Eugene’s gaze briefly lingered on Lydia, though his words were addressed to the crowd around him. “The auction is about to begin. If you don’t want to miss out, you’d better get ready.”His tone made it clear he wasn’t interested in further conversation. The people around them were quick to pick up on social cues and nodded in agreement.”Mr. Ford is right, we can’t miss this one!””It’s time to head in,” someone else chimed in.As soon as the words were spoken, the lights in the room dimmed. Amid the collective gasps of the crowd, a spotlight shone on the stage where the host stepped into view. After the usual pleasantries, the auction officially began. People quickly found their seats, and Lydia followed Quincy to a spot with a good view of the stage.As they settled in, Eugene passed by, leaning slightly toward her as he said, “I’ll see you after the auction.”Lydia glanced at him but didn’t respond, keeping her focus on Quincy. Once seated, she reached for Quincy’s hand and firmly pulled it toward her. Inspecting his reddened knuckles, she frowned, her heart tightening with both anger and concern. “I asked you earlier, and you said you were fine. Does this look like ‘fine’ to you?” she scolded, her voice a mix of frustration and care.Quincy didn’t seem bothered by the injury. “It’s nothing,” he reassured her. “I hurt it earlier while dealing with those guys. And I’d do it again in a heartbeat if it meant protecting you.”It’s just a little bruise,” he added softly, squeezing her hand. “It’ll be fine soon.”After some gentle coaxing, Lydia finally calmed down, though she couldn’t help but worry.el.ne?The auction was already underway, with five items sold. The first few were relatively minor trinkets which included antique vases and art paintings. But as the auction progressed, more valuable items were brought out. One of them was the gemstone Eugene hadmentioned earlier. The moment the amethyst was revealed, there was a collective gasp from the crowd. Many were clearly eager to bid on this rare gem.Lydia’s eyes fell on the stone resting in the host’s hand. It was a thumb-sized, sparkling violet gem that glimmered under the soft light. Even she found it hard to look away.Now she understood why so many wealthy socialites and heiresses had set their sights on this gem.”If you like it, we can bid for it,” Quincy said, handing her the bidding paddle.Startled, Lydia shook her head quickly. “I never said I wanted it. It’s just a gemstone, what’s the big deal? I’ve seen plenty like it.” Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ ƒindNoᴠᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.The truth was, this amethyst was one of a kind and Lydia certainly didn’t have plenty like it.” But she brushed it off, more concerned about Quincy’s finances. Their company was doing well, butit wasstill in its early stages. This gem was clearly worth a fortune, and bidding on it seemed like an unnecessary expense. She tried to explain her reasoning to Quincy, but he simply smiled and insisted, “Don’t worry about the money. If you want it, I’ll make sure you have it.”A wave of warmth spread through Lydia’s chest at his words.Soon, the host finished introducing the amethyst. As Lydia braced herself for what she expected to be a fierce bidding war, the host’s expression shifted to one of apology.”This amethyst was originallyintended to be the centerpiece of tonight’s auction,” he announced. “It was supposed to go to the highest bidder among our distinguished guests. However, in light of a great favor done for Wonders Corporation by one individual, we regret to inform you that the gemstone will be withdrawn from the auction and presented directly to that person.”
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