Chapter 174

Lucy White crossed her arms, a mocking smile playing on her lips.

Just as she was about to taunt Felix Von, the cold voice of Michael Johnson cut in from behind.

"With a face like that, you actually dare to lust after Lucy?"

Michael had casually picked out a few raw stones when he spotted Lucy selecting jade alone in the distance. He had intended to approach her, only to overhear Felix's crude remarks, instantly igniting his fury. If not for the public setting, he would have already thrown a punch.

Felix turned around, his face dark with rage, ready to unleash a torrent of curses—until he recognized Michael. The words died in his throat. The Von family was currently seeking a partnership with the Johnsons, and he couldn’t afford to offend the heir.

"Miss White, you’d better think carefully about my proposal," he muttered under his breath, his tone laced with threat.

Lucy tore his business card into pieces right in front of him.

"Michael’s right," she sneered. "You should take a good look in the mirror. See if you even deserve to breathe the same air as me."

Felix’s expression twisted. "You—!"

How dare a mere actress act so arrogantly?

"Just you wait," he spat venomously before storming off.

Lucy’s fingers twitched imperceptibly, and a wisp of miasmic energy slithered unnoticed into Felix’s body. His face bore the marks of cruelty, his hands stained with blood. From today onward, he wouldn’t be harming any more women.

And she’d make sure his life was plagued by endless "accidents."

"Are you okay?" Michael asked, concern lacing his voice.

Lucy shrugged. "Just a stray dog barking."

"A rabid one, at that," Michael agreed, then lowered his voice. "He’s that woman’s son?"

Lucy nodded. "The whole family’s rotten."

"Should we leave?" Michael suggested.

Lucy arched a brow. "Why should I be the one to avoid them?"

"This auction will leave them empty-handed."

Michael chuckled indulgently. "Fine. I’ll stay with you."

Just then, Ethan Smith approached with a small entourage.

"Did Felix bother you?" he asked bluntly.

Lucy answered plainly. "He offered to be my sugar daddy. I told him off."

Ethan’s gaze turned icy.

Evan York adjusted his glasses. "Felix just got out of jail. Seems he hasn’t learned his lesson."

"Miss White, we meet again," he greeted with a smile.

Lucy inclined her head. "Here for the jade auction, Mr. York?"

"My jewelry company needs raw materials," Evan explained.

Ethan added, "His company and Von Jewelry are bitter rivals."

Evan grinned. "With your blessing, I’ll crush them this time."

"How’s your selection going?" Ethan asked Lucy.

"Only halfway through," she replied.

"Let’s go together," Ethan said. "I’ll help Evan pick a few stones too."

Lucy agreed.

Michael suddenly interjected, "You know jade appraisal, Mr. Smith?"

Ethan smirked. "Got a problem with that, Mr. Johnson?"

"Just worried you’ll embarrass yourself in front of the crowd if you pick duds," Michael challenged.

Ethan remained unruffled. "I could say the same to you."

Tension crackled between them, but Lucy pretended not to notice, turning back to examine the stones.

Meanwhile, Felix returned to his sister, Fiona Von, his face thunderous.

"What happened?" Fiona asked.

After hearing his account, Fiona’s cold gaze locked onto Lucy. For some reason, she had despised this woman at first sight.

"Playing hard to get," she scoffed. "Once she’s in your hands, we’ll see how she begs."

Felix bared his teeth in a vicious grin. "Exactly."