Chapter 41

Thaddeus's expression darkened, his lips pressed into a tight line.

The bidding had already reached nine hundred thousand, so a million was nothing.

Evadne suddenly stopped. Not because she couldn't afford it—she could. She just chose to let it go. On purpose.

But he couldn't say a word. No one had forced her to spend a fortune on that painting. It was her own decision.

For the rest of the auction, Evadne remained composed, not making another bid.

Thaddeus only had eyes for the Dante Chair, so he stayed silent too.

Next up was a Victorian antique table lamp, donated by Elspeth on behalf of the Abernathy Group. Starting bid: two hundred thousand.

Evadne scoffed, shaking her head in disdain.

She’d rather buy a cheap knockoff than waste money on that junk. Whoever bought it was a fool.

As expected, the bidding was weak. Despite the auctioneer’s efforts, it sold for just two hundred and sixty thousand.

Elspeth’s smile faded.

At least it hadn’t gone below two hundred and fifty.

Thaddeus, however, remained indifferent.

Whatever Elspeth did, the embarrassment fell on Frederic. Though they were father and son, spouses were a united front.

"Next, we have a 17th-century European royal silver conch cup, donated by Suri Bright Ashbourne from the K Group!"

The collectors perked up instantly.

Evadne stiffened, quickly turning around.

There, in the back rows, sat Suri’s elegant figure.

[Suri’s here? Why didn’t you warn me?]

She texted Jason in a panic.

Jason replied. [Just found out! Probably Chairman Emeric sent her last minute.]

Evadne’s stomach twisted.

Nearly the entire Abernathy family was here tonight. One wrong move, and her identity could be exposed.

Then she caught Suri flashing her an "okay" sign—a silent promise only best friends understood.

Warmth flooded Evadne’s chest. She got it now.

Suri was brilliant.

The room buzzed with excitement over the K Group’s item.

People praised the Ashbourne Group’s generosity, a true display of corporate prestige.

In comparison, the Abernathy Group’s contributions were lackluster. Their donations looked like cheap decor.

Whispers about Elspeth’s poor taste spread.

Elspeth squirmed, humiliation burning her cheeks.

Her collection paled next to Suri’s. The difference was embarrassing.

For the first time tonight, interest flickered in Thaddeus’s eyes as he toyed with his bidding paddle.

"This is exquisite."

"The color of the sky after rain," Evadne murmured.

Thaddeus glanced at her, surprised.

She was lost in the antique’s beauty, her delicate skin glowing under the lights, breathtakingly radiant.

Though Evadne was stunning, he’d never paid much attention—his heart belonged to another.

Sometimes, he even pitied her for wasting her beauty chasing after him.

His gaze drifted to her wrist.

She still wore his grandfather’s bracelet. Even mismatched with her outfit, she refused to take it off.

His pulse hitched.

The silver conch cup sparked a fierce bidding war.

"One million!"

"Two and a half!"

"Two point seven!"

"Four million."

Thaddeus raised his paddle, his voice cool.

The room gasped.

Evadne stiffened, eyes snapping to him.

So the man with no taste in women had impeccable taste in antiques.

He met her gaze.

Her sharp, analytical stare pierced him, sending an unexpected jolt through his chest.

She looked away just as quickly.

Thaddeus won the cup, drawing admiring murmurs.

"Next time I visit, serve me in this," Jareth teased. "It suits my status."

"Too small for you," Thaddeus deadpanned. "I have something better."

"Oh?"

"A toilet."

Jareth groaned. "You’re heartless."

Evadne burst out laughing.

Acacia fumed. Wasting millions on a stupid cup? Why not buy a house instead?

She wasn’t even married to him yet, and she was already stressing over the Abernathy finances.

"Next, we have a truly special item—a Renaissance-era Dante Chair, a fifty-year private collection from an anonymous donor!"

The auctioneer’s voice boomed as four gloved staff carried the chair onto the stage, draped in protective velvet.

"It’s here!" Jareth elbowed Thaddeus excitedly.

Then he froze.

Both Thaddeus and Evadne leaned forward in perfect sync, like puppets pulled by the same string.

They were ready to fight for it.

"Starting bid: three million!"

The room erupted.

Bidders raised paddles frantically. The auctioneer barely kept up.

Three million—the highest opening bid of the night.

Elspeth and Glynnis, who loved attention, hesitated at the price.

Acacia and her mother had already bowed out, silent as mice.

Then—

"Six million."

A smooth, feminine voice cut through the noise.

Everyone turned.

Evadne.

The mysterious beauty was making waves again.

"Did I hear right?" Glynnis gasped. "That country bumpkin just bid six million? Is she insane?"

Elspeth said nothing, her icy stare locked on Evadne’s back.

Then her gaze slid to Suri. A smirk curled her lips.

Did she think she could play princess? The Ashbournes would chew her up.

"Seven million."

Thaddeus’s voice was calm, but irritation simmered beneath.

She was really going all out for Cassius.

"Seven and a half."

Evadne didn’t flinch.

Another gasp.

Even Jareth stayed quiet.

This was a duel between titans.

"Eight million." Thaddeus’s tone was cool, but his eyes burned.

She clenched her jaw.

She could afford more—her personal funds were vast. But eight million was her limit. Anything beyond was just ego.

"Thad," Jareth hissed, "your EQ is in the negatives. She wants that chair. Just let her have it. You’re embarrassing her in public!"

"She’s here for Cassius," Thaddeus said flatly. "This is between him and me."

Jareth sighed. "You’re hopeless."

"Eight million, going once! Twice—"

"Ten!"

A clear voice rang out from the back.

Thaddeus didn’t turn, but his brow arched.

All eyes flew to Suri.

Evadne’s heart leapt.

Emeric must’ve sent her to ensure Cassius got the chair.

Thaddeus hesitated, then stayed silent.

Not because he couldn’t afford more—but continuing would be petty.

The K Group won the Dante Chair. Applause thundered.

Just as everyone thought it was over, the auctioneer grinned.

"Last item tonight—donated by the K Group! A masterpiece jewel, 'Ruby Enigma,' crafted by a renowned designer!"

Thaddeus’s breath caught.

His heart stopped.