Chapter 347

The moment the butler finished speaking, a delicate porcelain vase toppled from its stand, shattering into pieces across the marble floor.

"Who does that little bitch think she is?" The woman's voice dripped with venom. "Doesn't she know my fiancé manages this auction house?"

The butler cleared his throat. "She's aware, Miss Dawson. And she doesn't seem to care."

A bodyguard entered, shifting uncomfortably. "Miss, Mr. Whitmore has arrived—but he went directly to Private Room No. 2."

Silence thickened the air. The woman's lips curled into a sneer. "Ah. So she's one of those masked temptresses, trying to catch Sebastian's eye. Well, I want to see the face of the woman bold enough to set her sights on my man."

Upon hearing the staff's report, Sebastian Whitmore rushed to Private Room No. 2. He stood before Olivia Sinclair with an apologetic bow. "My sincerest apologies. My schedule has been chaotic today. I had no idea my fiancée was here. Just give me a moment to handle this."

Olivia had removed her mask, revealing striking features that needed no embellishment. Her flawless complexion glowed under the soft lighting as she gazed out the window with detached serenity.

"Unnecessary. I won’t be visiting Crestwood often. I merely wanted to understand local tastes. The staff already explained your fiancée frequents this place without disrupting operations."

She turned, her smile faint behind the translucent screen. "Sebastian, you’re the eldest son of the Whitmores. I’m fortunate to have you managing my auction house. No need for formalities."

Sebastian’s ears flushed at her words. "Even so, working here has always been my dream. Your support made it possible. For that, I’m grateful."

The Whitmore family was wealthy, much like the Kensingtons, with roots not in Eldermere but abroad.

From childhood, Sebastian’s passion for antiques set him apart. His family disapproved, pressuring him to take over their business empire.

Then he applied to Olivia’s auction house.

Recognizing his talent, Olivia fought to keep him. After lengthy negotiations with the Whitmores, she secured his position. She suspected their agreement came with ulterior motives—hoping to pair them romantically. But Olivia had made her stance clear from the start.

She hired him for his skill, not for matchmaking. Balancing family and work was already taxing enough.

Sebastian understood. He had kept his growing feelings locked away for years.

As the last of the staff exited, Sebastian lingered, his handsome face shadowed with concern. "Olivia, your leg—"