?Chapter 351:


    Sadie felt a wave of disappointment. She hadn’t expected Noah to align with K in the auction.


    Softly, with a hint of appeal in her voice, Sadie said, “Noah…”


    However, Noah paid her no heed, his eyes cold as they remained fixed on the auctioneer.


    Alex, with determination etched on his face, raised his paddle again. “Eighteen million!”


    Unyielding, Noah countered with a firm, “Twenty million!”


    Pushing further, though his voice showed signs of strain, Alex bid, “Twenty-two million!”


    Tension thickened in the air, with every attendee holding their breath in anticipation.


    Noah decisively shouted, “Fifty million!”


    Defeated, Alex put down his paddle, his shoulders drooping.


    With a heavy thud, the auction gavel struck, announcing the final owner of the Starlight Stone.


    Overwhelmed, Sadie sank back into her seat, herplexion washed out as if the energy had been drained from her.


    Concern painted Alex’s face as he looked at her, at a loss for words on how to provide sce.


    Behind the stage, K clutched the ornate box with the Starlight Stone, her expression radiant with victory.


    She drew closer to Noah, whispering, “Thank you, Noah.”


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    Taking the box, Noah lifted the lid to peer at the luminous stone within. He spoke without emotion. “This gem wasn’t bought for you.”


    A chill swept through K as her smile stiffened, her voice trembling. “What did you say?”


    With a snap, Noah shut the box and began to walk away. “You should understand that I never had any romantic feelings for you.”


    K’splexion turned pale, her fingers tightening around the crushed velvet clutch.


    Alex wore an expression of remorse as he said, “Sadie, I’m sorry. I couldn’t secure the Starlight Stone for you.”


    With a feeble smile, Sadie shook her head and responded, “It’s okay, Alex. You’re not to me. I appreciate all your efforts.”


    Pain filled Alex as he observed her attempt to stayposed.


    “Let’s go,” Sadie said as she stood.


    Together, they exited the auction hall, walking shoulder to shoulder. A night breeze brushed against Sadie’s face, yet it failed to blow off the cold in her heart.


    The loss of the Starlight Stone indefinitely postponed the revival of the “Dewy Hibiscus” series, and her studio’s crisis remained unresolved.


    “Let me drive you home,” Alex suggested, his voiceden with worry.


    Sadie shook her head gently. “Thanks, Alex, but I need some time to myself right now.”


    Alex watched her deste figure walk away, feeling a mix of emotions. Sadie went back to her studio and stared nkly at the jewelry designs strewn across her desk.


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