Chapter 151

"Could it be related to what happened at the Michelin-starred restaurant?"

Adrian's words made Vivian's expression shift.

Thankfully, Lillian remained silent, allowing her to regain some composure.

The bidding screen froze at $266,000,000!

The final bidder was Madam Nora from the Peach Room.

Evelyn gasped, her curious gaze darting toward the VIP seated by the Peach Room's window. That elegant figure was none other than Madam Nora herself!

Suddenly, the price jumped to $282,000,000.

The crowd erupted in murmurs.

The auctioneer blinked in surprise before announcing, "Congratulations to our distinguished guests in the Stork Room on the second floor—"

Evelyn turned sharply toward Adrian. "Mr. Boucher, you—"

A lazy smile played on his lips. "Masterpieces deserve their weight in gold."

Madam Nora's brows knitted as she studied the occupants of the Stork Room.

'So it's that Boucher brat.'

"The price is climbing again!"

At the excited shouts from below, Evelyn's attention snapped back to the screen.

$282,000,000 had transformed into $313,000,000.

'Who in heaven's name has that kind of money to burn?'

"Congratulations to our Peach Room guests—"

"Congratulations to the Stork Room—"

"Congratulations—"

The auctioneer's voice faltered as numbers skyrocketed beyond comprehension. She eventually gave up announcing, simply gaping at the digital display.

$470,000,000.

The audience stopped pretending to care. Competing with second-floor tycoons was a fool's errand.

Evelyn gripped Adrian's sleeve, her palm damp. "Please stop bidding, Mr. Boucher. It's not worth it."

She already suspected the Bamboo Room's occupant.

'There's only one person it could be.'

Adrian recognized the bidder too. Noticing Evelyn's tension, he smirked. "Relax. I'm just having fun. Money means nothing to him anyway."

Evelyn rolled her eyes. 'Some best friend—throwing his buddy under the bus. Nathan's friendship circle is terrifying.'

In the Bamboo Room, Nathan's lips thinned until the auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold to our Bamboo Room VIP for $470,000,000!"

Thunderous applause filled the hall.

Evelyn had broken records tonight—yet celebration was the furthest thing from her mind.

A knock sounded at the Stork Room.

The bodyguard opened to reveal Oliver. His gaze flickered between Adrian and Evelyn before settling on the latter. "Ms. Vanderbilt, Mr. Goldmann requests your presence."

Following Oliver to the Bamboo Room, Evelyn found Nathan lounging on silk cushions, his piercing stare locking onto her.

His jaw tightened. "Are you and Adrian an item now?"

'Not only did this woman attend an auction without telling me, but she holed up in Adrian's private suite. One meeting, and that playboy's already sniffing around!'

"An item? What kind of phrasing is that?" Evelyn scoffed. "Mr. Goldmann, your concern is touching. Though I'd prefer not being torn apart by a certain actor's fanbase."

Nathan yanked her onto his lap, one hand possessive on her waist, the other tilting her chin. "No need to wait for his fans. I'll dismantle you myself."

Evelyn's breath hitched.

Nathan studied her face. "Mission accomplished tonight?"

"Thanks to your extravagant $470 million gesture," she retorted, pushing against his chest.

His grip tightened, pulling her closer. "Where's my gratitude?"

His breath warmed her lips as his palm grew hotter against her waist. She scrambled backward like a startled cat. "I never asked you to bid. Why should I thank you?"