Chapter 2

The moment Elias looked up, Vivian saw a bottomless darkness in his eyes.

Perhaps because he was naturally a man of power, he showed no fluctuation in his expression despite being caught in such a compromising position.

He calmly slid the photo under his pillow, his long fingers methodically zipping up his pants.

In a matter of seconds, he had reverted to his cold, ascetic demeanor, as if the man who had lost control moments ago was just a figment of her imagination.

Vivian couldn't help but sneer. "Stopping before you're finished? Aren't you afraid you'll hurt yourself? Need me to help?"

Elias's expression didn't change. He simply leaned back slightly, creating distance between them. "Do you need something, Miss Vivian?"

He was always like this.

Just looking at Chloe's picture could set him on fire, but when faced with her, he acted like a celibate priest.

Vivian's nails dug into her palm as she thought of Chloe's plain face.

She didn't have Vivian's body or her looks, yet everyone fell for that innocent act.

Whatever. Vivian had beauty, money, and a figure to die for.

From this day forward, she was done with anyone who didn't want her.

"There's a charity auction tomorrow. You're coming with me," she ordered coldly, then turned to leave.

Elias frowned. "I believe I requested two days off..."

"I heard Chloe will be there," she said without turning back.

There was a moment of silence behind her, then came the man's low reply. "Understood."

Vivian paused for a fraction of a second.

Of course. The moment Chloe's name was mentioned, he would break any rule.

*Don't worry.*

*Soon, I'll deliver you to Chloe's side myself.*

The next morning, as soon as Vivian stepped out of her apartment, she saw Elias waiting by the car.

A black suit accentuated his perfect physique, and the morning sun cast a shadow across his stern profile.

Usually, at times like this, she would deliberately tease him, either by faking a sprained ankle to fall into his arms or by blowing softly in his ear.

But today, she simply got into the car with a blank expression, not even sparing him a glance.

Elias seemed a bit surprised, looking at her for an extra moment, but he quickly averted his gaze and silently got into the passenger seat.

As the car headed towards the auction house, Vivian stared out the window, not trying to strike up a conversation with him as she usually would. The car was so quiet you could hear them breathe.

The auction was held at the most exclusive hotel on Park Avenue.

Crystal chandeliers sparkled brilliantly, and the hall was crowded with the rich and powerful.

As soon as Vivian entered, she saw Chloe standing ahead, wearing a white dress with her long hair cascading over her shoulders. She was chatting and laughing with several socialites, looking the picture of pure innocence.

Elias's gaze changed instantly.

Although he was still standing behind Vivian, fulfilling his duty as a bodyguard, Vivian could feel that his attention was completely captivated by Chloe.

"Vivian!" Chloe spotted them and trotted over, affectionately linking her arm with Vivian's. "What a coincidence, you're at the auction too?"

Vivian coldly pulled her arm away. "Don't touch me."

Chloe's lips tightened. She instinctively took half a step back, her eyelashes fluttering rapidly. Then she turned to Elias, her voice trembling slightly. "Elias, I just wanted to be closer to Vivian..."

Elias's brow furrowed, his eyes on Vivian filled with restrained displeasure.

Chloe seized the opportunity to tug on Elias's sleeve. "Elias, I heard that when I had a fever and was craving red velvet cake, you were the one who went out in the middle of a storm to buy it for me? I'm so sorry it took me this long to thank you. I was so out of it from the fever, and I've been recovering these past few days."

Elias's cold features instantly softened. "You're welcome. It was on my way."

*On his way?* Vivian sneered internally.

He had disappeared for five hours that day and came back completely soaked. That was his "on the way"?

"I still have to treat you to dinner!" Chloe said sweetly.

This time, Elias didn't refuse. "Whenever you'd like."

"Then we'll ask Vivian to come with us!" Chloe looked at Vivian, her expression suddenly filled with concern. "Hey, Vivian, why do you look so worn out? I'm the one who was sick..."

Vivian cut her off coldly. "Do I know you? Stop trying to act familiar."

The smile on Chloe's face froze for a second, and Elias's frown deepened.

Just then, the auctioneer announced the start of the auction, finally breaking the awkward silence.

Vivian couldn't be bothered with her anymore and took her seat.

She was about to marry into the Ashford family and needed enough assets to back her up. That was the real reason she was at this auction.

After they were seated, the first item was presented.

A pigeon's blood ruby necklace, with a starting bid of one hundred thousand dollars.

She raised her paddle without hesitation.

"Two hundred thousand."

To her surprise, Chloe also raised her paddle. "Three hundred thousand."

Vivian looked at Chloe, who gave her a small smile. "Vivian, I quite like this one too. You don't mind letting me have it, do you? After all, Dad's allowance for you doesn't seem to be as much as mine."

Vivian sneered. It wasn't just "not as much."

Growing up, Richard gave Chloe fifty thousand dollars a month for her allowance, while Vivian only got fifty dollars.

If it weren't for the trust fund her mother left her, she might have starved to death.

But things were different now. She had a billion dollars.

"Four hundred thousand," Vivian raised her paddle again.

Chloe was clearly stunned but gritted her teeth and raised the price. "Four hundred and fifty thousand."

"Five hundred thousand."

"Five hundred and fifty thousand."

After a few rounds of bidding, Chloe's face grew increasingly ugly. "Vivian, where did you get so much money? Are you sure you can afford it?"

"One million!"

Vivian doubled the bid, then looked at her with a sarcastic smile. "I'm starting to think you're the one who can't afford it."

Chloe's face turned pale, and the guests around them began to whisper.