Under the Heiress' Facade

Before heading to Astral Nova, Hera stopped by a mansion on the outskirts to change into a different attire. She then rode with Samantha.

During the journey, Samantha fluttered her thick lashes at Hera.

"Why don't you invite your young uncle along and let him shower you with money?"

"No, thanks. I can earn my own money."

Hera had calmed down, though she suspected Bernard was hooking up with other women at that moment.

She also didn't want him to learn more about her identity.

"Hera, you can't always be strong and independent like this. You must play up your feminine side to bring out a man's protective instincts."

Samantha wagged her finger.

She added, "And it's great that you can make money, but you shouldn't flaunt it. Otherwise, you'll end up like me—only capable of attracting gold diggers.

"Although the men are sweet, I always feel like they're not interested in me but in my money. I just want a normal relationship. Why is that so hard?"

Hera's gaze swept over Samantha's head, and she noticed the sparkling diamond hair clips. Samantha's ears gleamed with 25-carat pink diamond earrings, and a ruby necklace adorned her neck.

She was also dressed in a custom-made exclusive gown, accessorized with a stunning 150-carat diamond ring on her index finger and a top-grade gold bracelet on her wrist.

Hera hesitated before remarking, "Maybe try toning down the diamonds and cease your habit of buying drinks for everyone at the bar every time you go out."

"I can try to cut back on the drinks, but diamonds are my passion. I can't give them up," Samantha said while caressing her diamond ring.

She continued, "And trust me, I've already restrained myself. I used to have every finger adorned with diamonds."

Hera was left speechless.

They continued chatting away until they reached Astral Nova.

Astral Nova was located adjacent to Dusk City. It boasted a stunning garden and architecture reminiscent of the opulence of the Gilded Age.

Its majestic design and old-world charm made it feel like a palace straight out of a fairy tale. But what truly set it apart was its renowned auctions featuring treasures from around the world.

The founder of Astral Nova was always a mystery. Rumors suggested ties to the founder of Dusk City or involvement with a secretive organization.

While opinions varied, one thing was clear: Astral Nova had significant influence and shouldn't be underestimated.

The gates shone brightly at the entrance while luxury cars filled the area. Security guards stood sentinel and kept the media reporters at a distance with caution tape.

Astral Nova prioritized guest privacy and safety. Only those with verified identities could pass beyond a checkpoint, as external vehicles were not permitted entry.

As Samantha's car trailed behind a Rolls-Royce, Hera prepared to exit the vehicle.

However, her attention was inadvertently drawn to the car's license plate in front, which read "KIL8888". It was a customized plate for the Killian family, one of the four influential families.

This sight caught Hera off guard, though she wasn't entirely surprised by the presence of a Killian family member at the auction. Still, the coincidence was unexpected.

She narrowed her eyes and focused on the car ahead, where a woman in her 30s assisted an elegant, elderly woman with silver hair out of the vehicle.

Hera instantly recognized them. The elderly woman was Albert's widow, Ember, and the other was Aurora Killian, daughter of the current family patriarch.

"The Eclipse Stone must be very valuable if even the Killian matriarch is here," Samantha remarked as she looked at the figures ahead.

She added, "It seems like everyone's after it tonight. Hera, you'll face some serious pressure later." NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

When Hera remained silent, Samantha turned and noticed Hera's cold gaze fixed on the two women before them.

"Should we wait for them to enter before we exit the vehicle?" Samantha asked.

Although Samantha wasn't aware of Hera's past experiences, she knew Hera harbored a deep hatred for the Killians.