Sophia Sullivan's gaze swept across the room.
Ian Gallagher and Ryan Lawrence were also joining the commotion.
She couldn't help but wonder if these two had too much money to burn.
"Unnecessary..."
She barely started speaking when Ethan Sullivan raised his bid again.
"1.5 million."
Sophia clicked her tongue lightly.
Resting her chin on one hand, her tone was teasing.
"Mr. Sullivan is certainly generous with people."
Ian Watson chimed in at the perfect moment.
"Mr. Sullivan isn't generous with just anyone. Only Miss Sullivan gets this treatment."
He was secretly astonished.
His boss never participated in auctions.
Yet today, he was spending a fortune for Sophia.
Ethan's voice was cold.
"Ian, don't let it happen again."
"Yes... I need to use the restroom."
Ian immediately fell silent.
He tactfully stepped aside.
Isabella Robinson's grin nearly reached her ears.
She had guessed right.
There was definitely something between Ethan and Sophia.
"Sweetheart, I'm going to the restroom too."
She winked at Sophia.
Her smile was loaded with meaning.
Sophia pretended not to understand.
"Go ahead."
She knew Isabella was playing matchmaker.
The madness from three hours ago was still vivid in her mind.
A dull ache lingered in her chest.
The marks Ethan left hadn't faded yet.
She schooled her playful expression.
"Thank you, Mr. Sullivan, but there's no need to splurge."
"I'm more interested in the final item."
The auctioneer announced the price.
Whispers filled the room.
"The jade is fine, but not worth this much."
"Three men competing, clearly."
"Obviously trying to impress a beauty."
Ian raised the bid again.
"2 million."
As a top-tier doctor,
his net worth had long surpassed nine figures.
Ryan refused to back down and raised his paddle.
"3.5 million."
The room fell abruptly silent.
Ryan waited for his rivals to counter.
But the two men withdrew in perfect unison.
Ian adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses.
"Young Master Lawrence is truly extravagant."
Ethan crossed his legs.
His gaze was full of pity for the fool.
He handed Sophia a cup of warm tea.
"If Young Master Lawrence likes it, let him have it."
Sophia instantly understood.
This man was utterly devious.
He had set a trap step by step.
Just waiting for Ryan to walk right in.
Ryan realized too late.
He had been played by both of them.
But thinking it was for Sophia,
the extra cost was worth it.
Holding the exquisitely packaged jade accessory,
he strode toward Sophia with his long legs.
His smile was as bright as the morning sun.
As if waiting for praise.
"If you like it, I'll get it for you."
The tails of his tuxedo jacket swayed gracefully.
He crouched down in front of her.
The spotlight outlined the young man's profile.
His silver earring gleamed.
But it couldn't compare to the allure of his peach-blossom eyes.
Strands of hair fell over his forehead.
Adding a hint of temptation.
"Big sister, let me put it on for you, okay?"