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Wendy had only asked on a whim. She didn’t really expect Sharon to know the artist. It was just that Sharon had studied painting too, so maybe she’d heard something.
But Sharon said, “I do.”
Everyone turned to look at her.
Even Xavier didn’t know Aurora’s true identity.
Wendy lit up. “Seriously? Sharon, you know someone that amazing? Don’t tell me you studied painting with her?”
Sharon turned to Wendy. “Do you know what ‘Aurora’ means?”
Wendy, ever the academic, wasn’t stumped by the question. “Aurora-Roman goddess of the dawn. It can also mean the northern lights, or just dawn, morning light…”
Her voice trailed off, as if something had just clicked.
She opened her mouth, eyes wide. “No way. It can’t be…”
Sharon could see she’d figured it out. “That’s right. Aurora is Victoria.”
Xavier looked over at Victoria too. “It’s Victoria?”
Surprise flickered across his face, tinged with something like inevitability.
That Victoria could paint wasn’t exactly shocking. After all, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting were practically required for daughters of elite families. Some even learned flower arrangement and dance, and if they were being groomed for the family business, they studied finance too. The competition was brutal.
Wendy’s excitement dimmed, like a flame doused with cold water. “It’s her, huh.”
She didn’t say more, though it was clear she had something else on the tip of her tongue.
True, Victoria had never openly made trouble for Sharon, and the two of them had always maintained a surface-level politeness. But that didn’t mean they could ever truly get along.
The reason was simple.
If it hadn’t been for Victoria’s mother, Sharon’s mother would never have left home for so many years. If Sharon’s mother had ever found it in herself to forgive Richard or Victoria, she might not have died without ever seeing Richard again.
Victoria might have been innocent. But Sharon was even more so.
And now, because of Richard’s lie, Sharon’s identity had been thrown into a mess. Unless Victoria came forward and admitted she was the illegitimate daughter, there was no way out of this.
But would Victoria ever do that?
Of course not.
If she ever made her true status public, everything she’d worked for all these years would collapse.
An illegitimate daughter was markedly different from a legitimate heir
Victoria was indeed talented. Her excellence softened the edges of that label. And in this day and age, being born out of wedlock
wasn’t the scandal it used to be.
But Victoria had spent too long perched on that pedestal, playing the untouchable goddess. There was no way someone with her
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pride would ever accept being knocked down a notch. Not in this lifetime.
At that moment, the host wrapped up his introduction.
“We’ll now begin the bidding. Starting price: 300 thousand. Minimum increment: one thousand.”
The words had barely left his mouth when Cole raised his paddle. “500 thousand.”
Gasps rippled through the room.
A 200 thousand jump right out of the gate-was he aiming for seven figures?
Wendy smirked. “Didn’t the host just claim each of her paintings sells for over a million? I actually believed her work was that in demand. Turns out it’s all internal hype. They’re inflating the value among themselves.”
She wasn’t trying to be fair. She knew she was biased against Victoria.
Just then, a low, cool voice cut through the noise.
“Soo thousand.”
Wendy froze.
Even Sharon turned instinctively toward the sound.
The bidder wasn’t some stranger.
It was Carter.
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Chapter 592
Wendy couldn’t make sense of what Carter was doing.
“What’s up with Carter? He’s bidding on Victoria’s painting? Since when are they so close?”
Then another possibility struck her. “Wait… don’t tell me he’s into Victoria?”
Wendy and Sharon shared everything. Just like Carter knew the truth about Sharon’s background, so did Wendy.
The surprise on Sharon’s face slowly faded. Her voice was calm. “Last time, he asked her for help with that guest speaker event. Maybe this is just his way of returning the favor.”
Wendy scoffed. “He’s got that good guy act down to a science.”
Despite the competing bid, Cole wasn’t upset. In fact, he looked pleased..
If someone else was willing to bid, that meant Victoria’s work was being taken seriously.
He raised his paddle again. “One million.”
Carter followed. “1.2 million.”
The sharp jump between their bids made several other buyers back off. They had money, but they weren’t insane.
With one million, you could buy a classic painting. No matter how skilled this Aurora was, her work didn’t hold the same long-
term value.
Still, there were some in the crowd who truly admired Aurora’s work, and this particular piece.
When the price reached 1.5 million, both Carter and Cole stopped bidding.
The auctioneer beamed. “Aurora’s Sea of Flowers goes to Mr. Hemphrey for 1.5 million! Let’s give him a round of applause!”
After Victoria’s painting was sold, the auction moved on to some other pieces by not-so-famous artists, so the final prices barely cleared one million, less than Victoria’s painting had gone for.
Wendy muttered under her breath, “I don’t get it. That Sea of Flowers didn’t look worth even close to a million. Carter and Cole were the ones driving the price up for show. Now they’ve scared off the real collectors.”
About an hour later, the auction broke for intermission. Most guests stood up to stretch their legs.
Sharon and Wendy had just stepped out of the restroom when Sharon’s phone rang.
She glanced at the screen. “It’s Uriah. Go ahead without me. I’ll catch up after the call.”
“Okay,”
After Wendy walked off, Sharon found a quiet corner and answered.
“Mr. Malcolm.”
The voice on the other end was cheerful, even a bit smug. “Sharon, remember that blind date we talked about last time?”
Her eyelid twitched. She immediately thought of Lex, the man she’d seen earlier.
“I remember.”
Uriah continued, “That rascal finally cleared his schedule. When do you have time? I’ll arrange for you two to meet.”
He was clearly invested in making this happen.
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Sharon had already agreed once, and there was no reason to go back on her word now.
She gave it some thought. “How about this weekend?”
“Perfect!” Uriah sounded pleased. “I’ll let Lex know so he can make the arrangements.”
Once she hung up, Sharon let out a quiet sigh.
She knew she shouldn’t sell herself short, but the facts were hard to ignore. She was a divorced woman, with a child, being set up with a man who’d never been married and just happened to be the future heir of the Malcolm family.
It really did feel like she was putting him in an awkward position.
She couldn’t help but wonder if Lex’s earlier excuse about being busy had just been a polite way to avoid meeting her.
Still holding her phone, she started walking back toward Wendy and the others.
That’s when someone collided with her, shoulder-first.
She looked up and froze.
The man had a strikingly sharp face, all cold edges and clean lines. His jawline was carved, his brow deep-set, and his dark eyes cut through the space between them like ice.
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Broad shoulders, long legs, a figure as upright as a pine-he moved with a natural authority, every gesture carrying the weight of presence. He was like an unsheathed sword: dangerous, yet noble in his restraint.
Sharon’s eyes flickered slightly.
It was Lex, the guy Uriah had introduced to her as a blind date, also the future heir of the Malcolm family.
He certainly looked the part-imposing, composed, with a powerful aura that commanded attention.
Sharon gave him a polite nod, but made no move to speak.
It was possible Lex had never seen her photo; initiating conversation would seem presumptuous.
Just as she was about to walk away, his voice stopped her.
“Sharon.”
She paused mid-step and looked up at him.
“You know me?”
Lex gazed down at her. “You’re Sharon McKinzie, Carter Biggs’s ex-wife. Your son’s name is Theo. You’re the daughter of
Richard Kalen.”
Sharon’s gaze settled on the man in front of her, her expression slowly cooling.
For some reason, a long-buried memory suddenly surfaced, something she’d thought she’d forgotten.
Back when Cole had gone out of his way to get close to her, he had briefly mentioned his family.
He’d said the person he admired most was his uncle.
Cole had mentioned that his uncle was practically invincible-capable of anything.
Cole’s dream was to become a racecar driver, and it was his uncle who had taught him how to drive.
At the time, Cole had casually mentioned that he thought his uncle would be a better match for Victoria.
When Sharon asked him why, he changed the subject and invited her to go racing instead.
Sharon had no real interest in racing. She didn’t even know how to drive competitively. But Cole kept urging her to try something new, insisting he could teach her.
Unable to decline his enthusiasm, she agreed.
After that, Cole began taking her along to race with his friends.
In the beginning, her lack of skill made her the target of constant mockery.
Though Cole always tried to shut them down, he couldn’t silence their scorn.
They behaved themselves when he was around, but once he was gone, their sneers only grew worse.
Some even said, “Why would Cole hang around with such a delicate woman? She can’t even race. Total embarrassment. If I were her, I’d crash into a wall and be done with it.”
Back then, Sharon had considered Cole a true friend. She didn’t want him to be ridiculed on her account, so she enrolled in a racing class.
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The track that hosted the training sessions also rented out space, so she often ran into Cole’s group.
Each time, they took every opportunity to mock her, dripping with sarcasm.
They even compared her to Victoria, always to her disadvantage.
Sometimes they’d deliberately provoke her, challenging her to race.
A complete novice had no chance against seasoned racers.
Naturally, she lost-again and again.
And each time, their laughter only got louder.
They forgot or maybe didn’t care-that they were beating someone who had only just begun.
But about six months later, the laughter started to fade.
By the end, none of them dared mock her again.
Cole knew she’d been working hard and invited her to join an amateur racing competition. He even signed her up himself.
He told her Victoria would be competing too.
At the time, Cole had supposedly “cut ties” with Victoria, swearing he had to beat her.
Sharon didn’t say no.
She wasn’t interested in winning or losing-not with Victoria.
But between friends, a shared passion meant more opportunities to connect.
And yet…
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Chapter 594
Sharon had just passed the preliminary round and hadn’t even made it to the official race when that ‘incident’ with Cole happened, and everything fell apart.
After being driven out of the Kalen family, she never returned to that competition.
She had only taken up racing for Cole’s sake. But once she realized all his affection had been nothing more than a facade, she lost all desire to engage with anything he liked.
Looking back now, it was obvious-Cole had invited her, a complete novice, to compete not out of kindness, but just to watch her make a fool of herself.
That memory was from six or seven years ago. Sharon had long buried it.
She couldn’t explain why it resurfaced now, just from seeing the man in front of her.
Her voice was cool as she asked, “Lex, is there something you need?”
Lex narrowed his eyes slightly. “You know who I am?”
Sharon replied calmly, “Why should it be acceptable for you to know me, but not the other way around?”
In just this one encounter, her impression of Lex had already plummeted.
To expose someone’s full identity upon first meeting, especially when they weren’t even acquaintances, was nothing short of
rude.
And the way he listed her identities carried a clear, deliberate edge.
Carter’s ex-wife-an insinuation about her being divorced.
Theo’s mother-a reminder that she already had a child.
Daughter of Richard Kalen-a detail no one else was supposed to know.
He was clearly trying to put her in her place.
Lex noticed the subtle shift in her expression and the cool detachment settling in, and understood at once that she’d caught on.
She was sharp. No wonder Cole had suffered at her hands.
His voice turned cold as he began to speak. “I don’t care what your motive is for getting close to my dad, but the Malcolm family
isn’t something you can manipulate at will.
“I know the people you’ve surrounded yourself with have given you some false sense of confidence, but let me warn you…”
He paused, eyes locking onto hers, each word sharp as a blade.
“Stay away from Victoria. Don’t you dare use those petty, underhanded tricks on her. Otherwise, whether you’re Richard’s biological daughter or not, I won’t spare you.”
At that, Sharon’s eyes lit with sudden realization.
“So,” she said lightly, “you’re just another one of Victoria’s lapdogs.”
Lex’s gaze turned icy. “What did you say?”
