Playing With Ice

t have forgotten to check the c

the air, making her shiver and cau

nt, and slowly removed his suit jacket. Tossing it to

ed past her and as

looked tough to clean; perhaps it would be better to buy him a new one. But feeling chill

iate, mingling with

ht back memories. She remembered that same

ghts in her mind to settle. Before stepping back into the hall, she

ong before Finnian spott

egan introducing her. "This is Ophelia, the most talented and beautiful jewelry designer."

nod and smiled. "I kno

ging, dancing, and acting. Now at 32, she was at the height of her ca

s Whitaker in high regard," Mariem said, looking at Ophelia. "Miss Whitak

ded it to Mariem with both hands, her smile composed. "It would be my hono

th a hint of surprise, "Jasmin Jewelry? I thought someo

it show. Her expression remained calm as she explaine

faint note of regret, "What a waste of talent. Not that Jasmin isn'

et, you shouldn't judge a brand too quickly. This lapel pin I'm wearing is a custo

s unique, with a black gemstone set in platinum. On closer inspection, t

politely. "It seems I need to

wash over her, easing the discomfort she'd felt

'm confident that once Miss Claret becomes

ed, though her tone hinted at unease

rity auction began, and the guests

auction catalog he had received. "The second-to-last item ton

talog until her gaze landed on a custom

n as she looked up. Unlike those who clung to Finnian for resources, Mariem had alre

d, "Item number 013 is a custom wristwatch designed by Mariem

30 million USD," th

illio

illio

illio

ically had a market price of around 20 million USD, bu

illion

nnian in surprise as

illion

illion

elia exhaled softly, convinced that F

" Finnian raised

s. With his second drastic bid increase, it became

ctioneer confirmed. "Goin

a felt as though a heavy ham

urned back to s

arkened, her emo

he hadn't pressed him, knowing his second movie required more financin

n-was unveiled, its intricate design and stunning

2000 million USD," an

illion

illion

illion

d slowly due to

to Ophelia and whisp

heart race but

it for her? But the p

he thought, unable to c

One day, you'll design a crown even mor

of her lips fla

r announced excitedly. "The bid

ping across the hall until it landed on Lo

n as an ordinary student from a modest background. How had

Whispers of curiosity and

composed, his handsome face calm yet

el stru

lia turned to Finnian and asked, "How

nly found out when he returned this time. It seems he kept

oached him, eager to make small talk. He responded politely, his tone pleasant, but hi

ation, she saw Logan step out o

g," she greeted him courteo

and looked

olding and asked, "How should I ret