The auction hall lights dimmed gradually.
Chloe Evans and Liam Winston took their seats in formal attire, their expressions darker than before.
"Liam, we must secure that token," Chloe whispered, her fingers lightly tracing his knuckles.
"Endure this humiliation for now. We'll settle scores after the auction."
Liam massaged his temples with closed eyes, exhaling a gruff acknowledgment through his nose.
Every encounter with Sophia Sullivan brought misfortune. Even his eyelids twitched now.
Sophia sat diagonally across them in the VIP section. She tilted her head toward Ian Watson. "Keep both eyes on those two."
Her gaze swept past the emergency exits - a habit ingrained from years of caution.
Ian responded automatically before realizing he'd obeyed Sophia's command without question. This Ms. Sullivan carried an aura of authority.
Fortunately, Mr. Sullivan didn't seem to mind.
Julian Roscente frowned from his private booth upstairs. He didn't recall those two being on the guest list unless they'd acquired transferred invitations. With a subtle gesture, he sent an assistant to investigate.
Below, Chloe gently kneaded Liam's bruised wrist, the discoloration stark under the lights. "Don't worry about funds," she murmured, fingers circling the injury.
"I brought sufficient capital. You only need to cover the deposit."
Liam's jaw tightened. Using a woman's money stung his pride. But with company finances strained and his mother's incessant demands...
He finally grunted assent.
Chloe's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she nestled against his shoulder. "I'm happy to help. We're family now."
When Liam pulled her closer, guilt twisted in his chest. Lately, Sophia's face haunted his thoughts - an unforgivable weakness.
"You're so understanding," he murmured, kissing Chloe's forehead. The phantom pain in his severed finger flared at memories of Sophia's indifference.
Chloe's smile deepened. After Liam paid the deposit, she'd claim her accounts were frozen.
The token would already be secured by then.
Empty promises cost nothing to make.