Maddie narrowed her eyes and threw out another bid. “Two hundred fifty thousand dollars.”

Almost instantly, Bailee matched her, bumping the price by only five grand each time—the minimum increment.

Turning to Maddie, Bailee pleaded, “Ms. Mills, you already have so much jewelry. Could you let this one go? I really love it. I’ve wanted it for so long. Would you really begrudge me this one thing? If the price goes any higher, I won’t be able to keep up.”

Maddie didn’t even look at her. A faint smirk tugged at her lips. “Isn’t Archer backing you? What’s there to worry about?”

Bailee’s face went pale. She softened her voice. “But Mr. Williams works hard for his money. I think it’s only fair to save where I can.”

Her words were coated in sensibility, painting her as the understanding, thoughtful one.

After several rounds, the bracelet hit three hundred thousand. Maddie sneered, ready to raise her paddle again, when Archer’s voice cut in.

“Sweetheart, why don’t you let Bailee have this one?”

Maddie went rigid. Her fingers curled, her fingernails digging into her palm. She turned to him, and whatever warmth had been in her eyes turned to ice. “What did you just say?”

Archer sighed and patted her hand like he was soothing a child. “Honey, I promised Bailee a gift tonight. She’s really set on this one. Can’t you let it slide?”

“Besides, haven’t I already won you several pieces? Isn’t that enough?”

His tone was light, almost teasing—like he was joking.

Maddie shut her eyes for a beat. A bitter taste flooded her veins, cold and choking, wrapping around her heart until she could barely breathe.

With Bailee’s family background, even affording three hundred thousand was a stretch—let alone getting into a high-end auction like this. The only reason she was here, bidding against Maddie, was Archer’s backing.

In a quiet voice, Maddie said, “What if I insist on winning it?”

She raised her paddle again, voice ringing out. “Four hundred thousand dollars.”

The room went silent. The auctioneer, sensing the tension, sounded a little unsteady. “The lady has bid four hundred thousand dollars. Any further bids?”

Bailee’s eyes shimmered with tears. She looked about to cry as she pleaded with Archer and added another measly five thousand.

“Four hundred and five thousand dollars.”

Maddie’s expression turned colder. She was about to raise her bid again when the manager hurried over and whispered, “My apologies, Ms. Mills. During financing verification, we found your account has been frozen. Do you have another account?”

The words hit her like a thunderclap.

Maddie turned her head—and caught Archer averting his gaze.

A chill ran through her. It was him.

Her primary account was tied to a credit facility Archer controlled. He could have revoked her access or asked the bank to block transactions pending review.

Pride lit up Bailee’s eyes. With a satisfied smile, she said, “Maybe you should give way, Ms. Mills? You have so much already. Can’t you let me have this one thing?”

The auction continued, the screen fixed on Bailee’s latest bid of four hundred and five thousand dollars.

Bailee couldn’t contain her excitement. Her voice went sweet with anticipation. “Quick, announce it!”

But just as her voice faded, a faint golden glow appeared behind the curtains of a second-floor private suite.

After a beat, the room buzzed with excitement.

“An absentee bidder from suite 317!”

Even the auctioneer looked stunned. The bidder had left instructions with the auctioneer to keep bidding on his behalf, whatever it took to secure the lot.

The auctioneer announced, “Lot seventeen: an absentee bid placed on behalf of our guest in suite 317. Four hundred and ten thousand dollars!”

In this city, anyone sitting in a second-floor private room was either filthy rich or dangerously powerful.

Maddie looked up, trying to make out the figure behind the curtains. She could only see a silhouette.

Even without seeing his face, the authority in his relaxed posture was unmistakable.

The auctioneer slammed his gavel. “Sold! Lot seventeen goes to our guest in suite 317 for four hundred and ten thousand dollars! The house is pleased to extend platinum VIP privileges to our buyer!”

The auction house reserved those privileges for a tiny circle of its most valued clients.

Who could he be?

Maddie unclenched her fist, her feelings tangled—partly relieved that her mother’s keepsake hadn’t fallen into Bailee’s hands, partly anxious about getting it back from a stranger.

Just as she considered approaching room 317 to negotiate, the usher carrying the bracelet emerged again.

“What’s going on? Is the gentleman in room 317 backing out?”

“There’s no precedent for backing out of an auction.”

“He must have left bidding instructions with the house. I’ve never seen anyone go that far for a single lot.”

Amid the speculation, the usher walked up to Maddie with a smile and gave her a courteous bow.

“Ms. Mills, the gentleman in room 317 wishes to present this bracelet to you as a gift. He hopes you’ll stay true to yourself—and wishes you all the best.”

