at the other side of the bed. Neatly made. Ned hadn't come home last night. Again.

But now, she no longer cared.

The next second, the bedroom door swung open.

"This is Dad's room." Carina walked in with Hannah Kirk.

Neither of them thought there was anything wrong with barging in.

"What are you doing in my room?"

Just speaking felt like swallowing razor blades. Her voice was hoarse and rough.

Hannah spoke first.

"Mrs. Olson, the boss sent me here to pick up the clothes he needs to wear today."

Her words seemed polite, but her face held no respect at all.

Kiara met her provocative gaze calmly.

"His clothes are in the walk-in closet."

Hannah was surprised. Normally, Kiara would have followed with questions—Where did Ned go last night? Why is Hannah here? Why does she need to go into Ned's walk-in closet? And she definitely wouldn't allow Hannah to enter that closet so freely.

But today, Kiara didn't seem to care.

That suited Hannah just fine.

The chance to handle Ned's personal clothing felt sweet and intimate to her.

She walked straight into the walk-in closet. Before long, soft rustling sounds came from inside.

Kiara chose to ignore her.

She didn't even look at Carina. Kiara simply got out of bed and walked to the bar counter to get some medicine.

Carina, who was always treated gently by Kiara, felt confused. Kiara had never ignored her like this before.

The little girl followed and reached to grab Kiara's arm.

At that moment, Kiara was holding a glass of hot water, and she was ready to take her medicine. The sudden pull startled her, and the hot water spilled all over her arm.

The pale skin turned red in an instant.

Carina's hand was slightly burned too.

The little girl let out a sharp cry. "Ow!" Tears burst out.

Hannah rushed out when she heard the noise.

"What's going on?"

Kiara had already found the burn cream and was about to apply it on the girl.

"Carina, it's okay. It's just a small burn. Once we put on the cream, it won't hurt anymore."

Before she could touch the girl, Hannah rushed over. She pulled Carina into her arms and glared at Kiara like she was a monster.

"She's crying like this, and you claiming it's fine? I know what you're doing! You burned her on purpose! You want to use the accident as an excuse and make the boss rush home. Kiara, you are truly awful!"

Kiara froze. The hand holding the cream stopped midair. Bright red blisters had already risen on her arm—sharp pain spreading across her skin.

She looked at Carina, hoping the little girl would say something to defend her. They had lived together for five years. Surely, she would speak up? But Carina simply met her eyes and hid further in Hannah's arms.

It didn't just sting. It hurt.

After all, she had raised this child for five years.

Kiara lowered her eyes and quietly set the burn cream on the table.

"If you think I'm awful, then take her away."

She turned around.

The pain in her arm was nothing compared to the aching in her chest.

Hannah shouted after her, "I'll tell Mr. Olson everything! Let him see your true face!"

Kiara didn't even pause her steps. She only replied flatly, "Suit yourself."

Carina, still hiding in Hannah's arms, watched Kiara walk away. Something twisted inside her.

She hadn't stayed quiet on purpose. She simply mad that Kiara didn't bake cookies with her last night.

Carina looked at her hand again. The redness didn't hurt anymore. But she remembered Kiara's arm had blisters. A lot of them.

That must hurt a lot.

Hannah lifted Carina into her arms.

"How about I take you to Daddy's office?"

Children's moods come quickly and fade just as fast.

At the mention of Dad, Carina's eyes lit up. She quickly forgot everything else.

When Kiara walked out of the closet, the room was empty.

The pain in her arm seemed to remind her that there was truly nothing left here worth holding onto.

Her gaze fell on the diamond ring on her ring finger. The huge stone sparkled in the sunlight, cold and distant.

She slowly slid it off. A red imprint circled her finger, like an ugly scar.

Yes. She was done. It was time to get a divorce.

This wasn't an impulsive decision. Kiara had been thinking about divorce for almost a year.

What truly pushed her to make up her mind was that night. When she was lying in a pool of blood, on the edge of life and death, and the phone call she made couldn't get through.

As she lay there, listening to the cold automated voice on the other end. The past five years of her marriage flashed through her mind like a movie reel.

The baby leaving might even be a kind of mercy. Why bring an innocent life into such a cold marriage?

Kiara looked around the bedroom. There was almost nothing in this room that belonged to her.

Even the décor was left behind by Ned's first wife.

When a woman finally stops clinging to false hope, everything becomes so clear.

Ned had never seen her as someone he wanted to walk through life with.

She had been the only one acting in this one-man show, and she was done.