She smiled sweetly, her voice soft and melodious. “Oh? Did I get it wrong? If you’re not one of Victoria’s lapdogs, then in what capacity are you issuing me threats? As a friend? But as far as I know, a mere friend has no right to lecture me.”
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“Or are you her boyfriend?” she added, mockingly. “Although, last I heard, Victoria’s still single.”
Her voice grew cooler, tinged with sarcasm.
“Victoria is my sister. You’re an outsider. If my father and brothers found out you were threatening her own sister, they’d see you for what you are–someone trying to sow discord within the Kalen family.
“I doubt my father would ever agree to marry Victoria to someone like you. He’d never risk bringing chaos into our household.”
Sure enough, Lex’s expression darkened instantly.
He knew full well how much Richard cared about appearances.
He stepped forward and suddenly grabbed her wrist.
“You’re threatening me?” he asked, his gaze cutting like a knife. His lips curled into a cold, murderous smirk. “Sharon, do you have any idea what happens to the people who dare threaten me?”
His grip was like iron, fingers digging into her wrist with merciless force.
A sharp pain lanced through her arm, radiating from her bones outward.
Her expression changed instantly.
Whether it was playing the violin, painting, or racing, her hands were everything. More than that, her hands were her life.
She tried to pull away, but his grip was too strong, like shackles she couldn’t escape from.
Cold sweat slid down her temple in rivulets.
She could even hear the faint creaking of bone under the pressure.
A frosty glint sparked in her eyes.
Was he trying to destroy her hand?
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Chapter 595
Sensing her pain, Lex smirked in amusement. He relished this-watching his prey suffer, powerless to fight back.
In a flash, Sharon raised her free hand and swung it hard toward his face.
But Lex had anticipated the move. He caught her wrist mid-air with unsettling ease.
Sharon’s pupils contracted. Even if she had been slow to react before, she now understood-Lex wasn’t just anyone. He was clearly trained.
She tried to knee him in the groin, but they were standing too close-she had no space to maneuver. Before she could move her leg, he stepped down firmly on her foot with his leather shoe.
Sharon was just an ordinary woman. She couldn’t throw a punch to save her life. The gap between them, in strength and in skill, was undeniable. She was no match for him.
Lex watched her struggle with a mocking gleam in his eyes, like a cat toying with a trapped mouse.
“You want me to let go?” he drawled. “Beg me, and maybe I will.”
Sharon stared at him, and in that moment, he reminded her of Cole’s shameless friends-men who bullied the weak just to feel
powerful.
Back then, she had naively believed Cole was simply bad at judging people. But now she realized, birds of a feather flock together. Maybe those men had been sent by Cole himself to humiliate her, to crush her confidence.
No wonder Cole admired Lex. They were rotten to the core-the same mold.
Smiling sweetly, Sharon suddenly raised her voice, loud enough to echo across the venue.
“Help! This pervert is harassing me! Someone call security!”
Her shout was jarring in the elegant, refined atmosphere of the auction house. Heads turned instantly. People began walking
over.
Lex clearly hadn’t expected her to play this card. He froze, momentarily thrown off guard.
Before he could recover, a strong force shoved him to the side.
His grip loosened. Her foot was freed.
“Sharon, are you alright?”
The voice was clear and cool.
Sharon looked up and saw a familiar, sharply defined face.
“Thomas,” she murmured.
Thomas, who was usually all warmth and smiles, now wore a rare, shadowed expression. His gaze dropped to her wrist.
Around her slender, pale wrist, an angry red bruise had formed, glaring against her skin. It was unclear whether the damage would affect her ability to play the violin.
A flicker of cold, predatory light passed through Thomas’s eyes.
Sharon followed his gaze and saw the bruise herself Her expression darkened.
Anyone would be furious after suffering such an unprovoked assault. Especially when it involved her most precious asset-her
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She wouldn’t let this go.
Her eyes darted to a flower vase on the windowsill. Without a second thought, she grabbed it and hurled it at Lex with all her strength.
As she did, she shouted again, louder this time, “Help! Some creep’s attacking me! Someone call 911! This pervert won’t back off!
”
Wendy hadn’t gone far and rushed back the moment she heard Sharon’s voice.
When she heard the word “pervert,” she didn’t hesitate. She grabbed a bronze ornament from the corridor and flung it straight
at Lex.
“You disgusting creep! How dare you touch Sharon! I’ll kill you!” 1
Lex had just dodged the vase when he sensed a gust of wind rushing toward the back of his head.
He instinctively turned. The bronze ornament missed him by a hair, slamming into the floor with a heavy, echoing thud.
If it had struck his skull, it would’ve cracked it open.
As he turned back, distracted, a splash of icy water hit him square in the face.
Water trickled down from his hairline, dripping over his cheeks and chin.
Lex looked up and saw Sharon standing before him, holding another water-filled vase. Her eyes were cold and unflinching.
A second later, she hurled that vase at him too.
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Chapter 596
The vase struck Lex’s body before crashing loudly to the floor. Shards were scattered across the ground in all directions.
The commotion drew the attention of the crowd.
Julliard, who had been looking for Sharon, quickened his pace and hurried over when he saw what was happening.
He asked, “Sharon, what’s going on?”
Thomas glanced up at Julliard. If he remembered correctly, Julliard had arrived with Carter.
Wendy pointed directly at Lex. “That man tried to violate Sharon!”
Julliard’s gaze turned dark. The look he gave Lex grew cold and hostile.
He said icily, “Lex, don’t you think you’ve crossed a line by treating a lady like this?”
Lex wiped the water from his face, his black eyes sharp as frost. His tone was laced with sarcasm. “Me? Violate a divorced woman with a child? You might want to ask around first if anyone would even believe that.”
Wendy immediately bristled.
“Oh? And who do you think you are to look down on someone like that? So what if she’s divorced? Does that make her any less beautiful? When a man’s overcome with lust, do you think he stops to ask if she’s been married before?
“Truth is, when the urge hits, even a sow might get kissed a few times. Sharon is young and gorgeous. Even knowing she’s been married and has a child, plenty of men would still want to marry her.
“Let me guess… You got rejected, didn’t you? So now you’re throwing a tantrum, trying to tear her down and crush her confidence with these disgusting tactics, hoping she’ll fall into your lap. Well, dream on. A bottom-feeder like you isn’t even in the running. Sharon would marry anyone before she’d ever choose you.”
Wendy’s sharp words flowed smoothly, each jab hitting its mark.
The onlookers glanced at Sharon, their expressions shifting. She was, indeed, stunning-youthful and radiant. One would never guess she’d already had a child.
Wendy wasn’t wrong. With that kind of beauty, even if she was divorced with a child, many would still line up to marry her.
Now, the crowd turned their attention to Lex, their gazes filled with disdain.
“He looks decent enough, but who knew he’d act like such scum?”
“Probably got jealous because this lady had too many admirers.”
“I saw it just now. He was gripping her wrist and wouldn’t let go. Shameful.”
Lex had grown up with a genius reputation, idolized like a school prince. Wherever he went, he was met with admiration and praise. When had he ever been ridiculed like this-mocked like a clown?
His eyes darkened with fury, turning to Wendy with a chilling, murderous glare.
He strode toward her. “Say one more word, and see what happens.”
Faced with his menacing stare, Wendy’s heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively took a step back.
Sharon frowned and moved to shield her, but Julliard stepped in first.
“Lex,” he said with a calm smile, though there was no warmth in his eyes, “are you planning to threaten a woman in front of this many witnesses? Or are you actually thinking of laying a hand on her?”
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Lex froze, glancing around.
The crowd was staring at him with pointed, judgmental looks. Disdain clouded every face.
Gradually, he forced himself to calm down.
He had actually let himself be provoked by just a few words from two women. He had nearly lost control.
No wonder Cole had suffered at Sharon’s hands.
“Well played,” he said coldly to Sharon. “I won’t forget this.”
With that, he turned and strode away without another word.
Wendy walked up to Sharon. “Sharon, you’re just going to let this go?”
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Sharon gently rubbed her wrist. Though a dark bruise had already formed, the bone itself was unharmed.
“That guy is dangerous,” she said, watching Lex’s retreating figure. “He’s not like Cole. He won’t be so easy to deal with.”
Unlike Cole, Lex held real power. The resources and connections at his disposal far exceeded anything Cole could muster.
Wendy had sensed it too-this man was nothing like Nate or Cole. Even now, just recalling the way Lex had looked at her sent a chill down her entire body.
She asked cautiously, “Should we tell Uriah?”
Sharon replied, “Xavier once told me that although Uriah still commands respect within the Malcolm family, he’s long since relinquished his authority. The real power lies in Lex’s hands now. Even Uriah might not be able to rein him in. Besides…”
She paused awhile before saying, “Uriah has already done so much for me. How could I ask him to go up against his own son?”
Wendy fell silent.
Sharon turned to her, offering quiet reassurance. “You don’t need to worry. With Uriah’s support, Lex won’t dare make a move against me, at least not for now. If I didn’t have that connection… who knows what would’ve happened today.”
Wendy sighed. “Why is it that, aside from Uriah, there doesn’t seem to be a single decent person in the entire Malcolm family?”
At that moment, Julliard spoke up, “Sharon, don’t worry. This is Amstern City, not some lawless place where he can do whatever he wants. As long as I’m here, I won’t let him hurt you.”
Sharon looked at Julliard and gave him a faint smile. “Thank you, Julliard.”
Julliard clenched his fists silently, forcing down the surge of emotion in his chest.
“If nothing else, for Theo and Carter’s sake, I can’t let anyone bully you. By the way, Sharon, what brings you to this auction?”
“There’s a painting here I want,” she said.
A flicker of surprise crossed Julliard’s eyes. He smiled. “What a coincidence. I’m after a painting too.”
As the group chatted, Xavier approached.
“I heard some commotion from over here. Did something happen?”
Seeing Xavier arrive, Julliard didn’t linger. He turned to Sharon and said, “Your friend’s here. I’ll head off now.”
Sharon gave him a small nod.
Julliard didn’t return to the auction hall. Instead, he walked out to the rear garden and made a phone call.
The line was picked up almost immediately, and a hoarse, unpleasant voice came through the receiver.
“How rare for you to call me. What do you need done?”
Julliard’s eyes glinted with icy malice under the dim light.
“Do something to Lex Malcolm’s car. Make it look like an accident. Just make sure no one suspects a thing.”
“Lex Malcolm?” The voice on the other end rose slightly in surprise. “The Malcolm family’s future heir… Are you sure you want to go after him?”
Julliard’s voice, so unlike his usual gentle tone, was frigid. “He nearly snapped her wrist. Almost destroyed her hand.”
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There was a pause.
“Yes… If her hand were ruined, it would be a real tragedy. Understood. I know what to do.”
Julliard was about to hang up when the voice spoke again.
“I don’t understand. Just because of one small act of kindness from her childhood… you’ve liked her this much? Enough to go up against someone like Lex?”
Julliard’s reply was calm and unwavering.
“Yes. But the more I’ve come to know her over the years, the more I’ve realized… she’s worth it.”
Chapter 598
By the time Julliard returned, the auction had already begun.
Nate spotted him and immediately rushed over, eager to share the juicy gossip he’d just picked up.
“Julliard, did you hear? The Malcolm family’s heir, Lex, is apparently a complete pervert! I overheard someone saying he harassed a woman…
“Tsk, tsk, tsk. Who would’ve thought? Looking at him, you’d never guess he had that kind of fetish. Just goes to show you really can’t judge a book by its cover!
