Chapter 207

Evelyn had witnessed countless social encounters in her life. Even when Harrison dismissed her with indifference, she maintained her composure effortlessly.

"Mr. Whitmore, I completely understand. As a prominent CEO, you must meet countless people. I'm Bianca Delacroix. We were introduced at Horizon Technologies' grand opening last month."

Harrison listened politely but showed no flicker of recognition. "My apologies. That doesn't ring any bells."

His blunt response bordered on rude. Bianca's smile faltered slightly at his words.

Meanwhile, Evelyn found the entire exchange amusing. She marveled at Harrison's ability to remain unaffected by such a stunning woman's advances.

The atmosphere shifted when Nathan Sterling made his entrance, dressed in a tailored Armani suit.

Nathan had chosen to attend this charity gala to rehabilitate Sterling Enterprises' tarnished image. A substantial donation would serve as perfect PR to regain public favor.

"Mr. Sterling, what an honor to have you join us tonight." The event coordinator practically tripped over himself to greet the business magnate. Despite recent scandals, the Sterling name still commanded respect in high society.

Even with their recent troubles, the Sterlings remained among Pamore's elite families. The organizers wouldn't dare slight Nathan, immediately ushering him to a prime front-row seat.

Fate placed him directly beside Evelyn and Harrison.

Nathan's gaze locked onto Evelyn the moment he spotted her. When he noticed Harrison sitting so close, his jaw tightened imperceptibly. He took his seat without uttering a word.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our annual charity auction. All proceeds tonight will benefit the Red Cross's programs for orphans and elderly care."

As the opening remarks concluded, the auctioneer took center stage.

"Our first item is a diamond bracelet donated by Summit Corporation, starting at one hundred thousand dollars."

"One-ten!"

"One-thirty!"

"One-fifty!"

The bids came rapidly, finally closing at two hundred thousand.

Evelyn leaned toward Harrison, whispering, "What did you donate tonight?"

"Nothing particularly special," he replied casually.

She nodded, letting the matter drop. As she turned, her eyes accidentally met Nathan's intense stare. She coolly averted her gaze without reaction.

The auction continued smoothly.

"Now we have our fifth item - an Omega timepiece donated by Mr. Harrison Whitmore of Horizon Technologies, starting at fifty thousand dollars."

Before the auctioneer finished speaking, Bianca's paddle shot up from the back. "One million dollars!"

Gasps rippled through the crowd as heads swiveled toward the bold bidder. Bianca simply smiled, radiating confidence.

"What in the world?" Olivia muttered to Natalie. "That watch isn't worth half that. Has she lost her mind?"

Natalie smirked, glancing meaningfully at Evelyn. "I'd say someone's trying to get Harrison's attention."

Olivia's eyes widened. "Seriously? She's making a play for Evelyn's man? That takes some nerve."

In Olivia's opinion, no one measured up to Evelyn. Any woman bold enough to pursue Harrison would need more than beauty - she'd need a death wish.

Natalie chuckled. "Even if she wants him, she'll have to get past Evelyn first. This just got interesting."

Olivia caught her meaning immediately.

"The bid stands at one million dollars. Do I hear any advance?" The auctioneer's voice cut through the murmurs.

"One million going once..."

"One million going twice..."

Just as the gavel hovered, Evelyn calmly raised her paddle from the front row. "Two million."