The Elliot house felt even quieter than before.

My father had long since built another family outside. Not long after I got married, my mother drank too much one night and fell down the stairs. She ended up bedridden for years and later developed heart disease.

At first he would send token amounts for her care. Later he claimed the company was struggling and stopped sending anything at all.

My mother used to be one of the most admired beauties in the capital. But marriage wore her down. For the sake of a man who never loved her, she forced herself into becoming the bitter, jealous woman people whispered about.

I refused to become a second version of her.

With that thought I quickly finished sorting through my mother's belongings, then went to retrieve the jewelry locked inside the safe in my old room.

"Jonathan, my mother passed away. I'm also about to finalize the divorce from Colton. I need money for the funeral arrangements, and I need these pieces to restart my career. Please help me arrange the auction as soon as possible."

Jonathan expressed his condolences about my mother's death, then promised with confidence that he would get me top prices and bring my name back into the spotlight.

After hanging up, I returned to the Walton villa and began packing again, determined to leave as quickly as possible.

Colton saw me dragging the suitcase downstairs and his brows furrowed slightly. "I know your mother just passed away. You're in a bad state right now."

His tone carried a condescending generosity. "I can delay the paperwork a few more days. You can keep staying in the…"

"No need." I cut him off, walked up to him, took out my identification, and slapped it onto the coffee table. "We're doing it now."

Colton looked completely stunned. He clearly hadn't expected me to be so resolute.

He stared into my eyes, searching for any sign of pettiness or bluff. When he realized I was serious, an inexplicable irritation rose in his chest. "Fine. Whatever you want."

When we walked out of the city hall, Colton actually spoke first for once. "Where are you going? I'll drive you."

"No thanks." I ignored the dark look on his face after being rejected, turned, and flagged down a taxi by the roadside.

Right then my phone rang. An unfamiliar number.

I answered. A deep, magnetic male voice came through. "Miss Elliott, this is Edmund Holt. The owner of the car you rear-ended last time."

I suddenly remembered the matter still hadn't been settled and hurried to apologize. "Mr. Holt, I'm really sorry about last time, I…"

"You don't need to apologize. I don't blame you at all. I just wanted to ask if you're free right now. We could discuss the damage assessment for the car."

He interrupted me gently. His voice carried a soothing quality that made me feel strangely steady.

"I'm free. Just tell me the repair cost, then give me your account number and I'll transfer the money."

There were two seconds of silence on the other end before he spoke again, still in that warm tone. "I think, to be fair, the assessment should be done together in person. It's the proper way."

His firm tone left no room for refusal.

When I arrived at the agreed-upon auto shop, I immediately saw the two people I least wanted to encounter.

Shirley was holding Colton's arm. The two of them stood beside a Porsche, discussing interior color options.

I felt a wave of disgust and intended to pretend I hadn't seen them, but Colton spotted me first. "Mira Elliott, are you following me?"

His opening words were an accusation. Shirley chimed in right away. "Mira, I know it's hard for you to accept right now, but Colton has already divorced you. Please stop clinging to him, okay? I suggest you don't copy your mother's obsessive tactics. Otherwise Colton will only end up despising you the way Dad does."

The mention of my mother ignited fury inside me instantly.

If it hadn't been for Shirley and her mother back then, how could my gentle, dignified mother have been forced into becoming a paranoid, resentful woman!

I rushed forward and slapped Shirley hard across the face.

Shirley stumbled from the force and delicately fell into Colton's arms.

Colton was distressed. He wrapped her protectively in his embrace and shouted at me. "Mira, that's enough! Apologize!"

I ignored him and stared straight at Shirley, enunciating every word. "You want to steal Derek and Colton? Go ahead. But if you ever disrespect my mother again, it won't be just a slap."

Colton froze for a moment. Looking at my stubborn, pale face, his anger gradually subsided and a trace of guilt crept in. "Fine. You've made your scene and hit her. Isn't that enough? Don't you still have your mother's funeral to arrange? Go back already. Stop following me."

I gave a cold laugh and was about to speak when a mocking voice sounded from behind. "Your mother-in-law just passed away, and you're already out shopping for cars with your lover. I've truly never seen anyone so shameless."

I turned around in shock. It was Edmund Holt.

He strode over, his tall frame completely shielding me behind him. "Besides, Miss Elliott is here to meet me. Sir, you should not flatter yourself."

Being mocked so bluntly made Colton's face burn. Seeing Edmund standing protectively beside me only made the sight more grating.

He looked at me, malice practically spilling from his eyes. "I misjudged you completely. The moment you're divorced you're already throwing yourself at another man. Utterly shameless."

I met his gaze and returned the mockery coldly. "Right back at you."

Colton choked on my words, his expression growing even uglier.

When Edmund heard the word "divorced," a subtle change flickered through his lowered eyes.

Eight years ago, a near-fatal accident abroad had nearly taken his life.

After barely returning from the brink of death, the first news he received was that Mira had married into the Walton family.