Kiara opened the drawer of the vanity and found her auctioneer license and all the awards she had once won.

She used to display them proudly in the best spot in the house. But after marrying Ned, all those achievements were pushed into a drawer, gathering dust in the corner.

Luckily, she had been renewing her license every year, so everything was still valid.

She carefully wiped every medal and certificate, wrapped them up, and packed them into her suitcase.

Kiara only took those and the bank card Ned threw at her last night.

After all, that was her property, wasn't it?

She left her wedding ring on the vanity, picked up what truly belonged to her, and left Crestfell.

…

Carina had spent the afternoon with her dad.

The little burn didn't hurt anymore, but when Hannah told Ned she had been scalded, Carina still stayed in his arms and squeezed out a few tears.

Ned held his daughter gently and put some cream on her hand.

"Does it still hurt?"

Fathers always adored their daughters, and Ned was known for spoiling his.

Carina shook her head while eating snacks from his desk. Her little feet rested on his lap, and she looked as happy as could be.

She had already forgotten about the morning.

But Hannah wasn't going to miss the chance to vent.

"Mr. Olson, I know it's not my place to say this, but Mrs. Olson really doesn't take good care of Carina."

She exaggerated the whole story as she spoke. Ned's face stayed calm, barely giving any reaction. Hannah's confidence gradually faded.

She thought that a man who cherished his daughter greatly would surely be angry at Kiara and maybe even divorce her.

But Ned's reaction wasn't quite what she expected.

"Carina," he finally said, "is what Hannah said true?"

Carina glanced at Hannah, then up at her dad.

She knew her father hated it when his child lied. But on the drive over, Hannah had told her that if she said this, Dad would take her along on his next business trip.

Carina ducked her head and pressed her forehead against her father's shoulder.

"Dad, it really hurts," she murmured.

Ned loved his daughter more than anything in the world. The second she started crying again, he couldn't keep his stern face.

"We'll put some cream on it, and it'll feel better soon. Be more careful next time, okay?"

Carina knew that meant he'd believed her.

She nuzzled his shoulder and saw Hannah shoot her a silent thumbs-up.

But for some reason, she didn't feel happy at all. She couldn't stop thinking about the burn on Kiara's arm.

Fine. Tonight, when we get home, I'll help Kiara put on the burn cream.

Father and daughter went out for dinner before heading back.

As soon as they stepped inside, Carina wriggled out of her dad's arms and darted up the stairs toward the bedroom.

She remembered Kiara kept the burn cream on the vanity.

Too short to see the top of the table, she stood on tiptoe and felt around blindly.

"Got it!"

Her small hand touched the tube and grabbed it happily. But as she pulled it out, something else fell with it.

She glanced down at the carpet but saw nothing. Carina didn't give it another thought and skipped cheerfully out of the room.

The ring rolled across the carpet, spun once, then slid under the bed and vanished.

Carina hunted all over downstairs but couldn't find Kiara anywhere.

"Bridget, where is she?"

The housekeeper, still busy cleaning, replied, "Mrs. Olson left with a suitcase not long after you went out this afternoon. She didn't say where she was going."

"She left?" Carina stared in shock.

Dad and I were both home, but Kiara was gone. That had never happened before.

Could she mad at me?

How petty!

She actually ran away from home!

Did she really think leaving would make Daddy chase after her?

Thinking that, Carina threw the burn cream onto the couch.

Forget it! I won't put the cream on for that petty woman!

Later, Ned finished up in his study and headed upstairs. He found Kiara's side of the bedroom empty.

Only then did he notice the vanity felt bare—and the card he'd left there the night before was gone too.

His mind flicked to what had happened the previous evening, and to Carina's burned hand that morning.

She'd probably run off because she was scared he'd hold her responsible.

Ned brushed it off. He wasn't about to waste energy on something so trivial.

She'd be back within two days, he was sure.

…

Kiara retreated to the riverfront penthouse she'd owned before marrying Ned. It had sat empty for a long while, but luckily, she'd called the building management ahead of time.

By the time she arrived, the housekeeper had already scrubbed the place top to bottom and restocked it with all the essentials.

Once she'd carefully unpacked her things, she gazed around with quiet contentment. Every piece of decor had been chosen by her. Her trophies and certificates were lined neatly on the living room shelves.

It felt just like the life she'd had before marrying Ned.

She slept deeply that night. When she woke, sunlight was pouring into the room.

