CHAPTER 109: THE GUESTS

The morning breeze of Star Harbor carried with it a quiet freshness, the kind that whispered of change. The city was stirring with new beginnings—Elena’s dream restaurant was beginning to take shape with the first touches of renovation, while on the outskirts of the city, the newly established Sterling Private Security Agency was carving out its base, steel and stone rising where barren ground once lay.

But today, Star Harbor was not only a place of foundations and futures—it was also a stage. The world’s gaze was shifting here, drawn by the allure of the "Heart of the Frost Queen," the legendary diamond about to be auctioned. Wealthy figures from across the globe were stepping off private jets, each eye glittering with greed and ambition.

Among them was a young miss of the ACE group—Silvey Sterling.

She stepped out of the airport with effortless grace, her heels tapping lightly against the marble floor. Her assistant, Diane, followed closely behind, carrying herself with professional sharpness.

"Mam, the hotel has sent a car," Diane said with a slight bow.

Silvey’s gaze swept the terminal with an almost bored elegance, her expression unreadable. "Let’s go."

They walked out into the sunlight and entered the sleek black luxury car that waited at the curb. Inside, the leather seats wrapped around them like quiet shadows, and the hum of the engine filled the silence.

The streets of Star Harbor at this hour were unusually calm, the skyscrapers glowing faintly in the morning light. Silvey leaned against the window, her eyes wandering across the passing streets.

"The environment here is quite nice," she said softly. "What’s so special about this place?"

Diane, ever prepared, adjusted her glasses and spoke as though reciting from memory. "Star Harbor has always been a developed city throughout history. Its port alone accounts for fifty-seven percent of the country’s imports and exports, which makes it one of the most vital hubs of trade. The city has grown into a marvel of balance—green spaces with man-made forests, advanced factories with minimal carbon emissions, and now, of course, its sudden rise in prominence with Sterling Enterprises’ acquisition of Air Telecom."

Silvey listened quietly, the faintest smile playing on her lips. "It really is a good place to live. Unlike Citadel City, always chaotic, always suffocating."

Her words trailed, her tone shifting almost wistfully as her gaze returned to the glass, her reflection overlapping with the skyline.

"I hope I see him."

Diane turned her head slightly, puzzled. "See whom?"

Silvey’s lips curved into a secretive smile, her eyes distant with thought. "Nothing... just a person I was thinking about."

Diane studied her carefully, her curiosity rising. "The person must be important if he’s on your mind."

Silvey’s hand traced along the window absentmindedly, her expression flickering with a rare vulnerability. "He is very important. I hope... he will be the ticket to my freedom."

The car continued its quiet journey, carrying Silvey deeper into the heart of Star Harbor, towards a destiny she had only begun to imagine.

Miles finished his run and walked back toward the Pearl Villa, sweat dripping along his jawline, the cool breeze brushing through his hair. His phone buzzed in his pocket.

Monica’s name flashed across the screen.

Monica’s text: Boss, the auction tonight will be the biggest of the season. There are fourteen items up, including the diamond. Here’s the list of attendees, including those who will be bidding virtually.

Miles slowed his steps, scrolling through the file she attached. His eyes narrowed as he skimmed the names.

"So many vultures circling already," he muttered to himself.

Then his gaze froze on one name.

Antonio VK.

Miles’s lips curled into a thin smile. "VK... dark lord of the mining world. So you crawled out of your hole to chase a diamond."

Antonio VK’s reputation preceded him. One of the most feared names in Africa, he thrived on corruption and blood. He had built his empire by exploiting resource-rich lands, destabilizing small countries with coups, and pocketing wealth while leaving ruins behind.

Miles’s finger tapped the screen, his eyes cold. "Long time no see, huh?"

He scrolled further and caught another name.

Silvey Sterling.

His smile returned, faint, amused. "Quite the guest list tonight."

Inside the villa, the twins were already up, dressed in their school uniforms. Hope hummed to herself, nibbling bread, while Asher pleaded across the table.

"Mom, add more chocolate!" Asher’s voice was eager, almost commanding in its childish way.

Elena shook her head but smiled softly. "Okay, but just a little. Too many sweets are bad for your teeth."

Daniel chuckled as he poured tea. "Let them eat, Elena. It’s their age to enjoy."

Elena shot him a look. "You dear, don’t ruin their habits."

Asher grinned and looked back at Elena with puppy eyes. "Please, Mom. I’ll exercise with big bro starting tomorrow."

Miles, who had just entered, leaned on the doorframe and chuckled. "Really now?"

Asher nodded furiously, earning laughter around the table.

Elena turned her head. "Miles, go shower. I’ll have your breakfast ready."

"Yes, mom," he said with a faint smile, heading upstairs.

When Miles came down again, fresh and sharp, Daniel was already taking the twins to school. Elena waited with breakfast laid out neatly on the table.

