Chapter 159

The moment the words left her lips, gasps echoed through the crowd. All eyes turned to her in stunned silence.

Victoria's fingers trembled around the bidding card, her manicured nails digging into the thick paper. How dare this woman challenge her publicly? Who did she think she was?

With calculated precision, Victoria raised her card again. The audience leaned forward, expecting a dramatic increase.

"Fifteen million five hundred thousand," she declared through gritted teeth.

Before the auctioneer could acknowledge her bid, Evelyn's cool voice cut through the tension. "Twenty million."

A collective gasp rippled through the room.

Victoria's blood boiled. Forcing her signature sweet smile, she turned to Evelyn. "Excuse me, miss, but are you representing another bidder? Everyone knows this shop is meant to be my birthday gift from my fiancé." Her voice dripped with false concern. "Surely you're not the type to take what belongs to others?"

Evelyn's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Taking what belongs to others? That sounds more like your specialty, Miss Lancaster."

Victoria's smile faltered. "W-what do you mean by that?"

"Nothing at all," Evelyn replied smoothly. "I'm simply following auction protocol. Unless your name is already on the deed, the highest bidder wins. That's how these things work, isn't it?"

Victoria's grip on her clutch tightened until her knuckles turned white. She shot Alexander a pleading look. "Alexander..."

Alexander studied Evelyn with an unreadable expression before turning to Victoria. "She's correct about the rules."

The auctioneer's voice boomed through the speakers, confirming Evelyn's winning bid. As the gavel came down with finality, Victoria's perfect facade cracked.

All eyes followed Evelyn as she ascended the stage with effortless grace. There was something mesmerizing about her presence - an aura that commanded attention without trying.

"And what name shall we put on the contract, my dear?" the auctioneer asked warmly.

"Prescott," Evelyn replied. "Vivian Prescott."

Alexander's brow furrowed slightly at the unfamiliar surname.

Meanwhile, Victoria stood seething, her manicured nails leaving crescent marks on her palms. This was supposed to be her night, her moment in the spotlight. How dare this nobody steal her thunder?

The contract signing proceeded smoothly, with the auctioneer officially declaring Evelyn the new owner of the Diamond Boulevard property. Applause filled the grand ballroom.

From behind her sunglasses, Evelyn watched Victoria's barely contained rage with quiet satisfaction. Just as she was about to descend the stage, Alexander rose from his seat.

"Alexander!" Victoria called after him, but he didn't turn back.

Mounting the stage, Alexander studied Evelyn intently before speaking. "As owner of this venue, I congratulate you on your successful bid." He extended his hand. "Miss Prescott."

Victoria's stomach churned at the sight of Alexander's outstretched hand toward this stranger. The irony wasn't lost on her.

Evelyn hesitated only a moment before removing her sunglasses. The instant her eyes met Alexander's, the air between them crackled with electricity.

Alexander's breath caught. His hand remained suspended mid-air as recognition dawned.

With deliberate slowness, Evelyn reached out and clasped his frozen hand. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice carrying a weight of unspoken history.