As she re-entered the auction hall, Su Yuan was surrounded by socialites showering her with flattery. Xia Xiaoman walked straight to the central display platform and, under the gaze of the entire crowd, placed the necklace back on the velvet tray.
"Thank you for your generosity, President Li," she said into the microphone, her voice clear and ringing. "But some things cannot be redeemed, no matter how expensive they are."
The room fell dead silent. Li Moting stood in the shadows of the VIP booth, the wine glass in his hand cracking under his grip.
Su Yuan laughed. "Reporter Xia... are you publicly dumping President Li?"
"No," Xia Xiaoman looked directly into the cameras. "I'm just returning stolen goods."
Camera flashes erupted like fireworks. As she turned to leave, she heard Li Moting's assistant urgently speaking into his earpiece: "Lock down all exits!"