Kiara hadn't slept this well in ages. She woke up with no need to get Carina ready for school or press Ned's suit for the day. Instead, she ate her breakfast slowly, then settled at her desk to review the materials for the upcoming auction.

She had to admit it—ever since she'd decided to step back onto the auction stage, she'd felt a thrilling rush of excitement.

The dense technical notes and industry terminology didn’t faze her in the slightest.

Just seeing those familiar terms brought back a glimpse of her old self: the woman who'd shone brightly on stage, commanding every eye in the room.

She could hardly wait for the auction tomorrow night.

...

Ned, meanwhile, was in a foul mood. Early that morning, he'd been unable to find a pair of cufflinks to match his tie, and none of his suits had been pressed and ready.

The maids told him Kiara had always taken care of all those things—they didn't know his preferences at all.

He thought of calling her, then hesitated. There was no point, he told himself.

She'd be back in a day or two, anyway.

To make matters worse, Carina was being a handful.

She refused to listen to the maids; Kiara had always been the one to tend to her. Even at breakfast, she kept complaining that the food tasted off.

With no other option, Ned had to look after the girl himself—he even brought her into the office.

"Mr. Olson, the charity auction begins at six this evening. We should head out soon," Hannah said, stepping into his office.

The second she heard the word "auction," Carina perked right up from her LEGO bricks.

"Daddy, I want to go too!"

Ned lifted her into his arms and gently wiped her mouth with a wet wipe.

"Alright. You can come with me."

Kiara had arrived at the venue early to get ready.

The auction was hosted by the Pink Cross and sponsored by a group of overseas philanthropists from Ustad. Every cent raised would go toward an international relief fund for women and children.

With so many lots up for auction, the event required two auctioneers.

It was a dual‑auctioneer setup: the senior auctioneer would kick things off and warm up the crowd, then halfway through, Kiara—their star auctioneer—would take the stage and lead the final bidding push.

Back in the prep room, Kiara was going over the details of the auction lots when the organizers stepped in to introduce the collection’s sponsor.

"Mr. Cross, this is the lead auctioneer you specifically asked for!"

Kiara rose to her feet at the introduction.

"You're too kind," she said with a soft, poised smile, extending her hand.

"Mr. Cross, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Kiara Woodburn. Thank you for your trust—I won't let you down."

Honestly, she was curious. It had been ages since she'd presided over an auction this grand, and she couldn't help wondering why this man had handpicked her to lead tonight's event.

Edgar Cross extended his hand, his fingertips grazing hers lightly.

"Kiara. It's been a long time."

His voice was calm and gentle, like a quiet stream winding through the mountains.

Kiara stared at him. There was something familiar in his eyes, but she couldn't quite place his face.

He didn't let the awkwardness linger. A soft smile curved his lips.

"I'm Edgar Cross."

"Edgar!"

Kiara's eyes lit up. She struggled to square the elegant, self-assured gentleman before her with the quiet, often-bullied boy she'd known in high school.

Once the organizers realized they were old acquaintances, they exchanged a few pleasantries and left them to talk privately.

"There's a café downstairs. We still have a little time. Would you like to sit for a moment?"

Kiara saw no reason to refuse an old classmate.

Besides, Edgar was the sponsor of the items she would be auctioning tonight. It made sense to speak with him and clarify his target bid ranges.

They walked down to the café together.

"You haven't changed at all, after all these years," Edgar said.

His tone was warm and measured—complimentary, but never crossing a line.

He closed the gap between them gently and tactfully.

Kiara smiled. "You, on the other hand, have changed so much. I almost didn't recognize you."

They talked about their high school days, and Kiara laughed freely. Those long-buried memories felt like a bottle of vintage wine, finally opened, bringing back the warmth and sweetness of the past.

Meanwhile, Ned stepped into the venue holding Carina. The little girl tugged at his sleeve.

"Daddy, I'm hungry. I want something sweet."

Hannah stepped forward to suggest, "Mr. Olson, there's a café over there. I'll go get Ms. Carina a small cake."

Ned nodded and handed her a card.

"Go ahead. I'll stop by briefly, then take Carina home. While I'm there, place bids on two jewelry pieces for me."

Hannah took the card and left to get the dessert.

Carina, thrilled to be out, craned her neck to look around in her father's arms.

Suddenly she pointed toward the window and exclaimed,

"It's Kiara!"

Ned followed his daughter's pointing finger and looked across the room. There, he saw Kiara speaking with a man.

He didn't know what they were talking about, but she was smiling brightly.

