Chapter 397

The atmosphere in the venue was tense.

Isabella Langley and Oliver Valrose were conspicuously absent.

Guests whispered among themselves, impatience written across their faces.

At exactly ten o'clock.

The grand doors finally swung open.

Two figures arrived fashionably late.

All eyes turned toward them.

Isabella entered gracefully on Oliver's arm.

Her makeup was flawless, her smile perfectly composed.

No trace remained of last night's humiliation.

Oliver strutted in his tailored suit, chest puffed out.

His bravado evaporated the moment he locked eyes with Evelyn Roland.

"Mr. Valdemar, I'm the Valrose family heir."

He extended his hand with obsequious eagerness.

Sebastian Valdemar didn't even glance his way.

Oliver's face darkened.

"Who does he think he is? A dying invalid!"

He muttered under his breath.

The words carried clearly to the front row.

Evelyn's gaze turned glacial.

Sebastian chose that moment to turn his head.

Their eyes met.

"Don't."

"Let me."

They spoke simultaneously.

A dangerous smile curved Evelyn's lips.

"No one touches you while I'm here."

Sebastian chuckled softly.

"Agreed."

Bodyguards in the back row bowed their heads.

The Roland brothers clenched their fists until knuckles cracked.

Scarlett Galatea stared daggers at the couple.

Sebastian's profile had softened.

Showing tenderness she'd never witnessed before.

Isabella dug her nails into her palms.

"The charity auction will now commence."

Master Xingyun's voice rang out.

Novice monks filed in bearing trays.

The first few auction items failed to impress.

The crowd remained indifferent.

Until the rare calligraphy appeared.

Energy gradually built in the room.

"Next is a donation from Mr. Valrose."

All attention focused forward.

Isabella looked expectantly at her companion.

Oliver straightened his spine.

"Qing Dynasty jadeite rough stone. Estimated value: ten billion."

He announced with smug satisfaction.