“Weren’t you in the hall just now handling something? Did you see it happen?”
Carter, Kelly, and Nate had all been in the garden earlier and missed the incident. When they returned, they were greeted by murmurs and whispers from the crowd.
Julliard hesitated for a moment, then gave a slight nod. “Yeah. I caught part of it.”
Nate’s eyes lit up at once. He lived for this kind of drama.
“Come on, Julliard, spill! How much of a pervert is he really? Oh, and what about the woman… Was she pretty?”
Julliard replied calmly, “She was surrounded by too many people. I didn’t get a good look. As for Lex…”
He deliberately trailed off, baiting Nate’s curiosity. His eyes lowered slightly, concealing the cold glint behind them.
Nate was terrible at keeping secrets. If he caught wind of something like this, it would become the centerpiece of every drunken dinner and idle conversation with his rowdy friends. And not one of them was known for discretion.
Within a month, the story would spread through every corner of high society.
But that still wasn’t enough.
As these thoughts churned in Julliard’s mind, Nate had already grown impatient and pressed for more details.
“Come on, Julliard, just how twisted is Lex? I heard he’s well into his thirties and still doesn’t have a girlfriend. There were even rumors he was chasing Victoria for years and never got anywhere. Looking back, that must’ve been a cover, right? The truth is, he’s a full-blown pervert, isn’t he?”
Gossip gleamed in Nate’s eyes like a child discovering treasure.
Julliard was speechless. He hadn’t even said much, and Nate had already filled in the rest on his own.
Julliard finally gave a vague reply. “Something like that.”
Nate wasn’t satisfied. “But how exactly is he perverted? Come on, you still haven’t told me! Wait, don’t tell me… he actually took his pants off?”
The very thought made Nate recoil with visible disgust.
“That can’t be, right? There are security cameras everywhere. Doesn’t he care about being caught?”
Suddenly, something seemed to click in his mind. He slapped his thigh in realization.
“I got it! He must have an exhibitionist kink! I’ve read about people like that-getting off on being seen!”
Julliard was once again rendered speechless.
He suddenly felt that the stories he’d originally considered spreading about Lex were far too merciful.
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When it came to inventing scandal-especially of the salacious kind-Nate was unrivaled.
After a brief pause, Julliard said, “I arrived late. I don’t know the exact details. I only heard people saying he was getting handsy.”
Which wasn’t untrue. Lex had grabbed Sharon’s hand. He’d also stepped on her foot. Technically, “handsy” wasn’t inaccurate.
Nate frowned skeptically. “Sounds like those people were afraid of offending Lex, so they softened the story and tried to paint him in a better light.”
Hearing their conversation, Carter glanced over at Julliard, a flicker of curiosity in his gaze.
Under normal circumstances, Julliard wouldn’t have entertained Nate’s gossip. He might even have warned him to keep quiet. But today, for some reason, he was actively feeding it.
Still… the idea that Lex was a pervert?
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It honestly came as a surprise to Carter.
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Nate glanced in Lex’s direction. “Where did he go? The auction’s already started, and he still hasn’t come back?”
Julliard recalled the water soaking Lex from head to toe. “He probably went to change his clothes.”
“What?” Nate’s eyes widened. “He molests someone, and he has time to change clothes? Don’t tell me…”
Something seemed to flash through Nate’s mind, and his expression twisted into one of profound discomfort.
“Don’t tell me he got his pants dirty? Damn! I always thought he was a suave, refined type. Who knew he could be that sleazy? Ugh, I can’t unsee it now!
“You said earlier that even after getting hit, he didn’t leave, and even told the girl to ‘remember him… Shit, do you think he’s into that? Like, a full-blown masochist?”
Nate’s words grew more and more outrageous by the second.
The people seated nearby had begun to listen in. Hearing Nate speak as though he’d witnessed everything firsthand, they turned to look, clearly intrigued.
A few couldn’t help but start whispering among themselves.
“So Lex’s really that kind of person? Ugh, that’s disgusting.”
“My friend’s daughter has a huge crush on him. No way, I have to tell her. She can’t go falling into a pit like that.”
“In a public event like this? Doing that? Isn’t that a little much?”
“What do you know? That’s what makes it exciting for some people!”
By the time Lex returned to the auction hall in fresh clothes, a strange shift had rippled through the crowd.
People who had been mid-bid abruptly went silent the moment they noticed him.
A heavy pause hung in the air.
Lex frowned, unaware of what had happened in his absence. But he was no stranger to attention and had long grown accustomed to being under the spotlight.
Without changing expression, he made his way back to his seat.
Sitting nearby, Victoria, Johanna, and Cole all wore unsightly expressions. They, too, had heard what had just transpired.
As Lex sat down, Cole couldn’t hold it in any longer.
“Uncle Lex,” he asked cautiously, “what happened just now? Everyone’s… everyone’s talking about you.”
Lex noted the strange look on his nephew’s face and remembered the stares he’d received walking in. His expression darkened.
“What are they saying?”
“They… they’re saying you’re a pervert. A creep…” Cole looked uneasy.
He quickly added, “But I know it’s not true. It must be a misunderstanding. You’re not that kind of person.”
Cole was tactful, but Lex wasn’t someone easily fooled. He instantly understood what had happened.
His face grew cold. “It’s Sharon. I really underestimated her.”
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At the mention of Sharon, Victoria’s gaze flickered.
“You met with Sharon? What exactly happened?”
Cole glanced at his uncle, nervous. He knew Lex’s temperament well enough to realize their first meeting couldn’t have gone
smoothly.
Afraid Victoria might misunderstand, he quickly stepped in to explain.
“Victoria, it’s like this… my grandpa wanted to arrange a meeting between Uncle Lex and Sharon. Uncle Lex couldn’t refuse, so he agreed to see her. That’s why he didn’t show up at your race the other day.”
Victoria looked visibly surprised. “Uriah wants to set Lex up with Sharon?”
Though Lex was technically Cole’s uncle, Victoria had always called him by his name. When they’d first met through racing, neither of them had known each other’s identity, and that was what she’d called him ever since.
Lex’s lips curled into a cold smile. “Sharon sure knows how to play her cards.”
He turned toward Victoria, his tone laced with hidden meaning.
“Remember what Cole said before? That she always tried to steal from you, and you didn’t believe it. What about now? Do you still not believe it?”
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Before Victoria could speak, Johanna chuckled from beside her.
“Back then, everyone joked that Cole was Victoria’s fiancé. When Sharon heard that, she schemed to sleep with him. Now, she’s even going on a blind date with Lex… And to top it off, there’s this molestation scandal.”
She spoke teasingly, “Looks like Lex won’t have much choice but to marry Sharon after all.”
Victoria glanced at Lex.
“Lex, Sharon isn’t as bad as you think. Your dad supports her and even arranged this match. He must hold her in high regard.”
She paused awhile, then added, “Actually, Sharon has many strengths.”
Before she could finish, Cole scoffed.
“She’s just a chick who grew up in the countryside, got lucky somehow, and got into Bell University. What strengths could she possibly have? Victoria, just look at the people she’s associating with now. It’s obvious she’s ambitious.”
Johanna looked surprised. “Sharon graduated from Bell University?”
Cole sneered, “Probably just lucked her way in.”
Victoria replied firmly, “You don’t just luck into Bell University.”
Cole looked at her and sighed softly.
“Victoria, you treat her like a sister, but she doesn’t treat you like one…”
Before he could finish, Victoria interrupted gently, “Enough. Don’t talk like that.”
She didn’t want to badmouth Sharon behind her back. “Our relationship isn’t close, but we’re not enemies. No matter what, we’re family. That can’t be changed.”
After a brief pause, she looked toward Lex.
“Lex, maybe you should get to know Sharon better…”
Lex cut her off, his deep eyes locking on her face.
“Other than you, I don’t want to know anyone else.”
Victoria was slightly taken aback.
Cole and Johanna exchanged a glance and, in unison, turned their eyes away with a shared understanding.
“Lex,” Victoria said seriously, “I only see you as a brother figure.”
She had said this many times before.
There was no romantic feeling between her and Lex. After realizing his affection, she had gently rejected him repeatedly, finally making her stance unmistakably clear.
Yet Lex remained unmoved and stubbornly persistent.
Faced with Victoria’s repeated refusals, he showed neither anger nor disappointment.
“I know,” he said softly.
Despite his words, Lex showed no sign of giving up.
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Seeing this, Johanna shifted the topic.
“Victoria, is that the painting you wanted up ahead?”
Her question immediately drew the three’s attention.
They all turned toward the display stand.
At the same time, voices of admiration rippled through the surrounding crowd.
“What an evocative piece!”
“Who painted it? It’s so vibrant. A new artist?”
“No way! You call yourself a connoisseur but don’t even know MK?”
“Heh, I’m not so familiar with contemporary artists.”
Before their conversation ended, the host began the introduction.
“This painting is titled Nightfall, created by MK, one of the most mysterious and talented artists of recent years. MK is no stranger to many of you; he rose to fame five years ago, and to date, only five of his works have ever been seen.
“We are fortunate to have acquired Nightfall from a private collector.
“Everyone here surely knows MK’s reputation and the value of his works. Each of his paintings commands a final sale price of no less than a million.”
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The auctioneer speculated aloud, “This painting, Nightfall, is the only one in MK’s entire collection that features a human figure. I wonder if this figure holds a special meaning for MK? Or… could she be his unattainable first love?”
He went on, weaving story after story about the painting and guessing at MK’s creative inspiration.
In the audience, Wendy listened with half an ear before muttering with a sigh, “These people are really good at making things up. A first love, even-what a waste they’re not in screenwriting.”
Xavier chuckled. “Add a bit of drama and the price will soar.”
“They don’t even know whether the artist is a man or a woman,” Wendy said, exasperated, “yet they’re talking about first loves … utterly ridiculous.”
Just then, Thomas, who had been studying the painting intently, suddenly spoke. “The woman in this painting… is it Sharon herself?”
Wendy turned to him with approval. “Thomas, sharp eyes-you can tell?”
Thomas smiled. “I’ve often seen Sharon playing the violin from behind. The figure in the painting looks a lot like her.”
On the stage, the painting was revealed-a woman in a white dress, playing the violin beneath the night sky. She stood in the back garden, bathed in silver moonlight that spilled across the ground in a delicate wash of shadows.
The garden was serene, with a pavilion standing in the distance. A soft breeze lifted her long hair into the air. The hem of her dress swayed gently with the wind.
It was beautiful, poetic even.
Though her face was hidden, the curve of her back alone stirred the imagination, leaving one longing for a glimpse of her
features.
Casey studied the painting closely. “Is the woman in the painting really Sharon?”
John and Wendy had known Sharon since childhood. They both recognized her instantly. Casey, who had only recently met her,
could be forgiven for not noticing.
But Thomas…
Wendy shot Thomas a curious glance. How had he recognized her?
John confirmed it with a nod. “Yes, it’s Sharon.”
Wendy went on to explain the painting’s origins. “Sharon was practicing in the back garden that day, and I happened to take a photo of her. She loved it so much that she painted this piece based on it.”
On stage, the auctioneer finally stopped his endless commentary and announced the starting bid.
“Starting price: 500 thousand. Each increment is no less than ten thousand.”
The words had barely left his lips before the bidding began.
“600 thousand!”
“800 thousand!”
“One million!”
