Chapter 362

Sebastian Whitmore's face clouded for a fleeting moment before he composed himself. "She understands how overwhelmed I am with responsibilities." His fingers tightened around the auction catalog. "And you seldom visit our Eldermere branch. I couldn't possibly leave your comfort to junior staff."

Olivia Sinclair saw right through his transparent excuse. A sharp pain bloomed behind her temples as she recognized his persistent devotion, despite her repeated rejections and his existing engagement.

"I'm not accepting any excuses," Olivia declared, her voice cutting through the tension. "Are you actually refusing a direct request from me?"

Sebastian swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing. "I... appreciate your consideration," he finally managed.

With the auction's opening gong echoing through the hall, Sebastian exited Private Suite One, leaving Olivia alone with her swirling thoughts.

Through the slightly ajar door of Suite Two, Sebastian's fiancée caught the unmistakable sight of him emerging from Olivia's private room. Her manicured nails dug into her palms.

"I knew it," she hissed, her voice dripping with venom. "He reserved that suite specifically for that scheming witch."

Turning sharply to her butler, she demanded, "Have you located the person I instructed you to find?"

The butler bowed deeply. "All arrangements are complete, madam. By nightfall, that woman's social standing will be reduced to rubble."

A cruel smile twisted the fiancée's lips, momentarily transforming her delicate features.

"Excellent work. Continue serving me faithfully after my marriage into the Whitmore family, and you'll find yourself handsomely rewarded."

The butler practically vibrated with excitement as he nodded vigorously.

The auction commenced with modest opening bids for the initial lots. The room hummed with restrained energy as seasoned collectors concealed their true intentions behind polite smiles.

Sebastian had strategically placed the Blackwood family directly across from Olivia's suite. From her vantage point, Olivia had an unobstructed view into Suite Four.

The occupant surprised her - Catherine Winslow, still clinging to the Blackwood family after all these years. Catherine's lavish attire suggested prosperity, but Olivia's brow furrowed at the noticeable absence of Richard.

Before long, Catherine grew visibly restless. She turned sharply to her companion.

"What kind of establishment is this?" she snapped. "You assured me this was Crestwood's premier auction house. These offerings are pedestrian at best. Are you certain this is where my desired item will appear?"

Her companion shifted uncomfortably. "The information came from Valtierra's most reliable underground source. There can't be any mistake."

With no alternative, Catherine settled back into her seat, though her tapping foot betrayed her impatience.

These days, the Blackwood empire existed solely under Victor's iron grip. Richard had become little more than a figurehead, stripped of all meaningful authority. Catherine's position had never been more precarious.