Chapter 23

The auction staff moved with practiced efficiency. During a brief intermission, they discreetly delivered the bracelet to Isabella and stood expectantly, awaiting her payment.

Every participant had undergone rigorous financial verification prior to the event. Backing out after winning a bid wasn't an option - the organizers would immediately pursue legal action against defaulters through their corporations.

Isabella's hand trembled visibly as she signed the exorbitant check.

Several rows behind her, Adrian Prescott barely concealed his amusement. "Fortune smiles upon me today," he murmured. "How rare to find someone willing to pay triple an item's worth."

The bracelet's true value barely touched three hundred thousand.

He'd been swindled by a dishonest jeweler, purchasing it for five hundred thousand as a gift for his mother. When she'd rejected it, he'd been forced to liquidate the unwanted present.

His gaze drifted toward Evelyn Carter, who had participated in the bidding. She was stunning - the kind of beauty that demanded appreciation.

But more intriguing than her looks was her mysterious aura.

Adrian's interest sharpened.

"She seems familiar," he remarked to the HB Group executive beside him. "Who is she?"

"That's Evelyn Carter," came the reply.

"Evelyn Carter?" Adrian repeated, recalling the sickly girl from the Carter family rumors. The contrast was too stark.

Impossible.

He blinked, studying Evelyn again. "Must be a coincidence. Just sharing the same name."

The auction resumed with the next lot.

"An antique Epigny pocket watch! Opening bid - five million!"

This was the item Dominic Kingsley had instructed Evelyn to acquire. Without hesitation, she raised her paddle. "Six million!"

"Six point five million!"

Without Isabella's interference, the bidding proceeded smoothly. Evelyn secured the watch for seven million.

Isabella seethed with silent fury but dared not challenge Evelyn again, fearing another financial trap.

Her funds were depleted regardless.

Leaning toward Nathan Sterling, she whispered poisonously, "Evelyn's transformed remarkably, Nathan. She took nothing in the divorce, didn't she?"

"Where does an assistant - even to Kingsley Industries' president - get such wealth? Seven million for a pocket watch seems... excessive."

She watched Nathan's reaction carefully.

"They say Dominic Kingsley trusts her with critical projects, just like you once did..."

Each word darkened Nathan's expression further. An inexplicable rage simmered within him.

Just like when she'd been with him?

Was history repeating itself with Dominic?

Before Isabella could continue, Nathan cut her off coldly. "Are you done here? If not, we're leaving."

Recognizing his dangerous mood, Isabella immediately backtracked. "Forgive me, Nathan. I spoke out of turn."

"Let's go."

As major stakeholders in Kristina's auction house, Kingsley Industries enjoyed certain privileges. Evelyn was escorted to an exclusive VVIP lounge to finalize her purchase.

After signing the necessary documents, the staff discreetly withdrew, leaving her alone with the antique watch.

She was examining the timepiece when the door burst open.

Nathan stood framed in the doorway, eyes blazing with barely contained fury. "What exactly is your relationship with Dominic Kingsley?" he demanded.

He'd left Isabella waiting in the car, claiming a need for the restroom. But this confrontation couldn't wait.