She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 1019

They spent three euphoric days on the island. Helena turned her phone completely off, and Morris didn't answer a single business call.

They spent their days snorkeling, kayaking, and having wild, uninhibited sex before falling asleep in the afternoon sun. In the evenings, they sat on the pristine beach, drinking chilled coconut water and talking about absolutely everything and nothing.

Helena had never felt such profound peace. It was as if her soul was undergoing a complete purification.

Feeling warm and entirely content, she rested her head on his shoulder and suddenly murmured, "You know, it actually wouldn't matter if you didn't love me."

"Hmm?" Morris frowned slightly, though his tone remained gentle. "You didn't feel that way before. What changed?"

"I finally understand the sheer power of financial security," she replied. "Having enough money can literally buy your way out of every worldly problem. Love is just the cherry on top."

Morris let out a low chuckle. "If that's what keeps you tied to me—money and sex—I'll gladly take it. It guarantees you'll never leave."

"Then what makes me valuable to you?" Helena asked softly. "Is it my music?"

"No. It's because you are *you*." He looked out at the ocean. "You make me feel grounded. For most of my life, everything felt weightless, untouchable. You make my life feel real. I love you simply because you are you."

Helena stayed quiet for a moment before tilting her head up to kiss the corner of his mouth. "I love the security you give me, but I love *you* far more. I always have."

"I know. You wouldn't have walked away in the first place if you didn't," he murmured, pulling her in for a deep kiss. "But I still appreciate your practicality. I will always be infinitely wealthy, so you can just keep loving me forever."

Helena laughed brightly, completely enamored by his dark charm.

On the fourth day, they flew from the island to Port City.

A top-tier autumn auction was being held at the Sovereign Hotel, drawing an ultra-exclusive crowd. The catalog featured rare jewelry, vintage timepieces, and contemporary art.

Helena treated it as a fun date, happy just to browse and experience the atmosphere.

The auction hall was intimate, hosting only about fifty or sixty people, but every single attendee commanded a massive presence on the global wealth registry.

Morris and Helena were seated near the aisle in the front row—a perfect vantage point that wasn't overly conspicuous.

The first few lots were vintage watches and emeralds. The bidding was polite and predictable, with items selling within their estimated ranges.

Helena flipped through the glossy catalog, her fingers pausing on a specific page. It featured a pear-cut, D-flawless diamond ring. The center stone weighed a staggering fifteen carats. A tiny footnote at the bottom read: *Commissioned by a private collector, making its first public appearance.*

She didn't think much of it and turned the page.

The auctioneer slipped on a fresh pair of white gloves. A velvet tray was slowly pushed under the spotlight.

The lights hit the facets of the massive diamond, scattering a blinding array of prismatic light across the room. It looked like a captured star.

"Our next lot, item 2087," the auctioneer's crisp voice cut through the room. "A 15.2-carat pear-cut diamond ring, D-color, internally flawless, presented by an anonymous private collector. The starting bid is 68 million."

Helena's breath hitched. She looked down at the catalog—it was the exact page she had just looked at.

She turned to look at Morris.

He didn't look back. His right hand casually flipped through the catalog, but his left hand slid over, firmly covering hers.

"Bidding increments are set at two million," the auctioneer announced. "Do I have 68 million?"

A paddle went up in the back row.

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