Chapter 660
Evelyn's pulse quickened at Preston's words.
A complex emotion washed over her. She studied Preston's profile and realized his true intention tonight wasn't the contract—the second auction item—but these exquisite black pearls before them. The realization sent an unexpected warmth through her chest.
Preston raised his paddle again. His voice remained smooth as velvet. "Five hundred million."
Nathan's sharp gaze cut across the room. Preston met it with an unreadable smile. Though polar opposites in temperament, the two men now stood as equals in this silent battle.
Evelyn understood Nathan's game. This wasn't about pearls—it was about challenging the man beside her. She parted her lips to intervene when the auctioneer's voice cut through the tension.
"Ladies and gentlemen! We've received an external bid of eight hundred eighty million dollars from an anonymous international collector. Any higher offers?"
The gilded hall fell silent. Even Nathan's expression darkened. Preston's jaw tightened.
Relief flooded Evelyn. The amount meant nothing to men of their stature. But watching them spar over jewelry made her skin prickle with discomfort. No matter who won, the aftermath would be unbearable.
Both men hesitated. Evelyn cleared her throat. "If this piece holds such significance for our mystery bidder abroad, perhaps we should honor that."
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd.
"Ms. Sterling makes an excellent point!"
"Diplomatic relations take precedence."
"Let's avoid unnecessary conflict."
Nathan wrestled with his pride. Letting Preston win would mean allowing the man to impress Evelyn. Yet she showed no interest in the gesture.
Fine. Let the foreigner have it.
The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for eight hundred eighty million!"
The third lot vanished into the hands of a shadowy figure who refused identification. Speculation buzzed, but Preston only felt guilt. Several international ventures hung by a thread—he couldn't risk alienating potential allies over jewelry.
"My apologies, Ms. Sterling. I'd intended these as your New Year's gift."
Evelyn blinked, then shook her head with a polite smile. "That's far too extravagant, Mr. Sinclair. I couldn't possibly accept."
Nathan materialized beside them, his stormy gaze landing on Evelyn. "New Year's plans?"
"None," she answered flatly.
His lips twitched in satisfaction. "Family dinner for the holiday?"
Wealth like theirs usually meant lavish hotel celebrations. But the Sterlings preferred intimate gatherings. With most staff on leave, only their butler and head maid remained—leaving Lucas to handle holiday preparations.
Evelyn nodded and turned to leave when Nathan's voice stopped her.
"Dominic left documents for you in my car." He strode away without waiting for her response, his broad shoulders cutting through the crowd.
Evelyn's fingers curled into fists. That infuriating man and his commands. Who does he think he's ordering around?