“Mom, you always know just what to do,” Sloane beamed, a glimmer of admiration in her voice.
However, their conversation was interrupted by the sudden chime of the doorbell, and a moment later, the servant entered to announce that Eric was here.
Straightening her posture, Sloane quickly masked any hint of tension, instructing the servant to tidy up the mess on the floor.
As soon as Eric stepped inside, his gaze landed on the table littered with photographs, his brows knitting in a faint frown.
Sloane softened her expression, her lips curving into a gentle smile. “Eric, you’re here! Are you planning to take me to the auction?”
“Sloane, the photos…” Eric was about to explain.
Sloane cut him off, taking his arm. “Eric, you don’t need to explain. I know you don’t feel anything for her anymore. You went today only to help, right?”
A flicker of surprise crossed Eric’s face; he had expected Sloane to make a scene, but she was so understanding. “Yes. Are you not upset?”
“Why would I be? If you hadn’t gone, I would have. She’s still my sister, and I only want what’s best for her,” Sloane replied with a sweet smile. “But judging from the look on your face, I’m guessing it didn’t go well. Let’s set that aside for now. Your father’s birthday banquet is approaching. Let’s go pick out a gift, shall we?”
Seeing Sloane act so graciously in the face of his infidelity, Eric felt a pang of guilt for the flicker of doubt he’d felt that afternoon.
“You’re always so thoughtful, Sloane. Let’s go, then. Anything that catches your eye at the auction, it’s yours.” Sloane’s face lit up with a delighted smile, and they headed out together.
Khloe had been at Starshine Entertainment for her acting classes for hours, and it wasn’t until midnight that she realized it was time to head home. When she left the building, a luxurious black Rolls-Royce came to a smooth stop in front of her. The window lowered to reveal Henrik’s handsome face. “Hop in. We have somewhere to be.”
Taken slightly aback by the intensity of his gaze, Khloe hesitated, but after a brief pause, she decided to climb into the car.
The air inside felt heavy. Khloe glanced at Henrik and, breaking the quiet, asked, “Where are we going?” Henrik kept his focus on the road, his voice low as he answered, “To an auction.”
The car pulled up to the venue not long after, and a staff member was waiting to usher them through the exclusive VIP entrance.
As they stepped inside, the person in charge of the auction, a man who seemed eager to please, approached them immediately. His face was adorned with a wide, flattering grin as he said, “Mr. Watson, we’re honored to have you here.”
Henrik gave a brief, barely perceptible nod, his face remaining impassive and distant.
The man escorted them to the most extravagant VIP room. It was exquisitely designed, with plush furnishings and a perfect vantage point of the auction stage, giving them a clear view of every movement and gesture.
Khloe couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe. In her experience, auction houses with such prestigious backgrounds and vast networks didn’t usually indulge in flattery. And this one was recognized as one of the finest in the industry.
Yet to her surprise, even the most influential individuals seemed to show Henrik a deep level of respect.
Henrik’s position in the world, his influence, and his reach were far beyond anything Khloe had ever imagined. Suddenly, a quiet buzz spread through the crowd at the auction. Khloe glanced up and saw Sloane walking in, her arm linked with Eric’s.
Eric was quickly surrounded by people eager to greet him, while Sloane stood proudly by his side, basking in the attention.
When Henrik noticed Khloe looking at them, he turned to look as well, raising an eyebrow. “Seems like the world is smaller than we think, huh?”
Khloe let out a soft, amused laugh. “They’re my problem, not yours.”
“Who says otherwise?” Henrik’s eyes grew darker.
Khloe’s heart fluttered at the remark. Eager to avoid continuing this conversation with Henrik, she reached up to massage her neck. “I spent hours practicing my posture for the performance this afternoon. I’m completely drained.”
Henrik’s expression softened with a flicker of concern. Before Khloe could react, his fingers were already on her neck. “Let me give you a massage,” he offered.
Surprised, she instinctively pulled away. “There’s no need for that. It’s inappropriate.”
Henrik didn’t pull back his hand. Instead, he applied just a bit more pressure, his voice soft and coaxing. “Don’t move.”
Khloe turned her head slightly, her eyes meeting Henrik’s earnest gaze. It was as though an invisible force had stirred her heart. She stopped pulling away and let Henrik’s fingers massage her neck, causing a soothing, tingling feeling to spread through her.
As his strong fingers pressed into such a sensitive spot, Khloe felt a warmth spread through her body, something she hadn’t experienced before. Was this her sensitive spot? The realization made Khloe feel a little flustered. Her heart raced, but it also felt strangely comfortable.
Henrik’s fingers were warm and steady, each touch smooth and precise. Seeing her so at ease, he couldn’t help but smile, his eyes soft with affection. “How’s that? Feeling better?”
Khloe gave a quiet hum, her voice so soft it was almost a whisper.
In that moment, the atmosphere between them became more intimate, as if the air itself had thickened. Neither of them noticed that the auction had already started. Henrik’s hand gradually stopped, but it lingered at the back of her neck for a brief moment.
Khloe’s breath quickened as she opened her eyes, locking with Henrik’s intense stare. It felt like time stopped as they silently stared at each other, their heartbeats clearly heard.
In the thick silence, a gasp suddenly came from the crowd below.
“Fifty million!” The auctioneer’s voice rang out. “Mr. Eric Watson has placed a bid of fifty million for the necklace. Is there anyone here willing to outbid him?”
The auctioneer said, “Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves, for this necklace is not just a piece of jewelry – it’s a legend. Crafted by a master jeweler over years, it boasts the finest diamonds and the rarest gemstones, a testament to unparalleled artistry. Its history is rich, having adorned royalty at some of the most significant events, symbolizing an era of regal power and timeless grace.”
The crowd hung on every word, eyes glowing with desire. A woman gasped, unable to contain herself. “This is unreal! Imagine owning such a treasure-what a dream!” Another woman breathed in sharply, her gaze locked on the necklace. “It’s captivating. How extraordinary it would feel to wear it, to have it draped around my neck.”
“Sloane is lucky to have Eric. A future filled with unimaginable wealth and luxury awaits her.”
As murmurs of admiration and jealousy filled the air, Sloane smiled, her chin lifted high. Every move she made to win Eric, every calculated effort to make him her fiance, had been for this very moment-a moment that fed her vanity like nothing else could. Her eyes were already dancing with anticipation, planning how she would claim the spotlight once the necklace was hers.
The auctioneer continued calling out bids.
“Fifty million, going twice! Fifty million, going thrice…” Just as the auctioneer’s gavel was about to strike, a voice sliced through the air, sharp and commanding from the only VIP box.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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