As Miles packed up his things, he picked at his beard. "Mom, I’ll be late tonight. Don’t wait for me."

Elena turned her eyes toward him, curious. "Where are you going?"

Miles adjusted his sleeve. "An auction."

Her lips parted with surprise, then softened with a nostalgic smile. "An auction... that brings back memories. Your father used to go often. I joined him plenty of times."

Miles raised a brow. "Really? Guess it’s in my blood then."

Elena chuckled warmly. "Well, don’t spend too much like him."

He smirked. "I’ll keep that in mind, mom."

She stepped forward and handed him a lunchbox, her hands gentle but firm.

Miles blinked. "A lunchbox? What’s the occasion?" His eyes widened slightly, caught off guard.

Elena’s smile deepened. "Just my way of thanking you—for the restaurant."

Miles stared at her for a beat, his chest tightening in quiet warmth. "Mom... thank you."

The car carried him smoothly to Cinder Square, weaving through the city’s heartbeat. When he entered his office cabin, he noticed a sleek suit hanging in front of him, with other carefully matched pieces arranged neatly on the rack.

His brows rose. "Did we start a garments business, June?"

June appeared from behind with her ever-present tablet, her lips curving into a rare laugh. "No, boss. That’s your outfit for tonight."

Miles eyed it carefully, his expression amused. "Looks expensive."

June tilted her head, her smile faint but teasing. "Boss, please open your eyes. Everything in this room is expensive."

Miles set the lunchbox on the desk and sighed. "So... who decided this?"

June straightened with no guilt at all. "Oh, me and Miss April. We were shopping for her dress for tonight, and I thought, why not pick something for you as well?"

Miles exhaled, half in defeat, half amused.

June’s tone softened but carried her usual precision. "You are the chairman of Sterling Enterprises. There will be eyes on you tonight—and on Miss April."

Miles looked at the suit once more, his expression unreadable, then shook his head with a faint smirk.

The evening at the auction house was nothing short of dazzling. The grand auditorium shimmered under chandeliers that poured golden light over the marble floors. Rows upon rows of seats were arranged in perfect symmetry, stretching upward into VIP balconies draped in velvet and lined with crystal railings. Every corner of the room spoke of wealth and prestige, from the fine-carved wooden décor to the subtle fragrance of orchids placed along the aisles.

The atmosphere was electric. Guests murmured in hushed tones, their eyes glued to every arrival.

Antonio VK made his entrance first. The infamous tycoon carried himself like a king, broad shoulders in a midnight-black tuxedo with silver cufflinks that glinted under the lights. Two women followed closely behind, each dressed in glittering gowns, but even their beauty paled against his aura of menace. His reputation preceded him, and people instinctively parted ways as he walked.

Whispers rippled through the crowd. That’s Antonio VK... the dark lord of the mining world...

A hush fell across one side of the auditorium as another guest arrived. Silvey Sterling descended gracefully into the hall, Diane by her side.

Silvey wore a fitted silver gown that seemed spun from moonlight itself. The fabric clung elegantly to her figure and flowed behind her in a delicate train. Her neckline shimmered with understated diamonds, while her hair was tied in a sleek bun, leaving a few loose strands to soften her features. Every step of hers exuded confidence, every movement spoke of quiet dominance.

People whispered instantly. "Who is she?" "Is she from the ACE Group?" "She looks like royalty..."

Silvey’s eyes, calm but sharp, scanned the crowd as if she was searching for someone.

Then the air itself shifted.

Miles Sterling walked in, April at his side.

Miles was dressed in a deep charcoal suit, perfectly tailored, with a subtle sheen under the chandelier’s glow. A slim black tie and polished shoes completed the look, but it was his presence—calm, commanding, dangerous—that captured the room. He carried himself like a man who owned the ground he walked on.

April walked beside him, stunning in a dark wine-red gown with a slit that flowed elegantly to her thigh. Her neckline was delicately embroidered, and the soft waves of her hair framed her face beautifully. She glowed not just with beauty but with pride, as though she belonged exactly at his side.

The crowd buzzed. "Who is he?" "That’s Miles Sterling, the man behind Sterling Enterprises." "Look at her, she must be his companion tonight."

Eyes followed them with awe and curiosity. Some admired, some envied, but none could look away.

Miles led April past the murmuring crowd and into his private balcony. A servant bowed as drinks were already prepared, chilled glasses sparkling on the tray.

The hall filled steadily, its grand scale nearly at capacity. A hush fell as the host appeared on stage, spotlight catching his polished suit and wide smile.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the host’s voice rang, amplified through the hall, "welcome to the biggest auction of the season."

The massive LED screens on one side of the auditorium lit up, revealing the faces of international participants joining virtually. The room buzzed louder, a mix of excitement and nerves.

"I welcome all the guests from around the world who joined us here tonight," the host continued, his voice rising with energy. "Tonight, we make history."

The lights dimmed, anticipation flooding the auditorium.