Chapter 139

Evelyn felt the tension radiating from Daniel like an electric current. She quickly grasped his hand, her fingers tightening around his. "Don't."

His glare burned into Victoria. "You wouldn't be here if it weren't for us. Remember your place."

Victoria's smile faltered, her carefully constructed mask slipping. The secret she guarded so fiercely—her adoption—threatened to surface.

Only a select few in Northridge knew the truth. Bernhaven remained blissfully ignorant.

That was why she adored Bernhaven. Here, she could reinvent herself, free from the whispers and judgmental stares of Northridge's elite.

The way they looked down on her, as if being adopted made her less.

It fueled her determination to secure a powerful match—someone like Nathaniel Whitmore.

Becoming Mrs. Whitmore would silence them all.

Victoria pressed her lips together, her silence conspicuous. Evelyn frowned, sensing something amiss.

A thought struck her—Daniel was still posing as Linden Sinclair. Would his behavior reflect poorly on the actor?

"Evelyn, take this." Daniel thrust the bidding paddle into her hands. "Buy whatever you want."

She hesitated, but the warmth of his protectiveness steadied her.

Nathaniel's gaze lingered on the paddle in her grasp, his jaw tightening.

With a dismissive flick, he tossed his own paddle aside.

The auction began.

Daniel's voice cut through the murmurs. "Evelyn, what about that Ming vase? Would it suit the penthouse?"

She tilted her head. "It clashes with the modern decor."

"Then this landscape? Margaret would love it for her sitting room."

Her eyes skimmed the painting. "It's lovely."

"Evelyn, look at that necklace. Stunning, isn't it?"

A brief glance. "Yes."

"Bid on whatever catches your eye. Enjoy yourself."

Beside them, Nathaniel tugged at his tie, the heat in the room suddenly stifling. Daniel's voice grated on his nerves.

This entire auction felt like a waste of time.

Yet when the next painting appeared, Nathaniel found himself raising his paddle—just after Daniel.

Evelyn shot him a questioning look. What game was he playing?

Daniel scoffed. "200 thousand."

"250," Nathaniel countered smoothly.

A sinking feeling settled in Evelyn's stomach. As predicted, Daniel upped the bid to 300 thousand, only for Nathaniel to add another 50.

Were they seriously competing over a painting?

Victoria noticed the silent duel too, her eyes darting between them before landing on Evelyn.

Unease coiled in Victoria's chest. Was Nathaniel doing this… because of her?

The bids climbed to 500 thousand—far exceeding the painting's worth.

The spectacle drew murmurs from the crowd.

Evelyn caught Daniel's wrist. "Stop."

But pride burned in his eyes. This wasn't just about art anymore.

Nathaniel raised it to 600 thousand.

In one swift move, Evelyn snatched the paddle from Daniel's grip. All eyes turned to her, waiting.

She met Nathaniel's dark gaze, holding it for a charged moment before smiling sweetly. "Since you want it so badly, it's yours."

Nathaniel's eyes flicked to Daniel. "Surrendering already?"

Daniel's temper flared. If not for Evelyn's grip, he would have shattered Nathaniel's smug composure.

She squeezed his hand, her voice calm but firm. "We're not fools who throw money away for pride."