Chapter 67

Nathan's heart belonged to another.

Sometimes he even thought Evelyn was throwing her life away by staying with him.

Her breathtaking beauty deserved better.

His gaze drifted downward, landing on Evelyn's delicate wrist.

She still wore that jade bracelet from Reginald. Though it clashed with her outfit, she refused to remove it. Clearly, she cherished the gift.

Nathan's eyes narrowed as he drew a sharp breath.

The 18th-century porcelain set sparked furious bidding that left the auctioneer breathless.

"Ten million!"

"Twenty-five million!"

"Twenty-seven!"

"Forty million."

Nathan's paddle shot up, his commanding voice silencing the room.

The crowd gasped in unison.

Evelyn whipped her head toward him in surprise.

This man has terrible taste in women but impeccable taste in antiques, she thought.

Nathan caught her stare. He tilted his head, meeting her gaze directly.

Her icy, piercing look stabbed through him. His chest constricted painfully.

Evelyn quickly averted her eyes.

Nathan secured the porcelain teacups, earning envious glances from every attendee.

"You'll serve me tea in these when I visit!" Julian grinned. "Only forty-million-dollar china suits my status!"

"Too small for you." Nathan deadpanned. "I have something more fitting."

"Oh? What's that?"

"The toilet bowl."

Julian's face darkened. "Asshole! You're insufferable!"

Evelyn overheard and stifled a laugh.

Victoria's chest ached. Why waste forty million on teacups when he could buy a luxury villa?

She hadn't even married him yet, but already worried about his spending habits.

"Our next item holds extraordinary significance," the auctioneer announced. "Privately held for fifty years - a 17th-century rosewood chair of exceptional quality."

Four white-gloved attendants carefully unveiled the masterpiece.

"Brother, it's starting!" Julian urgently nudged Nathan.

Both Nathan and Evelyn snapped to attention, spines straight, no longer leaning against their chairs.

Their competitive spirits ignited simultaneously.

"Opening bid: thirty million!"

Wealthy tycoons raised paddles as numbers climbed rapidly. This was tonight's most expensive lot.

Shannon and Cassandra, who craved attention, shrank back at the staggering figures.

Victoria and Margaret became mere spectators, blending into the floral arrangements at the hall's rear.

Then a slender, pale hand lifted gracefully. Ruby lips parted with calm authority.

"Sixty million."

Every head turned toward Evelyn Carter and her raised paddle.