Only five of MK’s works were in circulation, making them highly collectible. MK was such a remarkable artist that any future
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masterpiece could send the value of the collection soaring.
In mere minutes, the price had climbed to two million.
Even Wendy, who was no stranger to grand occasions, was momentarily stunned. She turned to Sharon. “Sharon, what was our budget again?”
“Two million,” Sharon replied.
Originally, her budget had been only 300 thousand. But after realizing that none of her paintings sold for less than one million, she had reluctantly raised it to two million.
That sum had been scraped together by giving up her studio space, composing a few original pieces for Kelly, and squeezing it out of the ten million she had obtained from Carter.
Wendy gulped. “Should we… raise our budget again?”
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From the way things were going, two million was clearly not going to be enough. Even three million might not cut it.
This was, without a doubt, the most expensive painting Sharon had ever sold-originally fetching only about 20 thousand.
She never imagined it could be driven up to such a staggering figure.
A trace of hesitation flickered across her face. If it had been any other painting, she would have let it go-no way would she spend such an outrageous sum to buy back her own work.
But this one was different. The figure in the painting was het.
The thought of her likeness hanging in someone else’s home, scrutinized and displayed, left her feeling strangely unsettled. Which was why she wanted to bring it back into her own hands.
Gritting her teeth, Sharon said, “I’ll raise it to five million.”
Five million was no small sum. Many celebrated antique paintings barely reached that price.
John spoke up. “Bid as much as you need. I still have some savings. Coming up with another five million won’t be a problem.”
Though he had yet to return to the Westin family, John’s career had thrived in recent years, and he had earned himself a considerable fortune.
Still, splitting off from his company, building his own studio and team, and hosting concerts had drained a good portion of his wealth. Now, he had just over five million left in liquid savings
Wendy quickly calculated. “If the two of you pool your funds, that’s ten million. It’s more than enough.”
Sharon shook her head. “As much as I want this painting, spending ten million on it is far too excessive. Forget it.”
But John countered, “It’s your own portrait. Letting it fall into someone else’s hands doesn’t sit right. If ten million can secure it, it’s worth it.”
“Let’s see how it goes,” Sharon replied.
While they were speaking, the bidding had already climbed to three million.
At that point, it seemed to hit a threshold. The number of active bidders dropped sharply.
Relief loosened the knot in Sharon’s chest. She believed that within five million, they could probably take it without trouble.
Others might want their work to fetch the highest price possible. She, on the other hand, wished her painting would sell for less.
She glanced at Wendy, who gave a slight nod before raising her paddle. “3.5 million.”
It was an aggressive jump of 500 thousand, enough to crush any lingering competitive spirit in the room.
Sure enough, after her bid, hardly anyone else spoke up.
Wendy leaned toward Sharon with a whisper. “Sharon, this painting is about to return to its rightful owner.”
Sharon allowed herself a small smile. “At this price, it’s already high enough. I doubt anyone will go further.”
For her, painting had always been a way to cultivate the mind and unwind. After marriage, she had stopped altogether, and she knew little about the art market. Never in her life had she imagined her work could fetch such an astronomical figure.
Sering no more movement, the auctioneer began the final call.
“3.5 million. Any further bids? 3.5 million going once… 3.5 million going twice-”
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Suddenly, a low, magnetic male voice cut through the quiet auction hall. “Four million.”
All eyes turned toward the source. Cole had raised the bid.
John’s gaze frosted over instantly. He lifted his paddle. “Five million.”
Cole glanced in his direction, then raised his paddle without hesitation. “Six million.”
“Seven million,” John shot back.
“Eight million,” Cole countered.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
The minimum increment for each bid was ten thousand, yet these two were leaping by a million at a time. While the painting certainly had beauty and potential for appreciation, it was no ancient cultural relic.
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Chapter 603
Such bidding… Were they burning money just for the thrill of it?
Seeing the situation escalate, Sharon leaned in and whispered, “John, stop. I only sold this painting for 20 thousand back then. If they’re willing to pay eight million for it, let them have it.”
“This time,” John replied, eyes fixed on her, “I won’t give up so easily. Sharon, don’t worry about the money. I can borrow from my father.”
“John,” Sharon said firmly, “this painting simply isn’t worth that much.”
The auctioneer began the final call.
“Eight million. Any further bids? Eight million going once-
Xavier, who had been quietly observing, suddenly raised his paddle. “Nine million.”
Sharon and Wendy both started, turning toward him in surprise.
“Xavier,” Sharon said quickly, “there’s no need to waste your money on this. It’s nowhere near worth that price.”
“Who says it’s not worth it?” Xavier’s lips curved into a faint smile. “If you like it, it’s worth it.”
Cole, seeing the bid jump to nine million, began to hesitate.
Yes, he had money, but he wasn’t a fool. The price had already far exceeded the painting’s intrinsic value.
Johanna, unable to comprehend the frenzy, murmured, “Maybe we should just let it go?”
Cole clenched his fists. “No. I can’t let Victoria’s portrait end up in someone else’s hands.”
Johanna turned to him sharply. “That is Victoria’s portrait?”
“Don’t you think the woman’s back in the painting looks just like hers?” Cole asked. 01
Johanna studied the artwork for several seconds. “I didn’t notice before, but now that you say it… It does resemble her. But how did Victoria’s portrait end up here?”
“Who knows? Maybe MK saw Victoria practicing the violin by chance. Or maybe… he’s secretly in love with her.”
Johanna frowned. “Painting Victoria without permission-wouldn’t that violate her portrait rights? Can’t we contact the seller and have it withdrawn from auction?”
“We thought of that when we first saw it,” Cole said. “But the artist is cunning. He clearly anticipated the issue. He uses only the pseudonym ‘MK’ and then disappears. Even the original buyers of his work can’t reach him. And besides, he only painted her back. We tried contacting the auction house, but they refused to acknowledge that the figure is Victoria.”
This was the same painting Cole and Victoria had stumbled upon years ago—a work Victoria had wanted ever since.
Back then, it was nowhere near this price-barely one million.
But they had been students. He lived paycheck to paycheck, with no savings. Victoria, refusing to rely on her family, had no such money herself.
All they could do was watch helplessly as the painting was taken by another bidder.
“I have to admit,” Victoria said now with a smile, “I’ve always really liked it. Don’t be fooled by its simplicity. The simpler the composition, the more it tests an artist’s skill. The painter’s fundamentals are rock solid. I’d say he has at least ten years of experience.
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“I’ve followed MK’s work. His technique improves with every piece. His progress is astonishing. I suspect he went through some advanced training to reach this level.”
With that, Victoria raised her paddle, smiling.
“Ten million.”
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Chapter 604
Ten million?!
The quiet auction hall erupted into murmurs and gasps.
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MK had only risen to fame in recent years. The artist was no legendary, century-defining master. No matter how valuable their work was, could it really be worth ten million?
It was absurd.
Yet before the buzz had settled, Julliard, who had been silent until now, raised his paddle.
“11 million.”
Sitting beside him, Carter, Nate, and Kelly all turned to look at him.
“Julliard, don’t tell me you’ve lost your head,” Nate said in disbelief. “Dropping 11 million on something like this? That’s throwing money away.”
Julliard smiled faintly. “I came here for this painting.”
“But when Sharon’s group was bidding earlier, you didn’t lift your paddle,” Nate muttered.
Across the room, Victoria raised her paddle. “12 million.”
Julliard’s voice followed without pause. “13 million.”
Cole’s expression darkened. “Is Julliard… competing with Victoria on purpose?”
Victoria truly did love the piece, and she could afford 10 million. But beyond that… it felt unjustifiable. After all, even monumental works by renowned ancient masters spanning ten meters rarely fetched more than ten or twenty million.
For this simple painting to reach 10 million was purely because she wanted it.
After a brief hesitation, Victoria decided not to push further.
Then, unexpectedly, Lex, who had remained silent until now, lifted his paddle. “15 million.”
Almost immediately, Xavier joined in. “16 million.”
The hall fell utterly silent. Every gaze watched the scene unfolding like an absurd drama.
Sharon exchanged a glance with Wendy.
“Sharon,” Casey murmured, “your painting is very popular, it seems.”
Wendy smirked. “Looks to me like Victoria saw Sharon wanted it and decided to snatch it on purpose. This is Sharon’s portrait. What’s she bidding for?”
Casey glanced toward Victoria’s side of the room. From her angle, she could see Victoria’s back clearly. Her eyes narrowed slightly. Then she turned to look at Sharon.
Was it her imagination… or did Victoria’s back look strikingly similar to Sharon’s?
While the thought lingered, another voice rang out, “18 million.”
All eyes snapped toward the bidder… or rather, the big spender.
And then, with the realization of who it was, a strange expression spread collectively across the room.
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Lex again.
His composure was unshakable; even under the weight of so many stares, he remained perfectly calm.
Julliard raised his paddle once more. “20 million.”
Nate’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. “Julliard, are you insane? 20 million for this?”
He reached out and touched Julliard’s forehead. “No fever.”
Carter also looked over. “Julliard, is there something special about this painting?”
“Nothing at all,” Julliard replied with a quiet smile. “I just like it.”
Xavier looked ready to bid again, but Sharon stopped him. “Xavier, let it go. If you like it, I’ll paint another for you.”
Wendy chimed in at once. “Exactly! The original artist is right here. We can make as many as you want. No need to play the big spender.”
Xavier’s gaze on Sharon was as deep as a midnight pool. “You’d paint one for me?”
To Sharon, painting another was no difficulty. Besides, Xavier had helped her so much already.
She smiled. “Of course. Tell me the kind of painting you like, and I’ll create one just for you.”
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Chapter 605
Sharon thought for a moment, then added, “Your personal portrait would work too.”
Xavier raised an eyebrow. “You sure about that?”
Wendy grinned. “Sharon’s portraits are incredibly lifelike. John and I have several of them.”
Xavier’s interest was clearly piqued. “Alright then, it’s a deal.”
Sharon smiled back. “Deal.”
With that, Xavier dropped out of the bidding.
Wendy noticed Julliard was still bidding and whispered, “Sharon, should we tell him to stop bidding?”
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The painting had already reached 20 million. It was a harsh reminder of her limited means. To these wealthy tycoons, money
was mere paper.
Sharon replied, “Julliard said he came to the auction for one painting… probably this one. Honestly, if this is truly what he wants, I don’t know how I could talk him down.”
Even if she told Julliard she was the original artist, he might not believe her.
Wendy lowered her voice. “He didn’t bid at all during our rounds. It seemed like he wasn’t interested in buying. But after Cole and the others joined the bidding, that’s when Julliard jumped in. My guess? He’s not bidding for the painting… It’s for you.”
Sharon looked puzzled. “For me?”
Wendy nodded. “Yeah, to have your back. Sharon, don’t you think Julliard actually cares quite a lot about you?”
Sharon shook her head. “He’s definitely helped me a lot, but that’s probably because of Theo. His values are more upright, unlike Nate or Carter, so he’s been a bit protective. Besides, I’m his best friend’s ex-wife. There’s no reason for him to like me.”
Wendy felt frustrated. Sharon’s view was way too simple.
She was about to say more when Sharon interrupted, “Still, I should talk to him. Whether he listens is up to him.”
With that, Sharon drafted a quick message to Julliard. She wasn’t sure if he’d see it.
To her surprise, not only did he see it, he replied swiftly.
Julliard: [Okay, I’ll listen to you. But Lex has been bullying you. I want to give him a little lesson.]