It had been a long time since he'd seen that smile on her face.

Kids never hide their feelings. Carina slipped out of her father's arms and ran toward Kiara, her little shoes tapping quickly across the floor.

"Kiara! Why are you here?"

Kiara had been discussing auction items with Edgar. When Carina suddenly appeared, she was a bit surprised.

"Carina?"

Edgar glanced at the little girl politely and asked, "Kiara, who is this?"

Kiara was about to answer, but then she remembered that Carina never acknowledged she was her stepmother.

In an event this formal, she didn't want to embarrass herself or make Edgar question her professionalism.

"She's a friend's daughter," she said quickly.

Ned stepped closer just in time to hear that.

His eyes drifted to Kiara's bare ring finger.

His cold eyes swept across them. Then he bent down and picked up his daughter.

"Daddy!" Carina wrapped her arms around his neck.

She felt a strange hollowness, though she didn't know why.

Moments ago, seeing Kiara made her happy. But Kiara didn't hug her, nor did she show the same warmth she used to.

…

Kiara didn't seem surprised to see Ned.

At a charity auction of this size, someone like Ned—the top of Wurora's high society—was sure to attend.

She had already decided to get a divorce. So what did it matter if he saw her?

Edgar stood and reached out his hand politely.

"Hello, I'm Edgar Cross, Kiara's friend."

Ned gave a small nod. That was his hello.

"Ned Olson," he said simply.

Edgar withdrew his hand gracefully and smiled.

"So you're Mr. Olson. I've heard a lot about you."

Ned didn't answer. Instead, he looked at Kiara.

Today, she looked different. She wore a fitted black business suit with a short skirt that stopped just above her knees.

The outfit was proper and professional, yet somehow, on her, it felt elegant and striking.

A shadow crossed Ned's eyes.

Feeling his stare, Kiara grew uneasy. She was about to speak when Carina wrapped her arms around her dad's neck and reminded him.

"Daddy! Hannah's here!"

Ned gave a simple grunt, and then he turned to Edgar.

"Excuse me."

Kiara watched him walk toward Hannah.

She saw Carina reach out excitedly from far away, wanting Hannah to pick her up.

Kiara watched the three of them laugh as they stepped into the elevator together.

She looked down and took a sip of her coffee. Bitter, but it cleared her mind.

Edgar studied the woman in front of him. There was clearly a story behind those beautiful eyes.

But since she didn't speak of it, he didn't ask.

When the auction began, it didn't take long before Carina started complaining about being bored.

Ned said a few words to Hannah, and then he left with Carina.

In the car, Carina curled up in her dad's arms, fighting sleep.

"Dad, why hasn't Kiara come home? I want the bunny meal she makes."

Ned looked at his daughter. She had already fallen asleep.

He pulled his jacket over her to keep her warm and turned to the window.

Neon lights flickered across the streets. At some point, it had started to rain.

Weather like this always made him restless.

When Kiara walked on stage, the event was at its climax.

It had been five years since she last hosted an auction of this scale. Every cell in her body felt alive again.

She didn't spare a thought for whether Ned was in the audience. All she cared about was how to maximize the value of this auction.

The moment Hannah saw Kiara, she thought her eyes were playing tricks on her.

Kiara? As the auctioneer?

Isn't she just the woman who irons clothes and bakes cookies at home?

Watching the confident, radiant woman on stage, Hannah felt unsettled.

She had always looked down on Kiara, believing she got to marry her boss because she was pretty and came from a well-off family.

Hannah always thought she only lost because she wasn't born into the right family.

But today, as the bidding numbers soared beyond imagination, as people competed to raise their paddles, Hannah suddenly felt relieved. Thank goodness Ned didn't stay. Thank goodness he didn't see this side of Kiara.

It was time for the final piece of the auction, a delftware vase from the Vrairia Empire.

Kiara gave a detailed presentation of its specifications. She spoke fluently in a foreign language; the steady rhythm she carried commanded the entire room. Every guest's attention was on her.

She swept her gaze across the hall and pointed toward the VIP section.

"Bidding starts now. Opening price is 10 million. I have a written proxy for 23 million. Any live bids?"

Paddles began to rise across the room.

Kiara tracked the floor activity closely, along with phone and online bids. She switched effortlessly between languages. With each call she made, the price continued to climb. Now, it was at 50 million.

"Sixty million!"

Hannah raised her paddle.

That vase was the one Ned had specifically instructed her to win.