The room erupted in chatter. Eyes turned toward Maddie—envious, suspicious, surprised.

“Isn’t that Mrs. Williams? What’s her connection to the gentleman upstairs?”

“Maybe he’s just extending a courtesy to Mr. Williams.”

“Or not. Out of all the treasures here, why choose this bracelet for Mrs. Williams? I’d say there’s more to their relationship.”

The murmurs reached Archer. His expression turned cold. “Maddie, what’s your relationship with the person in room 317?”

Meeting his intense gaze, Maddie answered calmly, “I don’t know him.”

“That’s impossible!”

Archer shot to his feet and gripped her wrist hard enough to leave a mark on her fair skin.

Maddie winced and pulled away. “Archer, what’s wrong with you? Haven’t you done enough today?”

But Archer seemed oblivious to her feelings, his gaze fiery and searching. “What’s your connection to him?”

“Maddie, all these years we’ve been married, I’ve done everything to please you. I’ve given you everything you wanted. Why are you doing this to me?”

He was convinced Maddie’s relationship with the man upstairs was inappropriate.

If it were really about him, he’d know the man’s identity. In this city, anyone seeking his favor came straight to him.

Maddie smirked coldly.

“You’re so corrupt, you assume everyone else is, too.”

Her words were so direct that Archer paused. A flicker of confusion crossed his eyes.

“Sorry, Maddie. I didn’t mean it that way. I shouldn’t have gotten jealous over you and a stranger. That’s completely on me.” Archer’s eyes reddened with emotion. “But Bailee and I have nothing going on. I invited her here as a gesture of thanks. Can you ever forgive me?”

Beside him, Bailee Wagner dropped her gaze, her expression pitiful, her voice catching. “Yes, Ms. Mills. I’ve kept my distance from Archer to avoid any misunderstandings.”

“All I wanted was a decent birthday gift,” she went on. “My family can’t compete with yours. You’ve been spoiled since birth, and you married a man like Archer. Can’t I even choose my own gift?”

“A simple gift?” Maddie pressed. “Ms. Wagner, this isn’t about the gift. It’s that you’re an employee of Williams Enterprises—and you’ve overstepped.”

When Maddie stepped closer, Archer instinctively moved to shield Bailee, speaking softly. “Maddie, if this really bothers you, I’ll have her transferred to another branch after the gala.”

“But just for today—for my sake—let her have the bracelet. I’ll get you anything else you want later.”

Bailee nodded, tears shining in her eyes. “Ms. Mills, I really love this bracelet. You have everything. Why fight me over this one thing? Or is it because you don’t like me, so you’re targeting me?”

“Why should I care?” Maddie sneered. “This bracelet was mine to begin with. Why should I give it to you?” She took the bracelet from the auction host, a smile on her lips that didn’t reach her eyes. “Ms. Wagner, know your place.”

Maddie’s refusal to back down finally snapped Archer’s patience. His tenderness vanished in an instant. “Maddie, do we have to do this in front of everyone? What about my dignity?”

“It’s just a bracelet. Does it really mean more to you than I do?”

He seemed to have forgotten the vows he’d made—the promise to reclaim every one of her mother’s belongings that had been sold.

Maddie raised her hand and slapped him across the face. The crack echoed through the room, and stunned gazes swung toward them.

Archer turned his head, face flushed with anger. He glared at her, forcing the words through clenched teeth. “Maddie, have you had enough? Have I spoiled you so much that you’ve forgotten how to be reasonable?”

Maddie reined in her emotions, her tone steady. “Archer, you’d better not regret this.”

Then she turned and walked away without looking back.

Once she disappeared from sight, Bailee gently touched the red mark on Archer’s cheek, her voice full of concern. “Are you okay, Archer? Ms. Mills was out of line. How could she hit you like that in front of everyone?”

Archer shook off her hand. His nails dug into his palm as he stared after Maddie. “I’ve spoiled her too much. She’s forgotten who gave her everything she has.”

Bailee watched his expression shift and ventured carefully, “About the bracelet, Mr. Williams…”

Archer rubbed his swollen cheek, then pulled a credit card from his pocket and handed it to her. “There’s five hundred thousand on this card. Buy whatever you want.”

Maddie headed to suite 317, intending to thank whoever had bought the bracelet in person.

She knocked. No answer.

She flagged down a passing server. “Excuse me, do you know where the gentleman in that suite went?”

“He left right after buying the last item.”

Disappointment flickered through her eyes, but she pressed on. “Do you know who he was?”

The server gave her an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, Ms. Mills. We can’t disclose our guests’ identities. Please don’t make this difficult for us.”

Maddie realized she’d crossed a line and stepped aside. “Thank you.”

