?Chapter 349:


    They rode the elevator back up to their floor in silence. When it dinged, they each headed to their separate rooms.


    William had barely closed his door when his phone buzzed. “Hello?”


    “Mr. Briggs, we’ve got a lead on the case you asked us to dig into. Also—remember that item you mentioned? It’s resurfaced. It’ll be up for auction this afternoon in Choria. Competition’s already heating up.”


    William froze. What? That item was supposed to be with the person he was searching for, not on a public auction block. How did it end up there? If it was really at the auction, then it must have been sent there by the seller. But he hadn’t heard anything about Ste auctioning something like that recently.


    Could it be… she’s not the one after all?


    He asked into the phone, “When’s the auction?”


    “Two o’clock sharp.”


    William nced at the time: 1:13 PM.


    He didn’t say another word. He hung up, jumped into the shower, changed into fresh clothes, grabbed his phone, and bolted.


    Back in her dorm, Ste had no clue about any of this. She took her time in the bath, finally stepping out with steam curling around her. By the time she dried off and reached for her phone, it was already 1:40 PM.


    A message from Sharon lit up her screen. “Stel,e with me to an auction today. There’s something amazing up for grabs!”


    Ste raised an eyebrow. What could possibly get Sharon this excited? Curious, she quickly got dressed.


    At the auction house, Sharon led Ste to their seats—middle of the room, low profile, but not tucked away.


    The venue was buzzing with people in tailored suits and designer gowns. Ste wore a simple yet elegant designer dress she’d snagged online, minimal but eye-catching.


    “Alright, spill. What’s this item that got you all worked up?” Ste asked. Sharon definitely wasn’t hurting for money. Normally, if she wanted something, she just bought it—no bidding wars required.


    Her ce was practically a mini museum, packed with rare collectibles. Thest time she got this worked up was over a pair of boots worn by some war general from thest century.


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    Sharon leaned in, whispering like it was some national secret. “It’s a jade carving. Supposedly a traditional symbol of strength and prosperity. The master I consulted said it’d boost my business luck.”


    Ste gave her a skeptical look. “You actually believe that stuff?”


    Sharon shrugged. She wasn’t entirely sure, but the master said it was, so she figured she’d buy it and see. Even if it wasn’t, it could serve as a decoration.


    They settled in and waited for the auction to start.


    A few seats down, someone slid into a chair. Ste turned slightly to nce—and her smile froze. Marc.


    He looked rough, unshaven. Eyes dull. Like he hadn’t slept properly in days.


    Marc’s eyesnded on her, and something twisted in his chest.


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