Chapter 7 The director admired my backbone and used her connections to secure the best venue at the city's cultural center. Opening night of the restoration exhibition was unprecedented. Every major figure in the national cultural heritage world attended. I wore a modified dress of my own design, standing under the spotlight, accepting praise from everyone. I saw Damien and Aria had come too. For the first time, Damien's gaze lingered on me for more than three seconds. 3ut ultimately, he still didn't recognize me. Aria's expression was ugly-she probably never imagined that the "pathetic woman" she'd trampled into the mud could cause such waves in the cultural heritage world so quickly. She walked over with a wine glass, lowering her voice: Luna, you really never change." You think this will make Damien notice you? How naive." He's here today to support me." The moment she finished speaking, Damien walked toward us. He passed right by me and spoke directly to Aria: Aria, congratulations." Aria immediately put on a shy expression: Thank you, Damien." Everyone's eyes focused on them. Reporters frantically clicked their cameras. Mr. Ashford, are you and Miss Sterling planning wedding bells soon?" Mr. Ashford, did you acquire the museum to pave the way for Miss Sterling's artistic career?" Damien didn't answer, just looked at Aria with eyes so gentle they could melt. lis silence was the best confirmation. ria shot me a triumphant look. ust then, a group in uniforms suddenly burst in. hey walked straight to me and produced a search warrant. Miss Luna Rivers, you're suspected of trafficking cultural artifacts and illegally selling a batch of nationally treasured manuscripts. Please come with us." My head buzzed. Again. Another fabricated charge from thin air. Aria covered her mouth in mock shock: Oh my God, Luna, how could you do such a thing?" She turned to Damien, tears streaming down her face: 'Damien, I knew she wouldn't give up. She's getting revenge on us!" Damien's expression was terrifyingly dark. le walked up to me step by step, his eyes like poisoned ice picks. Is this what all your hiding was for? Is your jealousy so strong you have to compete with Aria?" You were too naive, tricking me into signing that agreement. Otherwise, with your status as Mrs. Ashford, what couldn't you have had?" Luna, I gave you chances." You chose this humiliation yourself." le raised his hand, and the officers immediately stepped forward, cold handcuffs clicking around my wrists. looked at him, my heart completely dead. Damien, you'll regret this!" le laughed coldly, like he'd heard the world's funniest joke. Regret? My biggest regret was marrying you in the first place." was pushed toward the exit as Aria's triumphant laughter and the guests' contemptuous whispers followed behind. espair nearly swallowed me whole. ist as I was about to be loaded into the vehicle, an elderly but powerful voice rang out. Stop!" he crowd parted as the museum director walked in, supported by her cane and a young assistant. ehind her followed an old man with white hair and beard. he old man's gaze swept the crowd before settling on my face, his cloudy eyes suddenly blazing with light. Found her! It's her!" le walked forward excitedly, pointing at me, then turning to Damien. Mr. Ashford, do you remember me? Fifteen years ago, I rescued you from those traffickers." Damien frowned, clearly having no memory of this sudden appearance. ut the old man didn't mind. le carefully pulled out a yellowed diary book from his cloth bag and held it before Damien: This contains the records from that time, clearly stating that the one who came for help was another young girl who was kidnapped with you." le opened the book: "The records say that when that young benefactor escaped, she wore a torn red dress and had a crescent-shaped scar on her wrist." Damien's body went rigid. His gaze fixed on my left wrist locked in handcuffs. There, a crescent-shaped scar stood out clearly.