The Sterling Charity Gala was supposed to be a peaceful evening of fundraising, networking, and polite conversation.
For Davis Blackwood, however, it was becoming something else entirely.
He stood beside Isabella near the ballroom's enormous windows, watching the guests mingle. Waiters carried trays of expensive champagne, a string quartet played softly, and the city's skyline glittered beyond the glass.
Across the room, Victoria Ashford was still watching him.
Davis had noticed her interest, but he wasn't particularly concerned about it.
He had more important things to think about.
The Meridian Consortium.
Victor Ashford.
And the mystery surrounding his parents' deaths.
"Davis?"
He turned toward Isabella.
"Yes?"
"You've been staring at that corner for five minutes. Are you planning to buy the wall?"
He laughed.
"I was thinking."
"That's dangerous. What about?"
"Business."
"Of course." Isabella sighed dramatically. "You know, most people attend a charity gala to enjoy themselves."
"I am enjoying myself."
"Really? You look like you're planning a hostile takeover."
"Perhaps I am."
She shook her head, laughing.
Before she could respond, Edward Sterling approached them.
"Davis, I hope you're prepared for an interesting evening."
"Should I be worried?"
"Not unless you intend to bid at the charity auction."
Davis glanced toward the stage.
A large screen had been set up beside the podium, and several valuable items were displayed in glass cases.
Edward smiled.
"We've gathered donations from several collectors. Paintings, jewellery, rare watches, and a few unusual pieces of property-related memorabilia. The proceeds will go toward building a new children's hospital."
"That sounds worthwhile."
"It is. And I suspect a man who purchased Sterling Tower might find something interesting among the lots."
Davis smiled.
"I'll take a look."
Edward was called away by another guest.
Isabella folded her arms.
"Please don't buy something ridiculous just to prove you can."
"Define ridiculous."
"Anything that costs more than a small house."
Davis considered that.
"What about something that costs more than a large house?"
She stared at him.
"You're impossible."
He laughed.
Then the auction began.
The first few items sold quickly. A painting fetched £80,000. A rare watch attracted several competitive bids. A diamond necklace was purchased by an international investor for £450,000.
Davis watched with mild interest.
"Our next lot is a rare antique document box, believed to have belonged to one of Aurelion's earliest industrial families. It comes with a collection of historical papers and a sealed ownership record."
A photograph appeared on the screen.
Davis froze.
The box was black, with silver edges and a small engraved eagle on the lid.
The Blackwood family crest.
His heartbeat quickened.
"Isabella," he whispered, "where did they get that?"
She followed his gaze.
"I don't know. The item was donated anonymously."
The auctioneer continued.
"The box has been examined by our specialists. Although its contents remain largely unverified, the historical significance is considerable. We shall begin at £50,000."
Several bidders raised their paddles.
Davis didn't move.
He was studying the photograph.
A small inscription was visible beneath the eagle.
B.H. — 1998.
His father's initials.
The system chimed.
[RARE FAMILY ARTIFACT DETECTED.]
[OBJECT: BLACKWOOD ARCHIVE BOX.]
[SIGNIFICANCE: UNKNOWN.]
[POTENTIAL CONNECTION: SEALED FAMILY LEGACY.]
[SPECIAL QUEST AVAILABLE.]
Acquire the Blackwood Archive Box.
Reward: One additional family archive key.
Davis raised his paddle.
"Two hundred thousand pounds."
The ballroom fell quiet.
A few guests turned toward him.
The auctioneer blinked.
"Two hundred thousand pounds from Mr. Blackwood."
A businessman near the front raised his paddle.
"Two hundred and fifty thousand."
Davis didn't hesitate.
"Five hundred thousand."
Whispers spread through the room.
Isabella stared at him.
"Davis, are you serious?"
"Completely."
"Half a million pounds for an old box?"
"Possibly."
The businessman looked annoyed.
"Six hundred thousand."
Davis raised his paddle.
"One million pounds."
The room erupted in murmurs.
The auctioneer struggled to hide his excitement.
"One million pounds! Do I hear any higher offers?"
Silence.
"Going once!"
"Going twice!"
The auctioneer raised his hammer.
"Sold to Mr. Davis Blackwood for one million pounds!"
Applause filled the ballroom.
Davis remained calm, but inside, he was eager to examine the box.
The auction's legal team completed the necessary paperwork, and Davis paid the winning bid.
The system activated.
[QUEST COMPLETED.]
[REWARD: BLACKWOOD ARCHIVE KEY ACQUIRED.]
[BONUS CASHBACK: £10,000,000.]
Davis nearly laughed aloud.
Ten million pounds.
For a moment, he wondered whether the system was deliberately encouraging him to spend money.
A second notification appeared.
[NEW CLUE DISCOVERED.]
[THE ARCHIVE BOX MAY CONTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT THE MERIDIAN CONSORTIUM.]
Davis's expression changed.
He had come to the gala expecting to meet wealthy people.
He was leaving with another piece of his family's history.
But as the auction staff carried the box toward him, Victoria Ashford approached.
"Mr. Blackwood."
Davis turned.
"Miss Ashford."
She glanced at the box.
"May I ask why you were so interested in that particular item?"
"Family history."
Victoria studied him.
"That's interesting. My father specifically instructed someone to prevent that box from being sold."
Davis's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Then perhaps your father should have bid on it."
Victoria stared at him.
Then, unexpectedly, she smiled.
"You really don't know when to stop, do you?"
"Not when something matters."
Her smile faded.
For the first time, Davis saw something resembling genuine concern in her eyes.
"Be careful, Mr. Blackwood. Some things are better left buried."
Davis picked up the box.
"That depends on who buried them."
He walked away before she could respond.
Behind him, Victoria took out her phone.
She sent a message to her father.
Victoria: Davis Blackwood has acquired the archive box.
The reply arrived almost immediately.
Victor: Find out what he knows. Do not let him open it.
Victoria stared at the message.
For the first time in her life, she wondered whether obeying her father was the wrong decision.