Chapter 479

His gaze instinctively sought out Evelyn. She was completely engrossed in the auction stage, seemingly oblivious to their arrival.

The item up for bid was a millennium-old masterpiece, its colors still vibrant despite the passage of time.

Flourishing Era, the painting was called—a priceless artifact that belonged in a museum. Yet here it was, displayed at the Powell family’s auction, drawing hushed murmurs of disbelief from the crowd.

"The Powells really do have shady connections. To possess even one piece like this is astonishing. This is the fifth treasure tonight, isn’t it?"

"Exactly! That’s why they say the Powells are obscenely wealthy. Just a few of these relics could make anyone’s fortune!"

"Where do they even get these things? Shouldn’t someone report them?"

"Are you out of your mind? This is the Powell family we’re talking about. You’ll disappear before they ever face consequences!"

Fear flickered across the faces of the onlookers, but their greed won out. One by one, they raised their paddles, bidding sums that left others breathless.

Evelyn, too, was captivated. She had never seen anything like this before…

The auctioneer’s voice rang out. "A rare treasure, ladies and gentlemen—smooth as silk, flawless in craftsmanship. The starting bid is thirty million dollars!"

"Thirty-two million!"

"Thirty-five million!"

The bids came in sporadically.

Recognizing the bracelet Claire had admired earlier, Evelyn wasted no time. "Fifty million!"

It was the first time she had spoken all evening. This bracelet was her sole target. Once she secured it, she intended to leave immediately.

The room fell into stunned silence at her bold offer.

After a few tense seconds, the auctioneer began the countdown. "Fifty million, going once! Fifty million, going twice—"

"Sixty million!"

Evelyn’s head snapped toward the voice. There, seated beside Alexander, was Isabella Morgan.

She had been the one to counter.

Evelyn’s eyes locked with Alexander’s across the room.

Tonight had been full of whispers.

Like how the Morgan family had fallen from grace years ago…

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the auction hall as the bidding war intensified.

It was common knowledge that Alexander Whitmore’s financial backing had allowed Isabella Morgan to complete her education.

After the Morgan family’s downfall, Isabella had been taken in by distant relatives—neighbors to the farmers who had raised Alexander. Their shared past was no secret.

Eighty million dollars.

Evelyn Carter’s fingers tightened around her paddle. The Morgan fortune had long been seized. Could Isabella really afford such an extravagant sum?

Or… would Alexander step in to buy the bracelet for her?

Evelyn lowered her gaze, a pang of discomfort twisting in her chest as she glanced away from the pair.

"Eighty million, going once. Eighty million, going twice—"

Her paddle lifted again. "Ninety million."

Guilt pricked at her. She hated taking something someone else cherished, but this bracelet belonged to Claire Dawson. She had to secure it for her.

That was the limit of the funds Claire had entrusted to her. If Isabella bid again…

"Ninety-five million!"

Isabella’s voice rang out, sharp with determination. Evelyn exhaled, closing her eyes in defeat.

Beside Isabella, Alexander’s expression darkened, his jaw tightening.

Evelyn batted her eyelashes with feigned innocence. "That bracelet is absolutely divine. It's rare to find something that matches my style so perfectly." She pouted slightly. "I don't have nearly enough funds for it, but you do, don't you, my dear benefactor?"

Alexander's expression darkened instantly. "Stop speaking nonsense."

Evelyn let out a playful laugh, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You were the one who said I never have to repay you, that we don't keep tabs between us. So doesn't that make you my patron?" She tilted her head, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. "Or is it because I want the same bracelet your wife adores that you're suddenly being so stingy?" Her lips curled into a knowing smirk. "Don't forget—she humiliated you tonight. Consider this my way of getting revenge on your behalf."

The air between them crackled with tension as Alexander's jaw tightened. Evelyn merely smiled wider, twirling a strand of hair around her finger, waiting for his response.