Chapter 33
William disliked crowded events, so the organizers had arranged a private sulte for him on the second floor. From the floor–to–ceiling windows, he had a clear view of the auction stage below.
Layla, finding the whole experience novel, glanced around duriously, completely unaware that a staff member had leaned in to whisper something to William.
William instinctively cast a brief glance at her before signaling the staff member to leave. Once the door shut behind them, he handed Layla a catalog. “Here’s the list of uction Items for tonight. Take a look and see if anything catches your eye.”
She flipped through the catalog and found herself drawn to multe a few items halfway in.
“I’m really getting ahead of myself. Just because I have a little money now, I’m already forgetting my limits,” she thought to herself.
Closing the catalog before she got any more ideas, Layla forced herself to stay sensible.
William, however, noticed and asked, “Nothing interesting”
She smiled awkwardly. “I’m still looking.”
William didn’t doubt her. “Seeing the actual items is often more tempting.”
That’s the problem.
Layla knew she should be careful. She didn’t want to be the person who ran out of money before she ran out of life.
Resigning herself to just window shopping, she sat quietly and watched the auction unfold. William, on the other hand, had a different approach.
For him, these charity auctions were a strategic investment–good for his company’s reputation and his own public image. She expected him to spend some money, but she hadn’t expected this.
In less than an hour, he had lit up five bidding lanterns–signaling that, no matter the final bid, he would take the
item.
Onlookers knew better than to compete. The moment a lantern was lit from the second floor, the bidding floor fell
silent.
Layla stared in disbelief. At this rate, William might as well have been a walking vault, casually throwing money around. He practically radiated wealth.
Then, she caught sight of an exquisite pair of green agate cufflinks as they were placed on display. Instantly, she was captivated.
William, noticing her finally raise her paddle, looked over with interest. “You really like them?”
Layla nodded, exuding a quiet determination–she had to win them.
“Alright.” William was about to raise his hand for another bidding lantern when Layla quickly stopped him.
“This one’s mine,” she insisted. “I’m paying for it.”
William didn’t argue and let her proceed.
In the end, she won the cufflinks for three million. Painful? Yes. But she was also thrilled.
Once the auction concluded, she dragged William to settle the transaction and collect her prize. Holding the box
+15 BONUS
Chapter 33
up like a child showing off a treasured toy, she beamed at hm.
“These are for you. Consider it a thank–you gift for taking care of me these past few weeks–and for the beautiful
gown.
Before William could respond, an enraged voice cut through the air.
“Layla Xander!”
Sean strode toward her, eyes locked onto the cufflinks in her hands. Without hesitation, he grabbed her wrist.
“You’re using my money to buy another man something this expensive?!”
Layla frowned. “My money. It has nothing to do with you.‘
“You-”
Sean’s expression darkened. Furious, he tried to drag her away. “You’re squandering everything I gave you. At this rate, you’re going to blow through all of it! You’re coming home with me–now!!!
Originally, he had come to see who had been outbidding him all night. The moment he saw who it was, everything clicked.
William Lucas.
Of course, it was him. He had been raising the bids just to get under Sean’s skin.
Seeing William step forward and block his path, Sean lost it completely. His temper snapped, and he barked out, Get the hell out of my way!”
Gasps echoed throughout the auction hall.
Did he just… talk to William Lucas like that?
Was he tired of living?