An hour later, Maddie got home from the gala. She went straight to the study, opened her laptop, and pulled up the assets listed under her and Archer’s names.

After compiling the financials, she picked up her phone and called Attorney Zack. “I’ve sent you the asset division files for Archer and me. I need the property division paperwork finalized by tomorrow.”

Attorney Zack received the files at once and nodded respectfully. “Understood, Ms. Mills. I’ll get on it right away.”

Maddie’s eyes stayed fixed on the screen, her grip on the mouse tightening. “In a case where Archer Williams committed bigamy, how are assets typically divided?”

“A second marriage does not automatically transfer his assets to you,” Attorney Zack said. “We can trace your contributions, examine any fraud, and pursue the property and financial claims the evidence supports.”

Half of Archer’s current assets were investments Maddie had made to support his career.

Her expression darkened as she sent Archer and Bailee’s marriage certificate to the attorney. “Please use every legal means to recover what’s rightfully mine.”

After she hung up, Maddie sank into her chair. Exhaustion pressed down on her, but sleep wouldn’t come.

Archer would fight the divorce—she was sure of it. So until everything was settled, she couldn’t let him see even a hint of change.

Suddenly, the study door burst open.

Archer threw his jacket onto the desk and yanked Maddie up from her chair. “Do you have any idea how your impulsiveness just ruined my reputation in this community? What are you trying to prove? Are you still hung up on what happened before?”

Maddie opened her eyes slowly. Her gaze landed on Archer, calm and unreadable, but she said nothing.

The fire in Archer’s chest burned hotter, his voice climbing with anger. “Since we got married, have I wronged you even once? I come home on time every day. I tell you about every business meeting. If a woman’s going to be there, I don’t go. I’ve done all of that, and it’s still not enough for you?”

Every incident, every concession he believed he’d made to marry her was burned into his memory.

Maddie suddenly found the whole thing laughable.

She didn’t want to look at Archer another second. She rose and left the study without a backward glance.

Behind her, Archer’s voice came low and firm. “Maddie, no matter what you think, my conscience is clear.”

Her heart felt like it had been crushed under shards of ice. A piercing bitterness spread through her body, the words echoing over and over in her mind.

A clear conscience.

To him, he had done everything with a clear conscience.

The next morning, by the time Maddie woke, Archer was already gone. Breakfast sat on the table, made just the way she liked it.

Maddie pressed her lips together, a tangled mess of emotions stirring inside her.

After everything that happened last night, Archer had still remembered to make her breakfast. And yet this was the same man who had lied to her for years.

No matter what, her ties to Archer had to be cut.

Maddie ignored the breakfast and went straight to the office. Over the years, she hadn’t paid much attention to Archer’s business dealings, and many of the accounts were outdated. She needed the latest financial statements.

When the secretary saw her, she froze for a moment before greeting her. “Mrs. Williams, are you here to see Mr. Williams?”

“No,” Maddie said calmly. “Have the finance manager come see me.”

Her shares in the company were second only to Archer’s, which gave her the authority to involve herself in every business matter.

The secretary hesitated, then nodded and complied. Maddie noticed her making a quick call afterward—probably to warn Archer. Maddie didn’t stop her. Let her.

She sat in the finance office, sipping her coffee absentmindedly and flipping through the magazines on the shelf. Most were celebrity gossip rags, with a few novels and comics mixed in.

Frowning, she noticed details she’d missed before: the checkered desk mat, the scattering of cute plush toys. The most conspicuous was a pair of stuffed dolls with two English letters—A and B—printed on their clothes.

A sudden realization struck her—just as the office door swung open. Bailee hurried in.

“Sorry, Ms. Mills.” She held a cup of coffee, her voice apologetic. “I didn’t know you’d be coming by so suddenly…”

Maddie arched a brow, giving Bailee a slow once-over. "You're the head of finance?"

Bailee nodded, a polite smile fixed in place. "Yes, Ms. Mills. If you need anything, just say the word. Archer—Mr. Williams—is in a meeting right now, but I'll make sure any message you have reaches him."

Maddie let out a soft laugh. "That won't be necessary."

Her gaze stayed fixed on Bailee, glinting with amusement. "I'm here for you, not Archer."

Bailee's smile flickered, but she recovered fast, her voice gentle. "Ms. Mills, I understand you might be upset about last night's auction, but there's really no need to worry about my relationship with Mr. Williams. After all..."

She lifted her hand. A diamond ring caught the light, and a touch of shyness softened her smile. "I'm happily married."

Maddie stared at the ring. For a moment, she couldn't breathe. It was almost ironic—of the three of them, she was the outsider.

The ring was a perfect match to the one Archer had used to propose to her. An exact replica.