The Waltons held considerable power, and Colton wasn't a terrible person, so Edmund had always believed Mira lived a happy life.

He could only bury those feelings from their youth deep in his heart and silently wish her well.

But now, he suddenly had the chance to start over.

"Mr. Holt? Mr. Holt!" I felt uncomfortable under his intense gaze and called out loudly. Only then did Edmund snap back, realizing he had lost composure.

"Sorry. Let's go." Edmund took my hand and led me away. Colton watched us leave, practically shaking with rage.

Shirley squeezed his hand to comfort him. "Colton, don't get yourself upset. My sister has always been this unruly. Otherwise why would no one ever like her?"

Colton looked at Shirley and finally calmed down.

Still, he couldn't shake the strange feeling. Why on earth was he so angry over an ex-wife who he never loved?

Only after stepping out of the auto shop did I realize my hand was still being held by Edmund Holt.

"Mr. Holt, thank you for helping me out back there." I quietly slipped my hand free.

"You're very welcome. Let's head to the coffee shop next door to discuss things." Edmund held the door open for me like a gentleman and ordered hot drinks.

"I just overheard the shop staff talking to you about the repairs. The cost has been settled, right?" I took a sip of coffee, wanting to wrap this up quickly.

Edmund waved it off casually. "It's not much money. I'll have my assistant handle the rest. I can cover the expenses myself."

I shook my head immediately. "That won't do. This was entirely my fault. No matter the amount, I have to be the one to compensate. Otherwise I won't feel right..."

"Miss Elliott, really, there's no need to worry about it." Edmund gave a faint smile. His deep eyes seemed ready to pull me in at any moment. "I heard from my assistant that you were rushing to the hospital that day because your mother was in critical condition. But earlier I couldn't help overhearing your conversation. Your mother..." He paused, his tone growing heavier. "My condolences. I hope you take good care of yourself and find a way through the pain soon."

His solemn and respectful demeanor made my eyes sting. He was the first person to show me genuine concern since my mother's passing.

I lowered my head, not wanting him to see my moment of weakness.

When I spoke again, I no longer dwelled on the money. "Thank you. Thank you for letting me leave that day, and for your kind words today."

For a second I thought I imagined it, but a trace of heartache seemed to flash through Edmund's eyes.

Suddenly Edmund pulled me toward him. Caught off guard, I fell into his arms.

The next instant came the sharp sound of a glass shattering nearby.

A server carrying hot water had slipped behind me and nearly collided straight into my back.

Edmund steadied me, then quickly released his hold. "Are you all right?"

I shook my head and thanked him again.

Until the moment we parted that day, Edmund kept reassuring me gently, urging me to find peace about my mother's passing.

I watched his lips move and suddenly understood what it truly meant to let go. My heart felt clearer than ever.

My mother's funeral was kept very simple.

The farewell hall was almost empty. Aside from the staff, only a handful of people attended, leaving the space vast and cold.

Colton arrived dressed entirely in black, a white flower pinned to his chest, faint red marks still visible on his neck.

Halfway through the service, his phone rang.

I recognized the ringtone immediately. It was the special one he had set for Shirley.

He answered quickly. Even from a distance I could hear Shirley's soft, sweet voice. "Colton, don't tire yourself out. I made soup for you. Come back soon and drink it."

Colton murmured back to her in low tones, occasionally glancing my way with obvious conflict and hesitation in his eyes.

But soon he walked over. "Mira, something urgent came up at the company. I have to go."

I didn't bother looking at him. My gaze stayed fixed on my mother's photo, where she still looked radiant, untouched by the erosion of marriage.

When I gave no response, Colton stood there a moment longer before hurrying away.

Near the end of the service, my father finally appeared.

He tossed a bunch of white chrysanthemums onto the table in front and walked off quickly, as though they were something unclean.

As he passed me, he paused just long enough to hiss a warning. "I'm telling you ahead of time. Your mother deserved what she got. If you try to use this to make trouble for Shirley or ruin her wedding, you and I are finished."

I had thought I was beyond crying over Father's words, but in the end the tears came anyway.

A handkerchief carrying the faint scent of cedar appeared in front of me. I looked up. It was Edmund.

After I returned home last time, Edmund had messaged me saying that since fate had brought us together, he wanted to attend my mother's funeral.

I hadn't wanted the service to feel too lonely, so I agreed.

But I never expected he would be the one who stayed with me until the very end.

After everything was settled, I returned to the Walton house, dragged my suitcase, and prepared to leave.

Claire found me and pressed a bank card into my hand. "Mira, in the end the Walton family owes you. There's five million here. Consider it my compensation."

I looked at her face, shadowed with guilt, and gently pushed the card back. "Claire, I appreciate the gesture, but I won't take the money. From now on I just want to live my own life."

By refusing everything from the Walton family, I could finally sever the past completely. From this moment on, Mira Elliott would be only Mira Elliott.

With that thought I stepped out of the Walton house.

Right at the entrance, a car screeched to a stop in front of me.

