Wren Wynter followed Shaun Quinn to his room.

"Shaun, did you need me for something?"

Shaun Quinn’s back was to her. He walked to the desk, took out two photos, and handed them to her.

"Aren’t these for our teacher?"

These were the exact photos the photographer had taken at the beach today.

"I saved two for you." Shaun Quinn crossed his arms, leaned against the wall, and stared at Wren Wynter, his expression impassive.

Wren Wynter held the photos.

These were some of the few photos she had with Shaun Quinn.

Even when they were young, the two of them had rarely taken pictures alone together.

Because Shaun Quinn didn’t like to.

"Thank you, Shaun. I really like these photos."

Wren Wynter beamed at Shaun Quinn.

Shaun Quinn froze, then awkwardly looked away as a blush crept up his ears.

He cleared his throat. "As long as you like them."

Wren Wynter left the room, clutching the photos. She had no idea that the moment her back was turned, the adoration in Shaun Quinn’s eyes flowed out, impossible to conceal.

’She likes the photos. She likes taking pictures with me as if we were a couple.’

’Does this mean she sees me as more than just a brother?’

Wren Wynter returned to her room, lay on her bed, and held up the photos to admire them.

Shaun Quinn’s large hand was wrapped around her waist.

Her face wore a surprised expression, while Shaun Quinn’s gaze was gentle.

They were less than a fist’s width apart.

In the other photo, she had turned toward the camera, drawn by the click of the shutter, while Shaun Quinn’s gaze remained fixed on her.

She rarely had such intimate photos with Shaun Quinn.

’In her heart, Shaun Quinn had always been like an older brother to her.’

’He was a bit of a cold older brother, but he was always very good to her.’

’If I hadn’t married Kaden Xavier back then, perhaps life would have been much better for me and my brothers.’

’Our teacher wouldn’t treat me so coldly either.’

Wren Wynter put the photos away and slowly drifted off to sleep.

The next day, Wren Wynter was jolted awake by a knock on her door.

She shot up in bed, only then remembering there was no conference today.

"Who is it?"

"Wren, it’s me. There’s an auction in Veridia today. Want to go check it out with us?"

’An auction?’

Wren Wynter quickly changed and stepped out of her room to find Ho-ran Park and her three other senior brothers waiting for her at the door.

"I knew you wouldn’t want to miss out on the fun!" Leif Shaw said with a grin.

Wren Wynter gave a small, slightly sheepish smile.

Ho-ran Park ruffled her hair, his gentle voice speaking from just above her.

"Our teacher doesn’t like crowds, so it’ll just be us."

"That’s right, Wren! If you see anything you like, just tell me. I might not be fabulously wealthy, but I’ve saved up a good bit of money for a wedding someday. Just say the word, and your big brother will buy it for you!"

Leif Shaw thumped his chest proudly. This fourth brother of hers, who had become their master’s disciple just half a day before she did, had an exceptionally energetic personality.

When they were young, he was always getting into trouble with Wren, who would then pin all the blame on Leif, earning him quite a few punishments.

Wren smiled and glanced around, but she didn’t see Mason Shaw.

"Mason, where’s your friend?"

"Oh, he had something to take care of."

Wren nodded. ’Good, he’s not coming along,’ she thought.

’Mason suddenly appearing with Leo Crowe... Something about it just doesn’t feel right.’

The group arrived at the auction house. The attendees were mostly powerful figures from Valeria, with some wealthy individuals from other nations as well.

Wren and her brothers were there as special guests, essentially attending on the strength of Julian Hawthorne’s reputation.

They had just found their seats when two familiar figures walked in through the entrance.

It was Kaden Xavier and Seraphina Sutton.

’What are they doing in Valeria?’

Kaden Xavier’s appearance immediately put Ho-ran Park and the others on alert.

This was the man who had hurt their little sister. They would never forgive him, even if he begged on his knees.

Kaden Xavier walked in, his gaze sweeping across the room.

Suddenly, his gaze froze. His pupils constricted as he stared intently at Wren Wynter, seated in the third row.

Wren felt Kaden’s stare but pretended not to notice, remaining perfectly composed in her seat.

Kaden clenched his fists, suppressing the rage in his heart as he followed Seraphina Sutton to a seat in the front row.

This was Seraphina Sutton’s first time at an auction like this, and she was thrilled to see all the foreign dignitaries milling about.

She turned and tugged on Kaden’s sleeve. Looking up at him, she noticed his gaze was fixed on a particular spot.

Following his line of sight, she saw Wren sitting not far away. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

Today, Wren wore a champagne-colored slip dress. Her long black hair, dyed back at some point, cascaded straight down to her waist like a waterfall.

Her naturally fair skin was accentuated by rare, heavier makeup, making her the picture of a classic Eastern beauty. She exuded an air of cool, noble elegance.

By comparison, Seraphina Sutton’s own outfit seemed plain and unsophisticated.

She clutched the hem of her dress in jealousy, her delicate features twisting into an ugly expression. Biting her lip, she tugged resentfully at Kaden, pretending she hadn’t seen Wren.

"Kaden, what’s wrong?"

"It’s nothing."

The auction officially began. The items up for bid were mostly valuable antiques and jewelry.

Wren was starting to feel bored and couldn’t help but yawn.

"Next up is a set of Imperial Violet jewelry. The starting bid is ten million, with each subsequent bid increasing by no less than one million."

"Twenty million!"

Kaden Xavier raised his paddle, doubling the starting price with his first bid.

Everyone else hesitated.

While Imperial Violet jewelry was rare, it wasn’t worth that much.

Beside him, Seraphina Sutton grew even more excited. She was the only one who had accompanied him. ’He must be buying it for me!’

"Twenty million, going once!"

"Twenty million, going twice!"

"Last call at twenty million!"

"Sold! Let us congratulate this gentleman!"

Watching from a distance, Wren couldn’t help but sigh. ’Kaden Xavier is truly a rich man, through and through. He doesn’t even flinch when spending that kind of money.’

’Twenty million, gone just like that.’

"Wren, your ex-husband really has more money than sense, spending twenty million on a single Imperial Violet necklace set."

Leif Shaw clicked his tongue and shook his head.

Wren smiled.

’She had to agree with her fourth brother on that.’

’But when it comes to his one true love, Kaden probably wouldn’t bat an eye no matter how much it cost.’

After a few more items were auctioned off, Wren was already starting to doze off.

’I shouldn’t have come. I would’ve been better off at home reading.’

"Our next item is the latest creation from the renowned Francorian jewelry designer, Miss Annie. It’s called ’Fallen Heart.’ This piece is one-of-a-kind, with a starting bid of fifty million!"

A murmur went through the crowd.

Annie was a huge name in the jewelry world. It was said that despite being only in her early thirties, she had already swept up every major award in the industry.