The night was as deep as spilled ink.
A chilly wind howled past, and the usually bustling streets were eerily empty at this hour. However, the scene in front of Midnight Pulse Nightclub was extraordinarily lively. Luxury cars were lined up one after another, their owners gathering for a unique auction taking place that night.
But the item being auctioned wasn’t an object—it was a young girl.
Speculation ran wild about the kind of powerful background the nightclub’s owner must have to dare host such an outrageous event.
10:00 PM
The auction hall was already filled with a diverse crowd of prospective buyers, their eager discussions echoing throughout the dimly lit space. The shadows concealed their grotesque expressions, but the lewd laughter and crude remarks gave away their true nature.
As the clock struck ten, a sudden beam of light illuminated the stage.
Jessica stood calmly beneath it, her figure bathed in a halo of brightness. The large screen behind her zoomed in, making every detail of her face crystal clear.
Her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing delicate features. Her eyes were lowered, lashes trembling slightly like butterfly wings. Her cherry-red lips were pressed tightly together, and a deep blush of shame stained her porcelain skin.
She was clad in a sheer white dress that clung to her form, the bright spotlight making the fabric almost translucent. Her youthful beauty radiated an innocent allure—an angelic face paired with a temptingly exquisite figure.
The once-silent auction room stirred with whispers and laughter, punctuated by vulgar remarks. Every degrading word reached Jessica’s ears, burning her heart with humiliation.
She had once been hopeful—young, full of dreams, and expecting to offer her heart and body to the man she loved. But never could she have imagined that she would stand here today, being sold like merchandise.
And the one who had pushed her onto this filthy auction stage… was herself.
After tonight, her life would bear an irreversible stain.
Jessica bit her lower lip, resisting the urge to flee. But if she ran now, what would become of Kelvin?
Seven Days Ago
Her older brother, Kelvin, had been in a terrible car accident, suffering severe injuries. The astronomical cost of his surgery and hospitalization was beyond her reach—selling even her home wouldn’t have been enough.
Faced with no other choice, she had made this decision.
Compared to Kelvin’s life, what were a few insults?
Present
The auctioneer continued his enthusiastic introduction, but Jessica’s mind was in turmoil.
Then, in an unexpected move, she suddenly raised her head and interrupted him.
Her voice was clear and unwavering:
"One million! Whoever can offer this amount—I will go with him immediately!"
The room erupted into chaos. A woman defying the usual rules of this twisted game? Such a sight was unheard of.
Jessica clenched her fists, her palms slick with sweat. Her heart pounded as she awaited the outcome.
Upstairs, in the VIP Suite
Inside an opulent private suite, a large LCD screen displayed Jessica’s trembling figure.
Seated lazily on a leather sofa, a young man watched intently. A lit cigarette rested between his slender fingers, its smoke curling into the dim air. His dark eyes, cold as frozen snow, were locked onto the girl on the stage. A flicker of anger flashed within their depths.
He took a slow drag from his cigarette before abruptly stubbing it out in the ashtray. His voice was low and commanding:
"Edward, the woman on the screen…"
Edward, lounging on the opposite sofa, swirled a glass of red wine. At the sound of the young man’s voice, he arched a brow.
"Bring her to you?" he asked casually.
The man’s thin lips parted slightly. His voice was chilling.
"No. Get her out of there."