Reading Julliard’s message, Sharon felt a faint flicker of something strange in her chest, but it vanished just as quickly.
She vaguely guessed what kind of lesson Julliard had in mind for Lex and the others.
When the bidding finally hit 30 million, Julliard stopped.
Lex’s face lit with triumph, “I can’t for the life of me understand how Sharon and her friends have the gall to even think of competing against the Malcolm family’s wealth! How could they possibly compare?”
His expression was unreadable as he glanced at Victoria.
“You won first place in your racing competition, but I haven’t congratulated you yet. Consider this painting my gift to you.”
Johanna chuckled. “Lex really goes all out when he wants something, huh? I’ll have to tell my brother not to let Lex outshine
him.”
Victoria opened her mouth to say something, but thought better of it. There was no turning back now. She stayed silent.
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Meanwhile, Lex had already claimed the painting as his own.
Wendy glanced their way and smirked. “Look at how pleased they are… If they knew they’d spent such a fortune on a painting that’s actually Sharon’s work, I wonder how they’d react?”
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Earlier, Wendy and John still felt reluctant to give up on bidding for the painting. Their loyalties lay with Sharon. They could have joined forces to raise 10 million and help her secure the painting.
But spending 30 million on a painting? That would be pure folly, an outright fool’s game.
Letting Lex shell out 30 million to win-that was the real satisfaction.
Just as everyone thought the final hammer was about to fall, a sudden, unexpected voice echoed from a corner of the auction
hall.
“50 million!”
All eyes snapped to the young man holding up the paddle. He looked to be in his twenties, unremarkable in appearance- nothing particularly striking.
The auctioneer stammered, “Sir, are you sure… you didn’t miscall?”
The man smiled. “My master adores this painting. No matter what, I must buy it.”
He glanced toward Lex’s direction. “Mr. Malcolm, will you raise your bid?”
Lex could afford to spend lavishly for Victoria-money was his only true asset. But 30 million was his limit. He wasn’t crazy enough to spend over 50 million on such a painting!
He had no intention of continuing. “If your master loves the painting that much, I won’t stand in his way.”
Whoever could spend such a sum to secure this painting must hail from a family no less powerful than the Malcolms.
Lex asked, “May I ask who your master is?”
The man smiled politely but declined. “Sorry, Mr. Malcolm. My master’s identity isn’t something I can disclose.”
With that, Lex let the matter drop.
At last, Sharon’s Nightfall was sold to this mysterious bidder for 50 million.
Afterwards, several other valuable antique paintings went under the hammer. But everyone’s attention remained fixated on the enigmatic buyer. The prices for the rest were underwhelming.
The auction ended shrouded in a strange, tense atmosphere.
As Sharon and her companions reached the exit, they unexpectedly encountered Lex and his group.
Lex’s face twisted into a half-smile, half-sneer. “Sharon, you play a good game.”
Lex’s scandal had spread like wildfire throughout the venue. Naturally, Sharon had heard plenty.
She knew Lex was pinning all the blame on her.
She didn’t care. She smiled faintly. “Thank you for the compliment.”
Lex fixed her with a look cold as death itself. “Don’t think I won’t touch you just because my grandpa’s protecting you. You will pay for what you did today.” 1
Sharon met his gaze without flinching. “Fine. I’ll be waiting.”
Without another word, Sharon motioned to Wendy and the others and left.
After Sharon walked away, Johanna turned to Victoria. “So, that is your half-sister from your father?”
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Victoria nodded.
Johanna smiled. “She’s quite pretty. Definitely has reason to be proud, though her temper’s a bit rough.”
Cole scoffed. “Her pride doesn’t come from looks. It comes from who’s backing her. You didn’t see how cautious she was when she first returned to the Kalen family. Now that she’s found a protector, she even dares to offend Lex. She’s blatantly abusing my grandpa’s favoritism.” 1
Not long ago, Lex had briefly recounted his conflict with Sharon. Cole was surprised at her boldness.
He couldn’t believe she had dared to confront and humiliate his uncle like that.
Then again, it wasn’t entirely unexpected. After all, not long ago, she’d just slammed a brick against him.
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Uriah had not only chosen not to press charges but even insisted that Cole apologize to Sharon. That alone showed just how much backing Sharon had.
The group climbed into Lex’s car.
Once inside, Lex asked Victoria, “Where are you girls headed?”
Victoria glanced at Johanna. “Johanna, my dad hasn’t seen you in ages. He misses you a lot. Why don’t you come stay with me?”
Johanna didn’t refuse. “Sure.”
The car started moving slowly.
Cole sat in the front passenger seat, recalling the mysterious buyer from earlier. He couldn’t help but ask, “Uncle Lex, do you know who bought that painting?”
Lex shook his head. “No idea.”
Cole sighed. “What a sucker, spending so much money on a painting like that. I bet he’s regretting it already.”
Victoria replied, “If they have deep pockets, this money is just a hobby expense-nothing to them.”
After all, she herself had been willing to bid 10 million for that painting. Even for a wealthy heiress like her, 10 million wasn’ta small sum. It hurt a bit, but she could afford it.
Unfortunately, her savings over the years were limited. She didn’t want to ask her father or brother for money, so she had to
make do.
That painting was one she had thought about constantly over the years.
If given the chance, she truly wanted to meet MK. But MK remained a mystery. Despite her long investigation, she could find no trace of MK anywhere.
Speaking of mysteries, Victoria thought of someone else. She asked, “Cole, any news on X? The racer I asked you to look into?”
“X?” Lex, though retired from professional racing, still followed the sport in his free time. Victoria’s question caught him off guard. “Who are you talking about? I’ve never heard of anyone called that.”
Cole quickly explained, “To be honest, if it weren’t for Lucas asking me, I wouldn’t know either.”
Lex’s brow furrowed. “Lucas? You mean Lucas Hunter, the guy who nearly won the Grand Slam a few years ago, then suddenly
vanished?”
Cole nodded. “That’s him.”
Lex’s expression shifted.
He’d been a professional racer himself. Of course, though a racer, he spent more time managing the company. Racing was more of a pastime for him.
But Lex had been a prodigy since childhood. He had always been number one at anything he did. The only person he had ever lost to in his career was Lucas.
Unlike Lex, Lucas was a true professional racer. He spent far more hours training. And Lex had never forgotten that loss.
Lex asked, “Why is he looking for this person? Was he beaten by him?”
Cole replied, “Actually, yes. He really lost to this mysterious X.”
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Lex’s eyes darkened. “In an official race?”
“No,” Cole shook his head. “Not an official race, but a private PK event between their team and another.
“During the race, a rogue car suddenly crashed in, disrupting the entire event. Both teams had their formations all planned out, but this intruder threw everything off balance.
“They were furious and ready to corner the rogue car. Guess what happened next?”
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Chapter 608
Johanna leaned forward, curiosity piqued. “What happened next?”
Cole’s eyes flickered with excitement and admiration as he recounted the story.
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“X drove straight through both teams without so much as brushing their cars. Can you believe it? Not a single contact! But here’s the most shocking part. Lucas chased after him… and still couldn’t catch up!”
Johanna and Victoria were close friends, and since Victoria was a racer herself, Johanna had some understanding of the sport. She gasped, “Isn’t Lucas the top professional racer? There’s someone he can’t beat?”
Victoria explained, “In an official individual race, Lucas might not lose to X. But team races are different. It’s not about who crosses the finish line first. It’s all about teamwork and points based on rankings. Even Lucas can’t just race ahead on his own;
he has to coordinate with his team.”
A driver without cooperation skills was not fit for team races.
Cole nodded in agreement.
“Victoria’s right. Skill-wise, X isn’t a match for Lucas. After the race was disrupted, Lucas chased after X. Though he was far behind, his driving skills are no joke; he almost caught up to X before X entered the city streets.”
Johanna was hooked by the story. “And then?”
Cole continued, “X may not have had the skill, but his IQ was off the charts. He used the surrounding traffic and terrain to shake
off Lucas.
“As we all know, Lucas had never lost before. He’d always dominated every race. So even though X exploited the terrain, Lucas had to admit he had lost. Lucas was furious and started digging for information on X. Guess what he found out?”
Lex, who had remained silent, finally spoke up. “X is a hidden pro?”
He agreed with the idea that a loss is a loss, no matter the circumstances. True champions never make excuses.
Cole sighed. “Not a pro at all. Turns out, X was just a rookie driver.”
“A rookie?” Lex and Johanna exclaimed in unison.
Cole nodded. “The car he drove was rented. And the rental record listed only an ‘X’-no other info.”
Johanna asked, “No one ever saw what X looked like?”
Cole shook his head.
“Racing in Marcentine is popular. Many people rent cars for racing. Seven or eight years ago, there wasn’t nearly as much surveillance as today. And everyone wears helmets, so no one can see their faces clearly.
“But from dashcam videos floating around, X’s drifting when shaking them off was absolutely mind-blowing!
“The main reason Lucas wanted to find X was because he saw huge potential and wanted to recruit X for his team as a partner. Sadly, X never showed up again. He didn’t enter any races either, and seemed to vanish into thin air,”
Victoria added, “X might not have professional skills yet, but his amateur level must be pretty high. I’d love to race against him
sometime.”
Lex’s eyes darkened. “Cole, send me all the info you have on X. I’ll have someone track him down.”
Lex had a fierce competitive streak. Hearing that even Lucas regarded X as worthy of attention stirred a desire in him to meet this mysterious racer.
Chapter 608
Just as Sharon stepped up to her car after leaving the auction, her phone buzzed with a call from Carter.
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Chapter 609
“Sharon, wait a moment,” Carter said.
Sharon frowned. “What is it?”
Carter asked, “Are you free later? Want to go pick up Theo together?”
Sharon shot back, “Can’t you go yourself?”
Carter fell silent for a moment. “Your dad has taken Theo away for several days now. Every time I go to pick him up, your dad
tells me to wait a little longer.”
Sharon’s tone sharpened with sarcasm. “Carter, be honest, how many times have you lost Theo? Do you even know how to take care of a child?”
Carter replied calmly, “You misunderstand. It wasn’t me who lost him this time. Mr. Kalen went to my mom’s place, and with my mother’s consent, took Theo to his home to stay there for a few days.”
Madeline had always wanted to climb higher by aligning with the Kalen family. Now that she knew Richard was Theo’s maternal grandfather, she’d be willing to send Theo to Richard for a few days-or even sell him to the Kalen family without hesitation.
Sharon knew exactly what kind of person Madeline was and understood Richard’s character even better. If Richard wanted Theo to live with them, he certainly wouldn’t let him leave easily.
It was no surprise Carter couldn’t get Theo back.
“I understand,” Sharon said.
“Are you coming to find me?” Carter asked.
Sharon hesitated to get into Carter’s car. She suspected Nate or Kelly-two people she disliked-might be inside. After all, Kelly and the Kalen family lived in the same neighborhood; it would be a natural route.
“I’d rather you come pick me up,” Sharon said. If Kelly or Nate came along, she could just refuse to get in.
Carter was silent for a moment, then agreed, “Alright.”
After hanging up, Sharon turned to Wendy and Thomas. “I need to go pick up Theo first, so I won’t be driving you back.”
She looked at John. “John, could you help me send them home, please?”
“Sure,” he replied.
Sharon said her goodbyes one by one.
Before leaving, Xavier looked at Sharon and said, “Sharon, I’ll be waiting for that painting you promised.”
