Chapter 17

"Sebastian? Why are we waiting?" Lucas asked impatiently.

Evelyn stood frozen as she watched Nathaniel exit his car and stride confidently into Silver Peaks Auction House. Her brow furrowed. "Someone I'd rather avoid just arrived. Let's give it five minutes."

Sebastian followed her gaze. "Isn't that Nathaniel Grayson? You know him?"

Disgust flashed across Evelyn's face. "Not personally."

The auction hall spanned two levels - ground floor for regular buyers, upper floor with private VIP suites offering complete anonymity, each identified only by numbered doors.

Nathaniel occupied Suite One. Evelyn had been assigned Suite Seven.

After several mediocre artifacts changed hands, the auctioneer presented a set of ancient bronze relics. Starting bid: 1.5 million.

"Two million!"

"Three million!"

"Four million!"

The bidding war concluded when Suite One secured the bronzes for four million, drawing impressed murmurs from the crowd.

Inside Suite Seven, Evelyn exhaled in relief. Nathaniel had clearly come for the bronzes. With his prize secured, he'd likely depart soon.

"Next we have 'Swans at Dusk' by renowned impressionist Vivian Sterling. Opening bid: seven hundred fifty thousand!"

"Eight hundred thousand from Bidder Three!"

"Nine hundred thousand from Eleven!"

"Nine fifty from Five!"

Evelyn nodded sharply at Sebastian.

"One point five million from Suite Seven!"

Gasps rippled through the hall. Who was this mystery bidder?

"Going once... twice..."

Just before the gavel fell, Lucas raised his paddle from Suite One.

"Three million from Suite One!" The auctioneer's voice cracked with excitement.

Evelyn's fingers tightened around her champagne flute. Why was Nathaniel still bidding?

Sebastian scowled. "Is he deliberately provoking us?"

"Counter," Evelyn ordered through gritted teeth.

"Four million from Seven!"

"Five million from One!"

"Six million from Seven!"

"Seven point five million from One! Going once... twice..."

Evelyn's jaw clenched. She couldn't divert company funds for personal matters. "Let him have it," she muttered.

The gavel fell at seven point five million. The crowd buzzed - why pay six times market value for an obscure painting?

Evelyn's mind raced. Her mother had painted under the pseudonym Vivian Sterling. Nathaniel's excessive bid suggested personal connection - but how?

Their contemplation was interrupted by two hostesses bearing refreshments.

"Evelyn Whitmore?" one gasped. "How did you get in here?"

Evelyn recognized Rachel Thornton, her former Alpha Enterprises rival, now working at the auction house.

Rachel's eyes darted to the impeccably dressed Sebastian. Her face twisted with envy. "You got me fired while landing a sugar daddy? Classy!"

Her shrill accusation carried through the hall. Nathaniel, exiting Suite One, froze at the name "Evelyn Whitmore."

Management swiftly removed the shrieking Rachel, but the damage was done. Nathaniel turned toward Suite Seven.

Sebastian was closing their door when Nathaniel appeared. "Is Evelyn here?" His voice could frost glass.

Sebastian feigned confusion. "May I ask why?"

"Tell her to come out." Nathaniel's tone brooked no argument.

Moments later, a young woman in overalls emerged. "Can I help you, sir?"

"You're Evelyn?"

"Corynne with a Y," she chirped.

Nathaniel's interest evaporated. With a curt nod to Sebastian, he departed.

Once Nathaniel was gone, Sebastian handed the actress a platinum card. "Excellent performance. Consider legally changing your name."

Back inside, Evelyn confessed, "I married him last week."

Sebastian choked on his champagne. "Excuse me?"

After hearing the full story, Sebastian smirked. "So... how was the legendary Nathaniel Grayson in bed? I hear older men are very... attentive."

Evelyn's glare promised violence. Sebastian fled to the restroom.

Waiting outside, Evelyn froze when the mirror reflected Nathaniel standing behind her, his expression unreadable.

Sebastian's returning voice cut through the tension. "Boss, why would he want your mother's painting so badly? It's not even that valu—" He froze upon seeing Nathaniel.

Nathaniel's gaze sharpened. "Boss?"