From Terrorist Cell to Diamond Prison

Chapter 18

Rosalie crouched beside her grandfather and asked, "Grandfather, do you like this?"

Pointing at the design in the catalog, he replied, "This piece used to be part of a set. I had to sell one many years ago. Never thought I'd see it again." He took a card from a drawer and handed it to Rosalie.

"Why don't you help me get it back?"

Rosalie nodded. "Alright, I promise."

The auction wasn't until the evening, so Mr. Fitzgerald offered to accompany Rosalie. At the event, Rosalie was introduced to several of Mr. Fitzgerald's colleagues and acquaintances. She couldn't help but admire her mentor even more as she realized the depth of respect she commanded.

Mr. Fitzgerald had lost her spouse early in life, never remarried, and built her career entirely on her own merits, earning respect throughout the field. Her success wasn't borrowed from anyone else's reputation, she had carved out her place all on her own.

Rosalie reflected on her years with Luke. People had always treated her kindly, but she knew it wasn't really about her, it was about her association with Luke. She had been a reflection of him, not herself.

Her parents had shielded her, then her grandfather, and later Luke, guiding her along the way. But now, Rosalie didn't want to be someone else's shadow. She wanted to be her own person.

Mr. Fitzgerald, sensing Rosalie's growing determination, watched her proudly. Rosalie was no fragile flower; she was like a wild rose, resilient and ready to grow on her own. She just needed time to bloom.

Once they found their seats, Rosalie began to relax.

"You've been keeping busy lately," Mr. Fitzgerald remarked. "Tonight, consider it a chance to unwind. The ruby necklace your grandfather wants isn't one of the main items, so it shouldn't be hard to get."

Rosalie was reassured by her words. Just as the auction was about to begin, two familiar figures caught her eye. Could it really be them?

She couldn't believe it until she heard Fiona's unmistakable voice.

"Luke, please wait for me, alright?"

Luke's face was twisted in irritation, the same expression he'd worn toward Rosalie countless times. She was surprised to see he could show it to Fiona, too.

As the lights dimmed and focused on the stage, casting the audience in darkness, Rosalie noticed the sparkling diamond ring on Fiona's hand. Her grip on her purse tightened involuntarily. Maybe she wasn't as unaffected as she thought. But this time, she promised herself she wouldn't let go of anything that belonged to her.

In the first half of the auction, the ruby necklace her grandfather wanted didn't show up, leaving Rosalie somewhat distracted. Seated nearby, Fiona and Luke didn't seem particularly interested in the auction either.

During the intermission, Rosalie excused herself to the restroom. She splashed cold water on her face, reminding herself of the task at hand. She couldn't back down now.

As she was about to leave, she glanced up and saw someone standing behind her, Fiona, her face now devoid of the usual pretense of a caring "aunt."

"Well, I almost thought I was seeing things," Fiona sneered. "Could it be that you didn't find happiness abroad and decided to come back crawling?"

Until recently, Rosalie had hoped to avoid any confrontation with Fiona, but now, knowing the truth about her parents, she felt differently. Ignoring Fiona, she tried to walk away, but Fiona blocked her path.

"Since you're back, it's perfect timing," Fiona continued, smirking. "Luke and I are planning to have our wedding here. I assume you'll be there to offer your congratulations?"