Chapter 27: The Midnight Sovereign — A Game of Diamonds in Monaco

The Mediterranean breeze carried the scent of salt and luxury as Zhao Feng's private yacht approached the Monte Carlo harbor. The city gleamed beneath the night sky, a sparkling jewel cradled by the sea. From the grand casino to the lavish resorts, Monaco was a playground for the world's wealthiest — a fitting stage for what Zhao Feng was about to pursue.

His target was the Midnight Sovereign, a flawless black diamond shrouded in both mystery and power. Unlike the glistening clarity of traditional diamonds, black diamonds held an enigmatic allure — a symbol of dominance and ambition. It was perfect for the Black Sun piece in the Eclipse Collection.

But acquiring it wouldn't be simple.

"Boss," Xiao Ling's voice broke through the soft hum of the yacht's engines. Dressed in a sleek black suit, she approached with her tablet in hand. "The diamond's current owner, Count Victor La Roche, is a man of influence. Former arms dealer, now a legitimate shipping magnate. He rarely attends public events, but he's rumored to have an ego as large as his fortune."

Zhao Feng's lips curled slightly. "Then we'll give his ego something to feast on."

The Monte Carlo Grand Pavilion stood as a monument to excess — a glass-domed ballroom perched above the harbor, its crystal chandeliers glowing like constellations. Only the elite were invited to tonight's exclusive event, a charity auction hosted under the guise of elegance.

But Zhao Feng knew better. It wasn't charity that drew people like Count La Roche. It was the need to be seen, to flaunt wealth, and to prove superiority.

Stepping from his limousine, Zhao Feng drew the attention of the gathered crowd. Dressed in a perfectly tailored navy suit, every detail was deliberate — from the platinum cufflinks glinting under the lights to the understated luxury of his timepiece. He wasn't just wealthy. He was the man who moved markets.

"Mr. Zhao," a sharp voice called. The event's host, a woman wrapped in crimson silk, approached with a dazzling smile. "It's an honor to have you here. Rumor has it you're seeking something special tonight?"

"Rumors travel fast," Zhao Feng replied coolly, offering her a polite nod. "But I'm only here to observe."

A half-truth.

The murmurs grew louder as Count Victor La Roche made his entrance. Draped in a tailored black velvet jacket, he was a striking figure with silver-streaked hair and a calculating gaze. On his arm was a model half his age, dripping in diamonds — none as precious as the one Zhao Feng sought.

But it was what La Roche wore on his right hand that caught Zhao Feng's attention.

A ring — no larger than a thumbnail — set with the Midnight Sovereign. Its jet-black surface absorbed the ballroom's glittering light, exuding a presence that overshadowed every other jewel in sight.

"He never takes it off," Xiao Ling murmured softly, her eyes fixed on the diamond. "Rumor has it he believes it brings him power."

Zhao Feng's smirk was almost imperceptible. Power was an illusion. And illusions could be shattered.

Seated at a private table overlooking the auction stage, Zhao Feng allowed the night to unfold. The guests sipped champagne and exchanged pleasantries, though beneath the laughter lay an unspoken competition.

Count La Roche thrived on it. Every glance he cast was a challenge — a reminder of his dominance. But Zhao Feng did not rise to the bait. He waited.

And when the auction began, the room stirred. Rare art pieces, vintage wines, and even private islands were paraded across the stage. Bidders flashed their wealth with careless ease, millions exchanging hands within seconds.

But Zhao Feng remained silent.

It wasn't until the auctioneer announced the final item of the night — a limited-edition Italian yacht — that Count La Roche made his move.

"Twenty million euros," La Roche's voice rang out, smug and confident. The crowd whispered, impressed. Few could match that level of extravagance without blinking.

Zhao Feng raised a hand.

"Forty million euros."

A ripple of disbelief washed over the crowd. La Roche's smile faltered.

"Fifty million euros."

"Seventy million," Zhao Feng countered effortlessly, his expression calm.

The room grew tense. La Roche's pride wavered, but he forced a grin. "Eighty-five million euros!"

"One hundred million."

Silence.

Count La Roche's jaw clenched. For a man who thrived on victory, this was humiliation. Zhao Feng hadn't even blinked.

The auctioneer's gavel slammed down. "Sold."

After the event, Zhao Feng found himself approached by the Count. The older man's smile was thin, masking his wounded pride.

"You enjoy making statements, Mr. Zhao," La Roche said, his tone laced with challenge.

"I don't make statements," Zhao Feng replied calmly. "I make investments."

La Roche's gaze flickered to the massive yacht model displayed behind them, then back to Zhao Feng. "And what would it take for a man like you to find value in something... irreplaceable?"

Zhao Feng's eyes gleamed. "The Midnight Sovereign."

A tense silence followed. La Roche chuckled dryly. "That diamond is priceless. It's been in my possession for over a decade."

"Everything has a price," Zhao Feng said smoothly. "Name yours."

For a moment, La Roche wavered. The allure of proving his dominance, of testing Zhao Feng's resolve, was too great.

"A game," La Roche said finally. "Poker. High stakes. If you win, the Midnight Sovereign is yours. If I win, I'll have something I desire."

"And what would that be?"

La Roche's grin widened. "Your yacht. The one you so generously overpaid for tonight."

Zhao Feng's smirk was cold and calculated. "Deal."

The crowd around them murmured, the tension thickening. This was no longer about diamonds or money. It was a battle of pride.

And Zhao Feng never lost.