Chapter 3

The entire room erupted in surprise.

“Sir, are you saying...” the auctioneer’s voice trembled.

The man spoke casually, “I am Ethan Taylor’s assistant. Ethan has instructed that anything Emma is interested in today, all of it, will be bought outright.”

The auction hall exploded in chatter.

“Ethan? The only heir of the Taylor family, the ruthless godfather?”

“Isn’t he supposed to avoid women? How could he go this far for Emma?”

“Looks like Emma really climbed the ladder this time...”

Whispers rose like a tide. Emma was first shocked, then elated, and finally, her pride was unbearable to conceal.

“Excuse me, where is Ethan? Can I thank him in person?” she asked, her face flushed with excitement.

The assistant bowed respectfully. “Ethan is not available to appear right now. When the time is right, he will meet with you.”

Emma turned to look at me, her eyes gleaming with the triumph of a winner. “Mia, are you still bidding?”

She pretended to be naive, adding, “Oh, I almost forgot. Ethan will settle the bill for me. If you keep bidding, you might go bankrupt. After all, who can compare to Ethan in this circle?”

My face paled, and I quickly glanced at Carter.

He was gazing at Emma with such adoration, his eyes filled with affection and tenderness.

The rest of the auction felt like a private show for them. Whatever Emma glanced at, the assistant immediately called out, “Bought the lot outright.” The pigeon-blood ruby necklace, the antique vase, even the Monet water lilies starting at eighty million — all went to her.

I couldn’t take it anymore. I stood up, my voice sharp as I confronted the assistant. “Is there anything you won’t let others have?”

The assistant glanced at Carter, his eyes barely perceptible, then gave a subtle nod.

“Sorry, Mia,” the assistant replied coldly. “These are all gifts from Ethan to Emma. He only cares about her happiness. The feelings of others are not within his consideration.”

I laughed, a painful, hollow laugh, my nails digging into my palm.

I turned to look at Carter, but his gaze was glued to Emma, whose triumph radiated from her every move.

Carter, you really did it. You really did.

When the auction ended, Emma was immediately surrounded by a group of socialites, like the center of attention, a queen crowned by adoration. I couldn’t stomach the fake, disgusting scene, so I quickly walked out of the hall.

As soon as I got in the car, I told the driver, “Take me to the Nightshade Club.” I needed alcohol, something to numb the suffocating pain.

But before the car door could even close, Emma squeezed in beside me. “Mia, are you going to the club? I’ve been so bored lately. Take me with you!”

I was about to tell her to get out, but Carter silently pressed the car door closed, his voice cold as he addressed the driver. “Drive.”

All the way there, Emma kept chattering excitedly about the auction.

“Carter, why is Ethan so nice to me? We don’t even know each other that well!”

Carter’s voice was so tender, it was almost unbelievable. “Because he likes you.”

Emma’s eyes lit up, her cheeks flushed. “Carter, stop joking!”

“Men understand men the best.” His gaze was scorching as he fixed it on her. “Where the money is, love follows. And...”

He paused, his words like daggers. “Emma is a good girl, it’s no surprise he likes you.”

“Then... does Carter like me too?” Emma suddenly asked.

Carter froze for a moment, about to speak, but I cut him off coldly. “If you want to flirt, get out. This is my car.”

Emma’s eyes immediately filled with tears. “Sorry, Mia, I won’t talk anymore.”

I didn’t care to look at her anymore. I turned my gaze to the window. Through the reflection in the glass, I saw it clearly — Carter’s gaze on Emma was full of tenderness, care, and the affection he couldn’t hide. But when he looked at me, there was only coldness and disdain.

I smiled bitterly.

So, this is it. All men only love the women who know how to play the game.