But after a beat, Maddie looked away.

"The ring's charming, but you misunderstand."

She spoke slowly. "I'm only here for a copy of the latest financial report. Nothing more."

Maddie noticed the shift in Bailee's expression, her face turning slightly sour. Maddie smiled to herself. "Seems you're the one feeling the pressure, Ms. Wagner."

Bailee's expression shifted entirely. The earlier hint of pride vanished from her eyes. She bit her lip, momentarily speechless.

Maddie watched her casually. "Ms. Wagner, shall I repeat my request?"

Before Bailee could respond, Archer walked in briskly. His expression hardened at the scene. "Maddie, wasn't last night's incident enough for you?"

His voice was cold and stern. "When are you going to stop this? I've already told you, Bailee and I have nothing going on. If you're not convinced—"

Before he could finish, Maddie cut him off.

"I believe you. Of course I do."

A slight smile touched her lips, but her eyes were icy as they landed on Bailee. "Ms. Wagner just told me she's already married."

The words had barely left her lips before both Bailee's and Archer's expressions changed dramatically. Archer shot Bailee a furious glare. Bailee's eyes instantly filled with tears.

Maddie had no interest in watching the drama unfold further. She spoke calmly, "I'm here to get this year's financial report. Considering I own 40% of the company, surely that's not too much to ask?"

Archer snapped back to reality. "Of course you can!"

He immediately instructed the secretary to fetch the report, then carefully watched Maddie's expression. He looked relieved when it didn't betray anything unusual.

"Maddie, what's prompted this sudden interest? You've never been involved with company affairs."

Maddie replied nonchalantly, "My account was frozen last night. I think it's wise to have independent accounts."

Archer's expression froze again. "Maddie..."

The secretary quickly returned with the report. Maddie ignored Archer, gave the documents a brief check, and prepared to leave. Archer caught her arm.

"Maddie, are you coming home with me for dinner tonight?"

His tone was earnest, seeking reassurance that she hadn't suspected anything.

Without turning around, Maddie replied calmly, "Sure."

Archer's face brightened. "I'll pick you up after work."

Maddie lowered her gaze, suppressing the indifference in her eyes.

She had agreed to visit the family home with a singular purpose.

When Archer had first arranged their marriage certificate, he'd insisted on keeping it at the family home for safekeeping. The document he had given her could help establish how he had deceived her. Her attorney would still need certified marriage records to determine whether bigamy or fraud could be proved.

Maddie didn't wait for Archer to pick her up. She took a cab to the house herself.

She expected a regular family dinner, but the gathering was exceptionally large. Archer's parents, who had been vacationing overseas last week, had returned, and even the extended Williams family was present.

"Maddie."

Upon seeing her, Eliza glanced behind her. "Archer didn't come with you?"

Maddie replied calmly, "He'll be here soon."

Eliza clicked her tongue, showing clear disapproval. "Archer has indulged you too much. On such an important day, letting someone like you come alone is unacceptable."

Maddie frowned slightly.

Though she and Archer had been promised to each other as children, after her mother passed, her family's fortunes dwindled while the Williams' thrived. From then on, Eliza had tried more than once to break off the engagement.

But the Williams patriarch was an upright, principled man who firmly opposed such opportunistic behavior, and Archer had insisted on marrying Maddie. That forced Eliza to reluctantly accept the marriage.

Even so, Eliza hadn't eased up on Maddie after the wedding.

Just as Eliza was about to continue, the butler hurried in and whispered, "He's here."

Eliza immediately forgot about Maddie, standing up in haste as the extended Williams family quickly followed suit to greet their guest.

The formality of the occasion caught Maddie off guard.

The Williams were already considered a top-tier family in their circle. Whoever warranted such a solemn welcome must be significant...

Maddie glanced up, spotting a sleek black Maybach pulling up in front of the house. An attendant swiftly opened the car door, and a tall figure stepped out.

The man was dressed in a dark suit, his features sharply defined, with piercing eyes and a presence commanding enough to make others wary of meeting his gaze.

The crowd rushed to greet him, but the man remained impassive. His strikingly handsome face was as calm as if carved from ice. He briefly glanced in Maddie's direction.

Caught off guard, Maddie's heart skipped a beat as their gazes locked.

It was Declan, Archer's brother.

Declan had returned to the country.

Though he carried the title of brother, Declan's relationship with the Williams family wasn't close. He had left for abroad years ago, expanding the family's business globally. Meanwhile, the Williams father was more of a spendthrift than a businessman, and the patriarch, while capable, was growing too old to handle everything alone, leaving the reins firmly in Declan's hands.

Maddie exhaled quietly. No wonder the turnout was so large today.

They were all here for Declan.