Sharon smiled and nodded.
Not long after everyone left, Carter arrived-alone. Kelly hadn’t come along.
Sharon asked, “Why didn’t Kelly come along?”
Carter replied flatly, “I figured you wouldn’t want to see her.”
Sharon shot him a look. “Looks like you’re not entirely without sense after all.”
In the past, Carter had knowingly brought Kelly in front of her, despite knowing how much she hated Kelly. Frankly, it was just disregard for her feelings.
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The thought passed quickly through Sharon’s mind.
“Get in.”
Carter took the passenger seat.
Once the car started moving, his gaze swept over the interior. “You got a new car?”
Sharon gave a faint “Mhm,” showing no intention to elaborate.
Carter, usually taciturn, surprisingly started a conversation. “Is this car modified?”
Sharon was a bit taken aback. “How do you know?”
“The engine sounds different,” Carter said.
After Sharon’s car was repaired last time, Wendy and John personally upgraded it for her.
They knew about her past racing practice. Wendy loved how spirited and elegant Sharon looked behind the wheel. She wanted Sharon to rediscover her old passion.
Sharon’s main focus had always been quiet, artistic pursuits. She hadn’t raced in years, so her skills naturally weren’t what they used to be. But occasionally taking Wendy out for a spin to relax wasn’t out of the question.
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Chapter 610
Sharon glanced at Carter, surprised. “You know about engines?”
Carter replied, “I used to race for a few years when I was younger.”
Racing was forever a man’s greatest passion-no exceptions.
From what Sharon knew, all three of her older brothers raced. She had even seen Richard’s trophies and photos from his youth in his study, proof of his victories on the track.
The Kalen family’s estate was filled with cars in Richard’s garage, like an extravagant auto show-excessive to the point of absurdity.
Rick, Silas, and Scott also had garages that resembled museums with their numerous vehicles.
Compared to them, Victoria’s collection was smaller but outfitted with only the finest.
It seemed racing ran in the Kalen bloodline, a gene inherited from Richard himself.
Sharon had once thought she disliked it, but after some training, she had to admit how powerful genetics were.
Still, between violin and racing, her heart belonged to the violin most of all.
Hearing Carter’s answer, Sharon didn’t press further.
But Carter was being unusually talkative. “You know about cars too?”
His “knowing cars” clearly meant racing.
“Just a little,” Sharon said.
Carter recalled the rainy day when her car stalled and she inspected the engine. At first, he thought she was just casually looking and probably didn’t understand much.
Now it seemed she was far more skilled than he had imagined.
He glanced at Sharon.
Qutside, streetlights cast dappled shadows. Her delicate profile, shrouded in dim light, felt unfamiliar-like a stranger sitting
beside him.
She spoke multiple foreign languages, played the violin, raced cars…
What other talents of hers didn’t he know about?
Unaccountably, Carter felt a fresh wave of curiosity and surprise toward her, as if he had just uncovered a hidden treasure.
He asked again, “Why have you never told me any of this?”
Sharon’s hand resting on the steering wheel paused slightly.
After a moment, she said, “Did you ever ask?”
Carter thought of their five-year marriage-he had been so busy with work that they hardly communicated.
His voice was hoarse. “Then why didn’t you bring it up yourself?”
Sharon almost laughed.
“You never cared much, even about Theo. Would you really want to listen to anything else?”
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She had spoken more with his assistant Simon on the phone than with Carter himself.
Carter was silent for a few seconds. “I’m sorry.”
But his apology stirred no ripple or wave within Sharon.
They hadn’t been divorced long, yet it felt like a lifetime apart.
The anguish, the restless nights-those seemed far away from her current life. She could hardly recall the pain she once felt.
Sharon wasn’t sure if that was healing or simply forgetting the hurt.
But she was a woman who held grudges.
Suddenly, she said, “Doesn’t Kelly race?”
Sharon rarely stirred up trouble, but in that moment, spite welled up inside her.
She couldn’t let Carter and Kelly have it so easy.
Carter said, “Kelly isn’t well. She rarely does intense exercise.”
Sharon raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Was she already unwell when you two were dating back then?”
“Yeah, she was often sick then.”
A bitter smile crossed Sharon’s face.
That was probably just another excuse to stay close to Carter.
Kelly’s tactics never failed.
In the past, Sharon wouldn’t have wanted to hear anything related to Kelly. But now that she’d lost feelings for Carter, she didn’t mind him mentioning Kelly at all.
She wanted to know as much as possible about her enemy to deliver an ultimate crushing blow.
Sharon asked, “I heard Kelly mention several times that you both first met while she was practicing the violin in the backyard?”
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Chapter 611
Carter glanced at Sharon but answered nonetheless. “That’s right.”
Sharon asked with a meaningful tone, “Are you sure you didn’t mistake her for someone else? If you did, all these years of your devotion would have been misplaced.”
Carter wasn’t blind to the implication behind her words, but instead of getting angry, he said, “I didn’t mistake her. We met back then and even talked for a while.”
Though Sharon’s attempt to sow discord failed, she didn’t feel disappointed.
“True. Even if Kelly isn’t the one you were looking for, the fact that you were with her and have thought about her for so long means there must be something about her that draws you.”
Carter fell silent, clearly reluctant to continue. He quickly changed the subject.
“How good are you at racing?”
“Just average. I’m basically a rookie,” Sharon replied.
Carter’s curiosity was piqued. “A rookie?”
“I only learned for about a year. Doesn’t that make me a rookie?”
“Have you ever competed?”
“Nope.”
“Hmm…”
Their conversation ended there.
Sharon drove steadily toward the Kalen family’s villa. She didn’t speed-this was the city, after all, and traffic laws had to be respected.
Besides, she suspected her driving had declined; otherwise, how could she have hit Thomas?
Lost in thought, Sharon noticed a car ahead suddenly swerving wildly from side to side.
It was late, and there weren’t many cars on the road. The situation up front was as clear as day.
She saw the car’s brake lights flashing, but it didn’t slow down.
Realization dawned. “Could the brakes be failing?”
Sharon glanced at the license plate-it looked familiar.
Carter noticed it too. “Looks like a brake failure.”
He scanned the plate and immediately recognized it. “That’s Lex’s car.”
Hearing Lex’s name made Sharon feel a surge of disgust.
“How do you know?” she asked.
“I saw his car when we arrived at the auction.”
Watching the car’s brake lights flicker repeatedly, Sharon sneered, “Didn’t expect Lex to get his comeuppance so soon.”
Carter looked at her. “Why say that?”
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Sharon smirked, “Isn’t there a rumor that he’s a pervert? Maybe this is karma catching up with him.”
She didn’t bother hiding her schadenfreude.
Carter smiled at her reaction, unexpectedly amused.
Sharon frowned. “What are you smiling at?”
His voice dropped low and husky. “It’s amusing.”
“Amusing how?”
“The way you just looked-very entertaining.”
Sharon rolled her eyes for a moment before shooting back, “Weirdo.”
Carter’s next words felt like they were meant for her, or maybe himself, “If only you’d been like this back then.”
Sharon ignored him.
Lex’s brake trouble was bound to cause an accident sooner or later.
She weighed her options: overtake quickly, or slow down and keep her distance.
In an instant, she made her choice.
She slammed her foot on the accelerator.
Meanwhile, Lex finally realized something was wrong with his car. His face drained of color.
“This isn’t good. My brakes have failed.”
Everyone else in the car stared at him in shock.
Cole asked, “Uncle Lex, what’s wrong?”
“The brakes seem to be out.”
Their faces turned grim.
“How? How can the brakes fail?”
“Was it by accident or sabotage?”
Just then, a car sped past from behind.
Cole caught sight of a familiar face, and a shocking thought struck him. His eyes widened.
“Do you guys think… Sharon did this?!”
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Chapter 612
Victoria asked, “What does this have to do with Sharon?”
Cole gritted his teeth. “Uncle Lex just arrived in Amstern City today. He doesn’t have many enemies, and his car is always regularly maintained. The only person who had a conflict with him today was Sharon. Besides her, I can’t think of anyone else who would do this. And…”
He paused, a ruthless gleam flashing in his eyes.
“She’s always hated you and wished she could get rid of you for good. Tampering with Uncle Lex’s car would be killing two birds
with one stone.”
Victoria’s brows furrowed sharply. “Cole, you need evidence before you say things like that. Don’t speak recklessly.”
Cole sneered. “Victoria, think about it carefully. If you were gone, Sharon would be the only heiress left in the Kalen family. She’d naturally take over everything you have. But as long as you’re here, no matter how much she tries, she won’t get a single thing from you.
“You grew up in luxury in the Kalen family, pampered and protected. Sharon, on the other hand, grew up in the countryside, suffering hardship after hardship. Returning to the Kalen household and seeing everything you have-how could she not be jealous? 2
“Maybe in the past she didn’t have the means to touch you, but now… it’s easy for her to do this. Victoria, don’t be naive.”
Before Victoria could reply, the car jolted violently.
Johanna said, “This isn’t the time to argue. Let’s think about what to do now.”
Lex’s gaze turned sharp and cold. With everyone’s lives in his hands, he had to be cautious. “We have no choice but to stop the car by crashing it, since the brakes have failed.”
Although the road wasn’t crowded, he still needed to avoid other vehicles, and the car was unstable.
Cole worried, “Uncle Lex, your car is modified with some safety measures, but Victoria and Johanna may not withstand such a heavy impact. They could get hurt.”
Lex replied, “Better to be hurt than to lose our lives.”
For ordinary people, brake failure like this could mean death. But Lex was a former racer and confident he could protect everyone’s lives, though injuries were unavoidable.
He then turned to Victoria and Johanna. “What do you think?”
True to her upbringing, Victoria quickly regained her composure. “I trust you, Lex.”
Johanna agreed, “Same here.”
Lex nodded. “Don’t worry, I won’t let anything happen to you.’
His eyes flicked coldly toward the speeding car ahead. He slammed on the accelerator and closed the distance.
Cole was also a racer at heart. He immediately guessed Lex’s plan.
A cold smirk curled at Cole’s lips. “If we have to crash, Sharon’s car is the perfect target. Serves her right. She deserves it for biting off more than she can chew.”
In Cole’s mind, Sharon was already as good as dead.
After all, Lex’s driving skills, while slightly inferior to Lucas’s, far surpassed hers. Sharon was just a spoiled wife relying on
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marriage to leap social classes. She was no match for Lex on the road. Skill-wise, she was only good enough to be crushed beneath his tires.
Sharon accelerated to overtake, not wanting Lex’s car to malfunction and drag her into trouble.
She wasn’t saintly enough to risk herself to save him.
But shortly after overtaking, she felt a sudden jolt at the rear of her car.
Her speed was already high, and before she could slow down, the impact caused her car to lose control and skid in a wide arc across the road.
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Sharon reacted swiftly, immediately stabilizing the car to avoid crashing into the flowerbed by the roadside.
She glanced in the rearview mirror and saw Lex’s car once again careening toward her like a maniac.
Her eyes narrowed, and her expression instantly turned cold.
Was Lex trying to use her car to force his own vehicle to stop because his brakes had failed?
Sharon had heard from Cole that Lex was an exceptional driver-a former professional racer. Even if his brakes failed, with his skill, he would surely have a way to stop his car safely.
But instead, he chose this reckless, destructive tactic to drag her down with him. This was deliberate murder!
