Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 271

Auction Day.

The air was crisp, sunlight warm-a perfect early spring day. The last traces of winter had melted away, replaced by a gentle breeze and the promise of new beginnings.

Outside the gates of Bamboo Grove, Mila adjusted her cream-colored sweater dress and draped a delicate, watercolor-patterned shawl over her shoulders. Her long, glossy black hair was swept up in a spiral and fastened with a row of pearl clips, while a strand of lustrous white pearls encircled her slender neck, giving off a subtle, silken sheen. She radiated elegance and intelligence, every inch the picture of poise.

Beside her stood Julian, dressed to perfection in a finely tailored, vintage-inspired blue sweater and slacks. The soft color made his small face appear even more fair and delicate. He gazed up at her with wide eyes.

"Mom, isn't Mr. Whitmore coming with us?"

After spending some time around Mr. Whitmore, Julian had warmed up to him. He'd discovered the man was a fantastic cook, gentle, and patient-so unlike their first awkward meeting, Julian no longer felt the need to shy away.

Mila reached down to smooth his hair.

"He had something come up at work, sweetheart, so he can't make it to the auction. But once it's over, he'll join us for our picnic."

excitement. "I've never been

anxiety, and with Nathaniel busy running a massive company, Julian was mostly kept at home, watched over

least, until his mother returned. Now, he didn't

tightly, his eyes bright with anticipation, voice

the sight. She couldn't resist

up to the curb. Howard stepped out and opened the door for them,

black SUVS followed, each one carrying members of their

...

houses could offer rubies of such caliber. Downstairs, in the main hall, the seats were filled with everyday buyers. But the second floor was reserved for those with truly deep pockets—just six private suites,

great-aunt, Jade Sutherland, heard about her intention to bid on the ruby, she wasted no time. From her office in Tokyo, she wired a ten-million-dollar cashier's check to Splendid's

was how Mila earned her spot on the

hand, with Howard and their bodyguards following close behind. A staff member, all smiles and deference, led them to Suite

formed a half-circle, and Suite Six sat directly across from Suite One. Mila had

figures entered Suite One-Lysander and Giselle. Mila froze, her brows knitting together in surprise. She hadn't expected to see them