The moment the bid reached 60 million, the room fell silent. Momentum stalled. The number of bidders dropped sharply, and the excitement faded.

The current price had already passed the seller's expectations, but Kiara wasn't satisfied.

This was where all her preparation paid off.

Before the auction, she had conducted extensive research on the piece. She gathered historical data, market records, and comparative auction results. Her goal was to present collectors with a clear and accurate understanding of the item's rarity and value.

She straightened her posture, shifting from a slight forward lean to standing tall. Then, slowly and clearly, she reintroduced the vase's rarity and collection value word by word. "Ms. Kirk has bid 60 million. It's clear she is determined to acquire this porcelain piece."

She turned gracefully toward the VIP section.

"Anyone else willing to challenge Ms. Kirk?"

A moment later, someone raised his paddle—70 million.

Kiara responded without missing a beat. "70 million from the gentleman in the front row! Do I hear 80?"

Her expression remained calm and elegant, but her pace quickened slightly. Grace mixed with pressure, and tension began to build across the room.

"80 million—online bid!

"Anyone here willing to go higher?"

"100 million! Looks like congratulations are in order for the gentleman in the front row!"

Kiara glanced toward Hannah and smiled.

"Ms. Kirk, do you need to make a quick call for confirmation?"

It wasn't Hannah's first time bidding on Ned's behalf. After seeing Kiara perform, she understood Kiara's skills were genuine.

She made the call. In the end, she placed a bid of 130 million.

"130 million! Final call. Congratulations to Ms. Kirk!"

The price broke the previous auction record for that ceramic piece. More importantly, it marked Kiara's triumphant return to the auction world.

As the celebration began, Kiara stood surrounded by admirers. Everyone congratulated her. The woman in the center of the crowd was nothing like the one who once stood silently beside Ned, holding back her disappointment. Now, her eyes shimmered with confidence.

Hannah couldn't help wondering—had her boss ever seen Kiara like this?

By the time the after-party ended, it was late.

Kiara had drunk quite a bit. She hadn't felt this genuinely happy in a long time.

Edgar insisted on driving her home. She couldn't refuse.

Outside the building, Kiara pushed the car door open and stepped out.

"Thank you for tonight," she said politely.

Edgar gave a gentle smile. "Go on up. Don't catch a cold."

Kiara waved at him and walked toward the elevator.

She held a black umbrella, moving through the winter rain. Under the dim streetlight, a soft halo outlined her figure. She looked so beautiful it almost didn't feel real.

Edgar watched her disappear into the distance. His heart skipped a beat.

And suddenly, he felt a pang of regret. He should have come back sooner.

After Ned tucked his daughter into bed, it was already very late.

Kiara hadn't been home these past few days. Yes, they had maids, but since Carina had been raised mostly by Kiara, she didn't like being left alone with anyone else.

Ned had no choice but to bring his daughter along wherever he went.

But kids get bored easily, like tonight at the auction.

Thinking about the auction made Ned remember that woman.

She must have known he would attend, so she waited there on purpose.

Typical. In his eyes, that was how women were—always scheming.

Probably felt embarrassed to return home after running away, so she staged this show and brought a man to act along with her.

What a show. What a waste of time.

But keeping things like this isn't helping anyone.

Carina needs someone to take care of her.

And if Kiara continues pulling stunts like tonight, people will start laughing at them.

After finishing one cigarette, Ned made a decision.

He took out his phone and opened his chat with Kiara. Their last conversation was a week ago.

He had taken Carina on a business trip to Piburn. Kiara had called him dozens of times.

The thought made his brows tighten.

He had always believed women were troublesome. In the past few years of marriage, Kiara had behaved herself, but clearly something had gone wrong this time.

He closed the chat window and opened his banking app instead.

Ned canceled Kiara's credit card.

Without money, let's see how long she stays out.

Kiara slept well. When she woke up, it was already after 8 a.m.

Even though it was midwinter, the heating was on high, and sunlight flooded the room, making it feel warm and cozy.

She brewed herself a cup of coffee and sat alone on the balcony, admiring the river view in the distance. Her mood was calm and relaxed.

A notification came in; it was from the bank.

Her commission from the auction had arrived. Seeing the long row of zeros behind her account balance, Kiara smiled even more.

A little while later, the doorbell rang.

It was the divorce lawyer she had contacted.

Her request wasn't unreasonable. After five years of marriage, asking Ned for 30% of their shared assets wasn't too much.

Once she signed the divorce papers, Kiara called a courier and had the documents sent straight to Ned's office.

