During the charity auction, guests began placing bids on expensive items.
Jewelry.
Art.
Luxury vacations.
Suddenly the host spoke again.
"Our next item is very special."
The screen behind him displayed a photo.
Emily froze.
It was an old photo of her working at the café.
The host continued.
"A simple girl who suddenly became the girlfriend of the city's most powerful CEO."
Whispers spread through the crowd.
Emily's heart dropped.
Sophia stood nearby, watching calmly.
The host laughed.
"Isn't it amazing what ambition can achieve?"
The crowd murmured.
Emily's hands clenched.
She realized what had happened.
Someone had leaked information about her past.
Someone wanted to embarrass her.
And she knew exactly who.
Sophia.
Emily felt humiliation burning in her chest.
Before she could react—
Alexander suddenly stood up.
The entire room turned toward him.
His voice was cold.
"This event is about charity."
Silence filled the hall.
Alexander continued.
"Not harassment."
His eyes moved toward the host.
"If you continue this nonsense, Knight Corporation will withdraw its support."
The host immediately panicked.
"I apologize, Mr. Knight!"
The screen quickly changed to the next auction item.
But the damage had already been done.
Emily stood there quietly.
Alexander gently took her hand.
"Let's leave."
And for the first time—
Emily realized how powerful Alexander truly was.