Liam Winston stood in the corner of the auction hall.
His gaze fixed on the VIP section.
The news of Sophia Sullivan's one-hundred-million bid reached him.
His pupils constricted sharply.
That familiar face was unmistakable under the bright lights.
He could never mistake her.
Rage burned in his chest.
He nearly charged forward to confront her.
Chloe Evans gently tugged his sleeve.
Her voice was soft as silk.
"Sophia might just be trying to get your attention."
"How could she possibly afford a hundred million?"
Chloe lowered her lashes.
Her fingertips trembled slightly.
Sophia was just an ordinary employee.
Even with the Sullivans' backing.
She couldn't possibly access such astronomical funds.
This was clearly deliberate sabotage.
Liam's expression darkened.
"So she's learned to retaliate like this."
But the token must be secured.
"One hundred and ten million."
He gritted his teeth as he called out the bid.
His eyes remained locked on the VIP section.
Sophia raised her placard calmly.
"One hundred and fifty million."
Her voice was cool.
As if commenting on the weather.
Ethan Sullivan sat beside her.
A faint smirk played on his lips.
He brushed his thumb across his mouth.
Where the faintest trace of blood lingered.
That unexpected kiss in the dark.
Had caught her completely off guard.
Sophia glimpsed his slightly swollen lips.
Her heartbeat stuttered.
This man appeared aloof and restrained.
But beneath the surface, he was the epitome of a wolf in gentleman's clothing.
Ethan spoke softly.
"Does Miss Sullivan still care for him?"
Sophia averted her gaze.
"I care about the token."
"Such things shouldn't exist in this world."
When Liam heard the new bid.
His fingers clenched violently.
One hundred and fifty million.
Where did Sophia get such confidence?
Chloe leaned close to his ear.
Her voice was honeyed persuasion.
"We can tap into company funds."
"Once we secure the token."
"You'll reclaim your position as heir."
Her fingers trailed lightly over his wrist.
"What's a few hundred million then?"
Liam's eyes darkened.
"Two hundred and ten million."
The crowd erupted in murmurs.
Sophia lifted her teacup.
Blowing gently to cool it.
"Three hundred million."
Her voice wasn't loud.
But it silenced the entire hall instantly.
Liam froze.
Three hundred million?
Had Ethan indulged her to this extent?