Sharon gripped the steering wheel tightly, anger flaring in her eyes.
It had been a long time since she’d felt this furious.
Lex’s ruthlessness far exceeded anything she had imagined.
She slammed down on the accelerator. Her car shot forward like an arrow released from a bow.
The car behind nearly rammed her just moments before she pulled away.
Fortunately, Sharon’s car had been specially modified and wasn’t easily overwhelmed. Otherwise, another hit like that would have meant total loss of control.
Carter noticed the situation behind them and frowned.
“What is Lex doing?”
Sharon’s face remained impassive. “Can’t you tell? He’s trying to kill me.”
Carter’s brow furrowed. “You have no grudges. Why would he want to kill you?”
1
Sharon’s expression turned icy. “You think I’m lying?”
Carter’s voice dropped slightly. “That’s not what I meant…”
Sharon cut him off impatiently. “Doesn’t matter. You’ll believe whoever you want, just not me.”
Carter opened his mouth to reply, but the car jolted again.
Lex’s car slammed into them from behind.
This time, Sharon quickly widened the gap after the impact.
But the car behind clung like a leech. Whenever she pulled ahead even a little, it swiftly caught up.
Carter, experienced with cars, immediately recognized Lex as a pro driver and no ordinary opponent.
He glanced at Sharon’s delicate, fair profile. Her focused, taut expression held no panic or fear, only steely resolve. There was a breathtaking beauty in that moment.
His heart skipped a beat. 1
Lex’s car nearly grazed hers several times, but Sharon calmly averted disaster each time.
Her driving skill… wasn’t bad at all.
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Yet her car’s performance simply couldn’t match Lex’s.
It was only a matter of time before she got caught.
Cole had assumed dealing with Sharon would take only minutes. But he hadn’t expected Lex to nearly hit her car several times- and for her to narrowly dodge each attempt.
Sharon was no amateur driver who could evade such maneuvers!
Lex narrowed his eyes. “Sharon is… something else. She’s no novice.”
Cole found it unbelievable. “Where did she learn such impressive driving skills?” 2
His voice faltered, recalling the time he had goaded her into learning to drive, just to humiliate her.
“Could it be?” he muttered. “She learnt how to drive back then?”
Cole had already investigated Sharon’s life over the past five years.
She’d been a full-time housewife, tending to her husband and child at home, with little contact with cars.
The only time she might have been exposed to driving was during the brief period when he took her to learn.
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Chapter 614
Back then, Sharon was just a novice behind the wheel. Her driving was so terrible it was painful to watch.
Cole had only accompanied her a few times before losing interest and refusing to go along anymore.
Instead, he urged his friends to push Sharon to the limit. From them, he heard only that she had been trounced.
That was the story he’d always been told, to the point that when it came time to execute the plan, he had all but forgotten about
Only when he saw Sharon repeatedly shake off Lex’s car did that distant past suddenly come rushing back.
Cole’s breath tightened slightly.
If she had learned to drive for only that short time and already had such skill, it could only mean one thing: she was extraordinarily talented.
Cole said, “Uncle Lex, her car isn’t as powerful as yours. We’ll catch her sooner or later!”
Lex’s expression darkened, grim and sour.
Relying on car performance alone to catch Sharon was an insult to him.
Yet, at that moment, his competitive spirit flared again. He refused to lose to a woman he had never once taken seriously.
He slammed the accelerator to the floor. (1
Then, Cole suddenly shouted.
“Damn, what’s she trying to do?”
Up ahead, Sharon slammed on the brakes and spun her car a full 180 degrees.
Tires screeched, smoke billowed, sparks flew.
Lex sneered, catching on to her plan.
“Trying to escape? Don’t be delusional.”
Cole sighed, “Sharon’s in over her head, thinking she’s hot stuff because she’s got some driving skills. Trying to show off in front of a pro racer like Uncle Lex? She’s asking to die.”
If Sharon had surrendered quietly, she might have gotten away with minor injuries. But daring to taunt Lex like this? She was courting death-or worse. Even with failed brakes, Lex’s skills could have turned the car around.
Just as everyone thought Sharon was about to flee, the shrill sound of drifting tires cut through the air. Her car spun around again, this time sliding behind Lex’s vehicle.
Before they could even process what she intended, their car suddenly jolted from a hit from behind.
Cole lost his composure. “Is she crazy?!”
Carter was equally stunned by Sharon’s move.
“Sharon, what are you doing?”
At first, he thought she was trying to run.
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But instead, she rammed into Lex’s car from behind on purpose.
“Revenge,” Sharon said coldly. “How many times has he hit me already?”
Carter’s voice dropped. “Sharon, his brakes are failing. What you’re doing could kill him.”
Sharon sneered, “Didn’t his actions almost kill me just now?”
Carter realized she misunderstood and said, “Lex is the future head of the Malcolm family. He’s Uriah’s legitimate son. If you kill him, the Malcolm family won’t let you go. Even the Kalen family won’t protect you.” (1
Sharon dismissed his warnings.
“Don’t worry. I’m not stupid enough to commit murder on the street.”
A cold smile curved her lips.
“I’m just helping him park.”
With that, she rammed into the rear of his car again, pressing firmly.
Of course, she intended to settle her score before parking them properly.
At the hospital, Rick wore a stern expression as he rushed in upon hearing the news.
“How did Victoria get into a car accident? What exactly happened?”
Meanwhile, Victoria sat quietly in the treatment room, receiving care.
Her hair was disheveled, and her forehead and cheeks bore scrapes and blood.
On anyone else, such injuries would appear pitiful and wretched. But on Victoria, the marks didn’t diminish her. They added a touch of raw, fierce beauty. 1
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Chapter 615
Victoria blinked in surprise as Rick burst into the treatment room.
“Rick, what are you doing here?” she asked.
Then, catching herself, she turned toward Cole. “Cole, did you tell him?”
Neither Johanna nor Lex were the type to gossip–they wouldn’t have informed Rick. That left only Cole, who had always harbored a bias against Sharon.
Cole averted his gaze. “Victoria, this is such a serious matter. Are you still trying to keep it hidden? Besides, your hand’s injured
too.”
At Cole’s words, Rick’s expression finally changed. His eyes landed on Victoria’s left hand, wrapped in white bandages.” Victoria, what happened?”
Victoria remained calm. “My little finger’s got a slight fracture, but it’s nothing serious.”
Rick knew Victoria was the type to report only good news and hide all troubles. He glanced at Cole for confirmation.
Cole nodded subtly. “Rick, if this had been a normal accident, it wouldn’t be worth mentioning. But this was no accident. It was
deliberate.”
He fixed Rick with a sharp gaze. “My uncle’s car was tampered with. His brakes failed.”
Rick furrowed his brow. “How could that happen? Did Lex offend someone?”
Cole gave a strange smile. “Uncle Lex rarely comes to Amstern City. Safe to say he has no enemies here. Besides, he only just landed today and went straight to the auction with us. If anyone held a grudge, the only person he clashed with today was…”
Before Cole could finish, Victoria snapped sharply, “Cole, if you say another word without proof, don’t blame me for cutting ties with you!”
Cole paused, then shrugged with a helpless expression. “Fine, I won’t say anymore.”
Rick looked at Victoria. “If you won’t tell me, I won’t force you, but I’ll have someone investigate regardless.”
He paused, then added, “This might even reach Dad’s ears.”
He hadn’t told Richard yet. Richard was getting old and frail, and one reason Victoria had kept this secret was to avoid worrying
him.
Victoria said simply, “Lex’s car was tampered with. The brakes failed, and that caused the accident. That’s all.”
She shot Cole a warning glance. “Cole, don’t spread rumors without proof. You’ll only be falsely accusing someone.”
Cole shrugged. “Alright, I won’t speak recklessly. But Rick is your family. Surely he deserves to understand the full story. We’ve reported this to the police; they’ll investigate, and sooner or later, Rick will know everything.”
Victoria frowned, “You reported it?”
Cole replied, “Victoria, you weren’t the only one in the car. Johanna was there too. Uncle Lex’s car was sabotaged; someone clearly intended to commit murder. Shouldn’t we report that?”
Victoria said, “It’s not too late to call the police after we’ve clarified the facts.”
“Fine, as you say.” Cole looked to Rick. “Rick, you should go check the medical room next door. That’ll clear things up.”
Rick shot Cole a cold glance and left the room.
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At the door to the next room, he didn’t knock. He pushed the door open and stepped inside.
He saw Sharon tending to the wounds on her wrist.
Seeing her and recalling Cole’s vague insinuations, Rick’s gaze instantly hardened.
Chapter 616
Rick spoke coldly, “Sharon, did you hit Victoria?”
Sharon frowned briefly at the sight of him but quickly masked it with indifferent composure.
“No,” she said.
It wasn’t Victoria she had struck. It was Lex.
However, at the time, she didn’t know Victoria was also in the car. If she had known… well, she lived by the rule: people don’t offend me, and I don’t offend them.
A cold frost seemed to settle over Rick’s handsome face.
“I’ve already sent people to investigate. Sharon, lying about this won’t help you. Lex’s side has reported it to the police as well. If you confess now, I might still find a way to help you.”
Sharon let out a cool, detached smile.
“If you’re so certain it was me, why bother investigating? Doesn’t that seem pointless?”
Carter watched the exchange with a strange sense of familiarity.
A flicker of displeasure crossed Rick’s eyes.
“Sharon, do you understand the consequences of injuring Victoria? She’s not someone you can mess with lightly. If anything happens to her, even for Mom’s sake, I won’t be able to protect you.” 1
Sharon scoffed, “Spare me the lofty words. It doesn’t matter what I’d done; you guys were never there to protect me. When Cole framed me, did you ever get to the bottom of that?”
Rick’s gaze darkened. “I’ve investigated that case many times with Dad. Back then, you were very close to Cole. If you claim he
framed you, Sharon, you should know accusations require proof.”
A faint sneer played at the corners of Sharon’s eyes. “So then, without any proof, why are you accusing me now? Your presence here proves that, deep down, you believe I’m guilty.”
Rick’s expression faltered briefly.
At that moment, Carter, who had been silent, finally spoke up. “Rick, this has nothing to do with Sharon.”
Only then did Rick realize Carter was here as well.
Carter said, “Lex’s brakes failed and he crashed into our car.”
Rick glanced first at Carter, then at Sharon. “I’ll get to the bottom of this.”
Without casting so much as a single glance at Sharon’s swollen wrist, he left the ward.
Watching Rick’s retreating figure, Carter frowned. “Has he always treated you like this?”
Sharon shrugged calmly. “Why do you ask?”
Carter said, “No wonder you never speak about your family.”
Sharon’s expression remained steady. “Victoria has lived with them for so long and was raised to be exceptional. It’s only natural he subconsciously favors Victoria.”
She shot Carter a glance. “I thought you’d resonate with him. After all, you’re not so different. The only difference is that he leans toward Victoria, and you lean toward Kelly.”
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Only now did Carter understand why this scene felt so familiar. He, too, had once believed the one-sided tales of Nate and Kelly, then blamed Sharon for everything. 1
After leaving Sharon’s ward, Rick went to find Lex.
Lex’s injuries were the most severe among them all. Though “severe” was relative, he had only suffered some scrapes from shattered glass on his face, which looked worse than they were.
Seeing Rick approach, Lex showed no surprise and instead asked, “How’s Victoria?”
Rick replied, “Her pinky’s fractured, but otherwise she’s fine.”
