Chapter 61
61 The Auction Begins
She had only settled into her seat for a short while when a knock sounded at the door of the private suite.
“Knock, knock p>
“Come in,” Arabella said, turning toward the entrance.
A member of the auction staff entered and respectfully handed her a tablet. “Miss, these are the lots for today’s auction. You may preview them here. Hilde’s has also prepared refreshments for your enjoyment. Should you require anything, please ring the bell. Someone will attend to you promptly.” With a polite nod, the staff member withdrew.
Arabella scrolled through the digital catalog. Not bad–a few pieces immediately caught her
eye.
Setting the tablet aside, she sampled one of the pastries on the tray. There were still a few minutes before the auction began; she might as well relax for a moment.
Downstairs in the main hall, Dylan and Harper were seated together, speaking in low tones.
“Harper, if you see anything you like later, just point it out. I’ll get it for you,” Dylan said sweetly.
Hearing this, Harper’s face lit up. She smiled at him. “Dylan, you’re so good to me.
“I just wonder who else is here today. I’m not sure if we’ll be able to secure what we want…” she added, a note of uncertainty in her voice.
Dylan affectionately brushed a strand of hair from her cheek. “Don’t worry. With me here, you’ll get whatever you like. Just wait for your gifts p>
He sounded utterly confident, as though no other bidder in the room mattered.
“By the way, when we came in, I overheard someone saying the guest in Suite One is the CEO of Horizon Corp,” Harper mentioned.
“Dylan, do
you know the CEO of Horizon Corp?” Harper asked, blinking up at him.
“Horizon Corp!” Dylan stiffened slightly at the name.
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“Yes p>
Could Mr. Stewart be here too?
+10 Free Coins
He couldn’t help glancing up toward the private suite on the mezzanine and silently hoping Matthew wouldn’t be interested in the same pieces as Harper.
Noticing his distraction, Harper nudged him. “Hey, what are you thinking about p>
“Nothing. Here, have some coffee,” Dylan said, handing her a cup, though his expression remained somewhat preoccupied.
Harper happily accepted the drink and took a pleased sip.
Soon the auction commenced.
Under the soft, focused lighting, the room took on an air of refined anticipation.
Collectors, international bidders, and curious observers filled the seats, all eyes trained on the podium.
Everyone awaited the first glimpse of the day’s offerings.
Auctioneer took the stage in a tailored black suit, and with a brief opening remark, he began. “Let us proceed with today’s first lot p>
As he spoke, an image of a pair of cobalt–and–white porcelain vases appeared on the large screen beside him.
“Our opening lot is a pair of porcelain vases by Master Arden Solis.” The auctioneer began detailing the provenance and estimated value.
Watching the screen from her suite, Arabella noted that while the vases were finely crafted and the glaze was vivid, they weren’t quite to her personal taste.
In another suite, Matthew glanced at the same screen and instructed Andy, “Grandpa would appreciate those. Enter a bid p>
“Yes, sir p>
Just then, one of his security detail entered quietly. “Someone has entered Marla’s reserved suite. It appears to be him p>
“Mr. Stewart, it seems Marla has arrived,” Andy reported.
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Matthew’s eyebrow lifted slightly. “Extend an invitation p>
“Yes.” Andy left at once to do so.
Outside Marla’s suite, Andy knocked.
Assuming it was staff, Arabella called, “Come in p>
Andy entered and saw a figure in a baseball cap and mask seated inside.
Given the deliberate anonymity, this had to be the elusive investor, Marla.
Recognizing Matthew’s assistant, Arabella narrowed her eyes slightly.
Why was Andy here, and why at her suite? Was Matthew here as well?
Murres Loins
Andy addressed her politely. “Good afternoon. I’m Mr. Stewart’s assistant from Horizon Corp. Mr. Stewart has asked if you might join him. Would that be convenient p>
He spoke with deference–this was Marla, after all. Anyone else would have received a far more routine summons.
Why would Matthew want to see her? How did he even know she was here?
She had registered under the name Marla. He shouldn’t have made the connection.
Unless he already knew she was Marla?
Noting her silence, Andy thought she might not have understood. “Miss, Mr. Stewart would appreciate a moment of your time. Would you be available p>
“ Miss “. So Andy didn’t recognize me.
A wave of relief passed through her.
Right–they had only met briefly before, and she was thoroughly disguised. It made sense he wouldn’t know.
In that case, this was manageable. Arabella deliberately lowered her voice, adopting a cooler, more detached tone. I’m sorry, but I’m not acquainted with Mr. Stewart. I’m unavailable to join him p>
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Chapter
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.