Chapter 3

3.

The entire hall erupted in chaos.

"Sir, are you saying..." the auctioneer asked, astonished.

The man explained, "I am Mr. Blackwell's assistant. Mr. Blackwell has instructed that any item Miss Chloe fancies today shall be won, with no upper limit."

The auction hall exploded.

"Mr. Blackwell? The sole heir to the Blackwell family? The most famous number-one heir in Manhattan?"

"Doesn't he avoid women? Why would he do this for Chloe?"

"It looks like Chloe is about to hit the big time..."

The murmurs and discussions rippled through the crowd.

Chloe's expression shifted from shock to delight, and finally to unconcealed triumph.

"Excuse me, where is Mr. Blackwell? May I thank him in person?" Chloe asked, her cheeks flushing slightly.

The assistant replied respectfully, "Mr. Blackwell is unable to show himself at the moment. He will meet you when the time is right."

Only then did Chloe turn to Vivian, an irrepressible smirk playing on her lips. "Vivian, are you still bidding?"

A second later, she added with feigned innocence, "Oh, I almost forgot. Mr. Blackwell has bought out the auction for me. If you keep bidding, Vivian, you might spend all your savings. After all, who in all of Manhattan is richer than Mr. Blackwell?"

Vivian's face changed drastically. She shot a look at Elias, only to see him gazing at Chloe with utter tenderness.

The rest of the auction felt like a Hollywood romance film.

If Chloe so much as glanced at an item, the assistant immediately raised his paddle and kept it raised.

The ruby necklace, a set of 18th-century French court antique porcelain, and even the Monet's *Water Lilies* with a starting bid of eight million dollars, all went to Chloe.

Vivian abruptly stood up, unable to hold back any longer, and questioned the assistant, "Is your Mr. Blackwell not going to leave a single item for anyone else?"

The assistant carefully glanced at Elias, who gave a nearly imperceptible nod.

"I apologize, Miss Vivian," the assistant replied in a distant tone. "This is all a token of Mr. Blackwell's affection for Miss Chloe. He only wishes for Miss Chloe to enjoy her day. The thoughts of others are not within his consideration."

Vivian laughed, her nails digging deep into her palms.

She looked at Elias, but his gaze remained fixed on the triumphant Chloe.

*Elias, you're really something else.*

As soon as the auction ended, Chloe was swarmed by socialites and wealthy wives, all vying to get on her good side.

Vivian couldn't stand the hypocritical scene and quickly left the venue.

Once in the car, she told the driver, "To the 'Umbra' club."

She needed alcohol to numb herself.

But before the car door could close, Chloe squeezed in. "Vivian, are you going to a club? I've been so bored lately, take me with you!"

Vivian was about to kick her out, but Elias subtly held the car door and simply told the driver, "Drive."

On the way, Chloe excitedly talked about the day's auction.

"Elias, why do you think Mr. Blackwell is being so good to me? I've never even met him!"

Elias's voice was incredibly gentle. "Because he likes you."

Chloe's eyes widened, her cheeks flushing. "Elias, stop joking!"

"A man knows a man's heart," he said, his gaze intense as he looked at Chloe. "Where a man spends his money, that's where his heart is. Besides... Chloe is so wonderful, it's no surprise he's fallen for you."

"Then... do you like me too, Elias?" Chloe suddenly asked.

Elias froze. Just as he was about to speak, Vivian cut in coldly, "If you two want to flirt, get the hell out. This is my car!"

Chloe bit her lip and fell silent, fiddling with her phone. Elias's frown deepened.

Vivian couldn't be bothered with them and turned to look out the window.

In the reflection of the glass, she could clearly see the look in Elias's eyes as he gazed at Chloe―full of tenderness and affection. But when he looked at her, his gaze was cold and distant.

She laughed at herself.

It seemed all men fell for the same innocent act.