Lex’s eyes shifted subtly. “A fracture? Will it affect her career?”
Rick said, “I asked the doctor. They said it won’t, but she needs to rest for a while.”
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Lex’s thin lips pressed into a hard line. A chilling, murderous gleam flickered in his eyes.
Rick furrowed his brow. “Lex, what exactly happened with the accident?”
Lex’s voice was cold and sharp. “Not sure. But someone definitely tampered with my car.”
Rick asked, “Is Sharon involved?”
A cold smile curled at Lex’s lips. “The car brakes failed right when Sharon was there. What are the odds? Besides… sure, my brakes failed, but it was Sharon’s collision that caused the accident. If she hadn’t hit us, Victoria wouldn’t be hurt.”
Rick had already sent people to investigate, but no results were in yet. He still didn’t know what really happened.
As they spoke, Cole arrived holding a video from the dashcam.
“Rick, here’s the footage from the scene,” he said.
Rick’s face darkened as he took the phone.
In the medical room, the doctor returned with the X-rays.
Smiling, she told Sharon, “Sharon, your bones are fine. Your wrist isn’t damaged. Just keep applying the medication on time, and once the swelling goes down, you’ll be okay.”
She hesitated, then added, “But try not to get it wet today. There are some small cuts on your wrist. We don’t want an infection.”
“Thank you, Dr. McGarrett,” Sharon said.
Dr. Cynthia McGarrett sighed softly, looking at her. “Sharon, you’re still young, but you can’t keep abusing your body like this. This past year alone, you’ve been hospitalized for fever and drowning, kidnapped and hospitalized again, and now a car
accident…”
Then she turned to Carter with a sharp look.
“How do you take care of your wife? When she was sick in the hospital, you never came. When kidnappers brought her in for checks, you weren’t there either. Work isn’t more important than your wife. Don’t let this happen again.”
Carter’s eyes flickered. “Wait… you said she was hospitalized because of a fever and kidnapping?”
Dr. McGarrett glanced at him. “Yes. A few months ago. I treated her myself. You don’t know about this?”
Carter looked incredulous. “Doctor, are you sure… she really was kidnapped?”
The doctor gave him a strange look.
“Sir, that’s an odd question. As a doctor, I’m responsible for my patients. I wouldn’t lie. Her kidnapping made the news. Our hospital was notified early and assigned to treat her. Just ask around, you’ll find out.”
Carter was stunned. His eyes on Sharon held a complicated mix of guilt and sorrow.
“Sharon, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were really kidnapped. I thought… I thought it was a way you used to get me to come back…
11
His voice was hoarse, trailing off.
But Sharon no longer cared. She smiled at Dr. McGarrett. “Thank you for your concern. I’ll take care of myself.”
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Dr. McGarrett said no more and left after reminding Sharon of some precautions.
After the doctor left, Carter looked at Sharon.
“You.”
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Chapter 618
Carter wanted to ask why Sharon hadn’t told him. But the words caught in his throat, and he couldn’t bring himself to speak.
Sharon saw what he was about to say and smiled softly.
“What? Cat got your tongue, huh? I told you everything, but you just didn’t care. When I was kidnapped and at my lowest, I called you. What did you say then?”
She looked into Carter’s eyes, speaking each word carefully.
“You said, ‘Sharon, I hate women who cry, make a scene, or threaten suicide. Kelly is in surgery. Don’t cause trouble.’
“Then you and Nate saw me at the hospital. Nate said I followed you there, called me a drama queen. And you, without even trying to find out the truth, warned me not to use tricks like that.”
Sharon paused, then added, “As for the time I had a fever, you were out with Kelly and Theo. After you dropped Theo off at Madeline’s, you didn’t come home. You went on a business trip. It was only the next day that Marie noticed I hadn’t come downstairs and rushed me to the hospital.”
She shook her head, looking at Carter.
“How stupid I was to call you for help.”
If it happened now, she’d call 911 immediately.
Looking back, she realized she had called Carter, hoping for his pity and care. How silly.
Carter muttered regretfully, “I’m sorry.”
Sharon’s voice was cold and flat.
“We’re divorced. You don’t have to apologize anymore.”
His apology was meaningless compared to the pain she’d endured.
Sharon knew the conflict with Lex wouldn’t be solved easily.
Forget about why Lex’s brakes failed; just seeing Victoria injured, and Rick’s expression like the sky was falling-there was no quick fix for that.
Lex and Cole were no easy opponents, and then there was Rick…
She was one against three.
Glancing at the clock, it was past eleven.
Though it was late, she decided to call for backup.
Just as she reached for her phone to call Wendy, a soft knock came at the door.
Sharon thought it was Rick returning.
But when she opened it, she paused slightly.
“Xavier, what are you doing here?”
Xavier stood in the doorway, a lazy smile playing on his thin lips.
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“My assistant saw you at the hospital, so I came to check on you.”
He glanced inside the room.
“Aren’t you going to invite me in?”
Sharon quickly stepped aside.
“Please, come in.”
She was alone in the room now.
Carter had left not long ago, and Sharon didn’t bother asking where.
Maybe he went to see Victoria, or Kelly had called him away, or maybe he had something else to do.
She didn’t care.
Xavier’s eyes landed on her swollen, reddened wrist. His expression turned serious.
“Sharon, what happened? How did you hurt your hand?”
Sharon didn’t hide anything. She explained everything from the beginning.
After listening, Xavier said, “This is suspicious. I’ll have someone look into it right away.”
Sharon didn’t refuse. “Thank you.”
After giving instructions over the phone, Xavier said, “Sharon, this is complicated. We probably won’t get answers anytime soon. But I’ve already contacted the lawyer to come over.”
He hesitated before adding, “Let’s put the brake issue aside for now. You have a history with Lex and Cole, and your crashing into Lex’s car might give them plenty of ammunition to use against you.’
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Chapter 619
“And the car wasn’t just carrying Lex and Cole; Johanna and Victoria were there too.”
Xavier analyzed the situation. “Given the Kalen family’s obvious favoritism toward Victoria, and their misunderstanding of you, it’ll be hard for you to clear your name. There’s one more thing…”
His eyes darkened as he looked at Sharon.
“Although Lex hit you first, he can claim it was the car losing control. But when you broke free, you could have driven away… yet you chose to crash into them. They’ll use that against you. Sharon, you need to steel yourself. Lex is… a tough one to deal with.”
The Malcolm empire was vast, powerful, with many children. For Lex to become the next head of the family, he had to have some real skill. Even Xavier probably wouldn’t gain the upper hand with him.
Sharon smiled faintly. “I know. But don’t worry. I already have a plan to handle Lex.”
Xavier was about to ask what she had in mind when the hospital room door knocked again.
Carter came in, carrying some late-night snacks.
The moment he saw Xavier, his face darkened.
“Xavier, what are you doing here?”
Xavier knew Sharon was in the hospital, so of course, he knew Carter was here too. (1
He gave a lazy smile. “I came to see Sharon. I have something to give her.”
He pulled out his phone.
“Sharon, remember when Kelly pushed you into the water and your phone’s recording mysteriously disappeared?”
Sharon’s eyes flickered. “The recording was recovered?”
Xavier chuckled. “Not only that, there’s something else.”
“What else?”
He handed the phone to Carter. “Mr. Biggs, why don’t you take a look first?”
Carter’s gaze was heavy with disdain for Xavier.
But Xavier didn’t mind; his lips curved in a casual smirk.
In the end, Carter took the phone.
It was surveillance footage, taken from above the bridge where Sharon had fallen into the water.
Though the angle was overhead, the video was clear. Faces were visible in sharp detail, and even the surrounding sounds were recorded clearly.
Kelly had been bold enough to taunt Sharon, knowing there were no cameras nearby. Her words were harsh and disrespectful.
This video captured the scene exactly as it happened.
“Even’in the event of the car accident, Carter chose to believe me. And when he found out the truth, he still didn’t blame me. He never held me accountable.
“You’re no different from that pianist earlier. If I want to replace you, Carter will drop you without a second thought.
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“Oh, and I’ve already moved into your new studio.
“You see? Anything I want… Carter will find a way to give it to me… even… your guest performers.”
Kelly’s smug expression filled the screen.
Carter’s lips pressed tight; a cold light flickered in his eyes.
Then Kelly grabbed Sharon’s wrist, her smile twisted and strange. Her eyes gleamed with provocation and arrogance.
“Do you believe me, Sharon? No matter what I do… Carter won’t blame me. Even… if I made sure… you died.”
The video ended there.
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Chapter 620
Carter seemed taken aback by the truth. He stood there, stunned for a moment, then shifted his gaze to Sharon, a look of helplessness flickering across his face.
Sharon met his eyes and smiled faintly. “You don’t actually think this footage is fabricated, do you? That I deliberately staged it to frame Kelly?”
Carter was silent for several seconds before finally admitting, “I’m sorry. I misunderstood you about that incident.”
But Sharon ignored him and turned to Xavier instead.
“Xavier, would Kelly’s actions count as attempted murder? If we report this to the police, what kind of punishment would she
face?”
Xavier smiled slightly. “At least three years in prison.”
Sharon’s brow furrowed. “But Kelly is one of those ‘lucky’ types, isn’t she? Not only terminally ill but also diagnosed with depression. I doubt a prison cell would hold her.”
Xavier offered a suggestion. “A patient with unstable emotions and aggressive tendencies like that poses a risk to society. It might be better to confine her in a psychiatric hospital.”
He glanced at Carter. “Carter, what do you think?”
Carter looked at Sharon, his eyes heavy with regret. “I’ll give you an answer about Kelly. How do you want to handle this?”
Hearing this, Sharon understood that although this incident had damaged Kelly’s image in his eyes, he hadn’t completely given up on her. He still wanted to smooth things over on her behalf. 1
Sharon smiled at him and asked, “May I ask if you’re still trying to steal my guest performers?” 1
Carter thought awhile before replying, “No one will take your guest performers.”
Sharon caught his meaning-he was no longer going to move in Kelly’s favor. 1
She was about to say more when Carter’s phone rang. He signaled and answered.
The call wasn’t long; he soon hung up and told Sharon, “My lawyer has arrived.”
From the moment Sharon decided to crash into Lex’s car, she knew things were going to get complicated.
If Lex were someone easily dealt with, he wouldn’t have been able to fight his way to become head of the powerful Malcolm family, where the competition was fierce.
Moreover, she’d heard rumors that Lex was ruthless and meticulous. Crossing him had serious consequences.
Sharon frowned, about to refuse help.
But Carter seemed to anticipate her hesitation. “Don’t rush to refuse. Without a lawyer here today, you’d be taken away already.”
His gaze briefly flickered toward Xavier.
“Waiting for his people to arrive? That ship has sailed.”
Carter looked at Sharon seriously. “Once you’re taken in for questioning, Lex could intervene and have you taken away by his people. Sharon, he’s not as simple as you think. If you get taken today, escaping won’t be easy.”
Sharon’s brow twitched.
Cole might not have the power, but Lex certainly did.
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She didn’t doubt Carter’s words.
Just then, the door knocked again.
Carter’s lawyer entered, followed by several uniformed police officers.
The officers approached Sharon, showed their badges, and said, “Sharon McKinzie, we received a report accusing you of attempted murder. Please come with us for questioning.”
Carter’s lawyer, apparently warned in advance, smiled and said, “Officers, I am Sharon’s legal representative. I am handling this matter on her behalf.”
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