Chapter 6 Who Is She Crying For?

The auction house was buzzing with the wealthiest of the elite, all gathered for the coveted violet diamond. To Samuel, Giada didn't belong here—not in this place, not at this event. She had no business sitting at this auction. Giada glanced at the man in front of her, his handsome face a mask of cold, detached amusement. When their eyes met, his gaze was filled with disdain and icy anger, leaving her confused. What have I done to deserve this? Her heart ached as she thought about the child growing inside her, nearly four months along. Soon, her belly would begin to show. The pain in her chest grew deeper. She had resolved to build a future with him, but now he had betrayed her. Samuel seemed more agitated by Giada's silence, his irritation evident as he spoke. "Giada, what are you doing here? Do you even understand your place? Do you think you belong here? Wait until the real esteemed guest arrives. This will be embarrassing for you." Giada shot him a cold, side-eyed look, the pain twisting inside her like a knot. What kind of person does he think I am? His betrayal had opened her eyes to the painful truth—she would never have the love she had longed for. He was never going to be the person to guide her. Her voice was calm and indifferent. "You're here, so why can't I be? My seat seems more important than yours." Samuel's expression hardened as he stared at her face. Her beauty was both captivating and sharp, and he could almost see fire flickering in her eyes. His thoughts turned to what his assistant had mentioned about luxury cars and attractive men, and his gaze darkened. "Came here in your man's place, did you?" In that instant, he realized how unfamiliar she seemed. After four years of knowing her, she had never looked like this—radiant, dazzling, almost too perfect. Giada's smile was cold, and her voice even icier. "I'm here on my own merit." At that moment, Ronald tapped Samuel on the arm and showed him a name. The first seat, reserved for the most distinguished guest, was meant for Alfie Cannon. Samuel's gaze darkened, the blood draining from his face. "So, you're here for him?" So, she had managed to capture the attention of a powerful man—Alfie, a mysterious tycoon. Anger surged within him, like wildfire. How have I not noticed this before? She's really good at seducing men. "Giada, you really disgust me," Samuel spat, his voice thick with contempt. He couldn't believe it—she had been gone for barely a month, and already she had found another man. Giada felt as if her heart had been shattered, torn apart by a blade. Her chest tightened painfully, and she lowered her gaze, unable to meet his eyes. Hah ... So this is what it's come to—he's disgusted by me, repulsed by my very presence. In that moment, her heart slammed shut, locking away any trace of affection for him. Her cold eyes narrowed, and her tone became venomous. "Samuel, you're just as disgusting. A decent ex-husband would act as if he were dead and not show up at all." Samuel stared at her, his brows furrowed, but for once, he couldn't find the words to respond. Tilda, overhearing Samuel's words, smirked in satisfaction. Giada will never be able to outshine me. Meanwhile, the auction had begun. "Ladies and gentlemen, our first item of the evening: Cloudy Ridges." As soon as the host spoke, Giada's eyes locked onto the screen where the painting was displayed. Her pupils contracted, and a wave of recognition surged through her. Cloudy Ridges—why was it here? Why is Andy's painting here? A sharp pain shot through her chest, and she felt the floor beneath her shift. He's been dead for four years now. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she didn't look at Samuel, who had just raised his paddle to bid. Her gaze shifted toward Samuel as their eyes accidentally met. Seeing the tears glittering in her eyes, like jewels sparkling, his breath caught in his throat. This was the first time he had ever seen her cry—pain, sorrow, and something deeper twisted in her expression, making his chest tighten. Who is she crying for? Giada seemed to realize her emotional slip and quickly glanced at the painting again, still unsure why it was here. But that painting couldn't fall into the hands of just anyone. It held secrets. Giada quickly messaged her assistant sitting further back. She had come prepared—if there was something she wanted, Sonya Duncan would place the bid for her. She had come only for the violet diamond. "Sonya, no matter the cost, make sure you get that painting." "Understood." The price quickly escalated to ten million. And the one bidding was Samuel. The moment he raised his paddle, no one dared to challenge him. The auctioneer's voice rang out, filled with excitement. "Ten million, going thrice. Is there anyone else bidding?"