She dressed herself up simply, then drove toward the staff residence at Ashton University.

Even though she had prepared herself mentally, when the car came to a stop, she still couldn't bring herself to open the door.

She could almost hear that voice from years ago. Ursa Beck roared, "Kiara, are you really giving up your PhD for a man? Do you know I created this program for you? You passed the exams, and now you tell me you're walking away? Think carefully! What matters more? A man or your future and your academic career?

"If you walk out of this building today, I no longer consider you my student!"

Ursa's harsh words still echoed like it all happened yesterday.

Five years. She hadn't dared to visit even once.

Partly guilt. Partly because those words had come true. Giving up everything for a man had indeed been the most foolish decision she had ever made.

Back then, she was Ursa's most promising student. During her graduate studies, the projects she completed under Ursa's guidance helped her publish an SCI paper. Her work on a paper using modern technology to restore historical artifacts even earned recognition from top experts in the field.

Now, Kiara was determined to return to being an auctioneer, and she didn't want to abandon antique restoration work either.

She just didn't know whether Ursa would still be willing to accept her.

Kiara carried a gift box upstairs. She stood in front of the door for a long time before finally gathering the courage to knock.

"Who is it?"

The door opened. A frail, hunched elderly woman with graying hair stood before her.

Kiara froze. A sharp sting built in her nose.

Five years, and Ursa had aged so much.

"Professor …"

Ursa let out a cold snort.

"What are you doing here?"

Kiara stammered, "I—I came to see you, I—"

"I told you. When you walked away from everything for a man, you lost the right to call me professor! I don't have a student like you. Go. Leave. Don't stand at my door!"

She pushed Kiara back and slammed the door shut with a loud bang.

Through the closed door, Kiara pleaded, voice trembling, "I know I let you down before. Please, give me one more chance. I'll retake the exams and earn my place in your PhD program again. Please believe in me!"

Moments later, the door opened again.

Ursa stood there, looking at the student she once took such pride in. Kiara was now with tear-filled eyes, no trace of the confident young woman she used to be.

She had already heard about last night's auction; the other students had told her.

Ursa had expected Kiara to show up eventually.

This girl had always been the most talented student she ever taught. She had tried to talk sense into her back then, but Kiara had been blinded by love.

Looking at her now, defeated and despair, Ursa didn't need to ask. She could already guess how this marriage had turned out.

"It's been years, and you sure got better at talking big. You think you can just waltz in here and get into my doctoral program? You think my PhD is that easy to get in?"

Ursa's face was stern, her tone far from friendly.

But Kiara's eyes filled with tears of relief.

She understood; this was her way of forgiving her.

"Professor, you're willing to take me back!"

She clicked her tongue, pretending to be annoyed.

"Did I say that? Let me make it clear: This year is the last time I'm taking on a PhD student. Just one spot. Whether you get accepted depends on your own abilities."

Instead of feeling pressured, Kiara smiled and promised she would make it happen.

In the five years since she got married, even though she hadn't been working, she never stopped studying antique authentication and restoration.

Five years ago, she gave up a chance to continue her studies for a man. This time, she wouldn't make the same mistake.

Ned's Office.

Ned was reviewing documents when someone knocked. Hannah stepped in with some items.

"Mr. Olson, here's the vase from last night's auction and a document that requires your signature."

Hannah placed everything on his desk.

Ned opened the box. "Alright, you can go."

He took a photo of the vase and spoke gently into his phone.

"I got it for you. I'll bring it next time I visit Piburn."

When he looked up, Hannah was still standing there.

He frowned. "Anything else?"

She shook her head, looking briefly toward his phone with a trace of sadness.

"No, Mr. Olson. I'll head out now."

"Mm." Ned nodded.

He picked up the document envelope and opened it. Just then, his phone lit up on the desk.

Ned set the opened folder aside and glanced at the message.

"Thank you, Ned! I have a surprise for you. I'm coming home!

"The PhD program I was planning to apply to just announced they'll accept students again this year, but only one spot. I want to seize the opportunity.

"If everything goes well, I'll stay in the country from now on. That way, I can see Carina more often."

Ned replied quickly, saying that when she returned, he would bring Carina to meet her at the airport.

Then he made a call to arrange a river-view apartment. She would need a place to stay when she got back.

As for the opened envelope, it was left on the desk, forgotten.

Later, when Hannah came in to tidy up, she noticed it. Thinking Ned had already reviewed it, she simply placed the document into a file box.