Colton had just come back from Shirley's place. When he saw me with the suitcase, sudden panic flashed across his face. "Mira, where are you going?"

He stepped forward, reaching for my hand, but I dodged it. He could only offer a guilty explanation. "I'm really sorry about the funeral. Shirley was waiting for me, and I didn't want to hurt you, so I used the company as an excuse."

If this had been the old me, I might have softened and given in. But now, facing him, I felt only cold indifference. "No need to explain. Colton, we're already divorced. Your life has nothing to do with me anymore."

After leaving the Walton house, I was thinking about my future career plans when an email from the auction house suddenly arrived.

I opened it and saw that my jewelry had been selected as the finale piece.

The auction house had also sent me a formal VIP invitation.

I felt a surge of surprise. When I first asked Jonathan to put my new designs up for auction, I only wanted to raise cash quickly for my mother's medical bills, so I had prepared myself for a low price. I never expected it to become the highlight of the evening.

This could be my chance to rebuild my career. I had to attend.

The hall glittered under sparkling crystal chandeliers that spoke of the event's high status.

I sat in a private box on the second floor with a perfect view of the entire auction floor.

The auction began soon after.

The opening item was a perfectly even glass-type jadeite ring with no inclusions.

Bidding started fiercely.

"Ten million!"

The bold opening bid drew every eye in the room.

The familiar voice made me freeze. I looked down and saw Colton in the front row on the ground floor, raising his paddle with determination. Shirley nestled intimately against him.

He had only just divorced me, and already he was parading her around like this, as if he wanted the whole world to know. It made our eight years of marriage feel like one big joke.

During the intermission, the chatter around me was full of undisguised envy toward Shirley.

"Mr. Walton is buying all these pieces tonight just to please Dr. Elliott. What a lucky woman."

"Exactly. I heard the marriage alliance between the Waltons and the Elliots was originally meant for Shirley. Mira only managed to marry him through underhanded tricks."

"Mr. Walton really is a romantic. All these years, and he still only has eyes for Dr. Elliott."

I lowered my gaze, not caring, until a shadow fell over me. "Mira, how does a powerless nobody like you end up at an event like this?"

Shirley walked over and looked me up and down, taking in my simple dress before exclaiming in mock surprise. "Mira, I heard from Colton how determined you were when you left the Walton house. Don't tell me life outside is too hard now, and you've come crawling back, hoping to win him again? It must have taken real effort to even get an auction ticket."

Colton looked enlightened. The disgust in his eyes toward me deepened. "Mira, I told you clearly before the marriage that I only love Shirley. Stop doing these disgusting things to cling to me. It's impossible between us."

In that moment, the one who felt sickened was me. "Colton, you really think too highly of yourself. To me, you're not some treasure. You're just garbage."

Colton was momentarily speechless. He stared at me, searching my face as if trying to bore a hole through it.

Shirley noticed his reaction, and a flicker of displeasure crossed her face before she looped her arm through his. "I know you're only saying that to hide how you really feel about Colton, but you're going too far."

She deliberately raised her voice, adopting a pitiful posture that drew attention from everyone nearby. "I stepped aside for eight years so I wouldn't fight with you, yet Colton's heart has always belonged to me. Now that you're divorced, you still followed him here to pester him. Feelings can't be forced. Please just let us be."

The guests latched onto the key phrases. Their looks toward me filled with contempt.

"So she's the shameless ex-wife who stole someone's husband. Disgusting. Divorced and still stalking him here."

"No wonder Mr. Elliot couldn't stand his late wife. Look at the daughter she raised. The mother couldn't have been much better."

Insults poured over me. To protect my reputation and career, I fought back one by one. "How does anything between me and the Walton family suddenly turn into a story about my parents' relationship? I'm here today because I received an invitation, as the designer of the finale piece, not to stalk an ex-husband I no longer care about! I have zero interest in him!"

But my explanations sounded weak and pale against their prejudice.

Colton wore a helpless expression. "Mira, if you won't admit to stalking, then fine, but there's no need to lie. We were together eight years. How would I not know you're some designer?"

Shirley looked even more triumphant. "Mira, when we were little, every time Dad said he was coming to see me, you would lie and say you were sick so he wouldn't leave. All these years later, and you haven't changed at all. Your lies just get bigger and bigger."

I regretted for the first time that at the peak of my fame, I had never revealed my true identity and always stayed anonymous in the industry.

I regretted even more that after marrying Colton, I had set aside my career to please him.

Seeing me unable to defend myself, the crowd that had been wavering now believed every word they said, and the insults grew harsher.

One socialite close to Shirley even stood up and called for security. "I don't want to look at this shameless woman anymore. She makes me sick. Get her out of here now."

Just as the guard was about to touch my arm, a clear, strong male voice cut through the noise from the entrance. "Who was it just now saying they wanted to throw out my invited guest?"

At the far end of the crowd, Edmund walked slowly toward me.

Ignoring the stunned faces around him, he extended his hand to me. "Miss Elliott, on behalf of the company, I formally invite you to join us as our top jewelry designer."