Chapter 4

I stared at Julian Sterling, my ID badge clicking in my hand.

"Do you really think so too?"

Julian Sterling merely nodded, offering no explanation.

"Let's wipe the slate clean, and then we go our separate ways."

It felt like a jagged knife had ripped through my chest, and my throat tasted of rust.

"The Sterling family plays a good hand."

"The international art dealer's Renaissance ceramic fraud case, the stolen ancient manuscripts switching case… I personally exposed the fakes and recovered the smuggled artifacts. Each and every one brought honor to Sterling Antiques, didn't it?"

"Not to mention the 'Jade and Porcelain Masterpiece' at that international auction, which put the auction house into the global top three. Over the years, when did the benefits ever fall to someone else?"

Grandpa Sterling leaned on his cane, his expression complex.

But Julian Sterling’s face remained indifferent.

"You've come this far because you used the Sterling family's platform, and you used Sterling Antiques' resources."

"That was your duty."

I scoffed.

"So that's how it is. What a Sterling family indeed."

"Then you all listen up. From today on, I have no ties with the Sterling family."

In front of everyone, I raised my hands and removed everything I wore that was associated with Sterling Antiques.

Finally, I took off the last remaining shirt on my body, my voice steady:

"It’s been a pleasure doing business with you all these years."

Julian Sterling’s expression suddenly changed. He strode forward, as if to grab me.

But I stepped back, my eyes like chips of ice.

"Mr. Sterling, are you satisfied now?"

Someone gasped. Some even secretly started recording with their phones.

I ignored them and walked towards the main door.

Countless eyes were fixed on my back. I heard someone scoff loudly:

"What good is great skill if you're just a stray dog fed by the Sterling family?"

As soon as I stepped out, Sterling Antiques employees began to whisper, some snickering:

"Look, that's her! The once highly sought-after Professor Sterling, she's in real trouble now, tsk tsk."

"I heard she stole artifacts from the company and was stripped and kicked out!"

"Ungrateful wretch, she deserves it! She really thought she was something special. Let's see who recognizes her once she leaves Sterling Antiques?"

Before the words fully faded.

Serena Hayes rushed forward, shouting loudly for all to hear:

"This woman has always been scheming, trying to seduce my fiancé! I caught her red-handed!"

"What's worse, she stole confidential data from Sterling Antiques, attempting to sell it to other auction houses! Now with undeniable evidence, everyone, judge for yourselves!"

A low murmur immediately spread through the crowd, some pointing fingers at me.

"What's going on? How could she do something like this?"

"Sterling Antiques treated her well, but she turned her back on them and even dared to bite the hand that fed her?"