Chapter 141
The audience erupted into chaos.
Daniel Montgomery's blood boiled at Nathaniel Whitmore's audacity.
Evelyn Carter stood frozen as Penelope Whitmore's mocking voice cut through the air. "Twelve million dollars now, Evelyn. Show us you can pay or face the consequences."
Before Evelyn could react, Daniel raised her bidding paddle decisively. "Fifteen million!"
Her breath caught. The amount was astronomical, yet Daniel appeared completely unruffled. Money meant nothing to the Montgomery brothers - they were walking vaults with limitless resources.
Victoria Sinclair's perfectly manicured nails dug into her palms. How dare that nobody Evelyn attract such devotion? The Montgomery fortune could buy entire city blocks without blinking.
Nathaniel's stormy expression darkened further as attendants approached Daniel for financial verification. "This way, sir. We require proof of funds for bids exceeding ten million."
Penelope smirked victoriously. "Finally exposed as frauds!"
Daniel merely adjusted his cufflinks. "Lead the way." No one in Nord City dared question the Montgomery wealth - Bern City's ignorance amused him.
Evelyn followed anxiously, unaware of Nathaniel's burning gaze tracking her movements. Victoria seized the opportunity to whisper poison. "How...quaint. A penniless orphan playing with millionaires. The Whitmores would never approve."
"Silence." Nathaniel's command sliced through the chatter as he stalked toward the verification area.
Inside the private lounge, Daniel squeezed Evelyn's shoulder reassuringly. "Wait here. This won't take long."
She paced outside the door, heart pounding. Fifteen million dollars! If the verification failed... Her imagination conjured images of Daniel in handcuffs.
"Having second thoughts?" Nathaniel's deep voice startled her.
Evelyn whirled around, meeting his piercing gaze. "Would you bail me out if I asked?"
His jaw tightened. "Do I look like a charity?"
The word sparked unexpected laughter. Before she could stop herself, Evelyn reached up to straighten his tie. Nathaniel froze, his breath hitching as her fingers brushed his collar.
Her boldness surprised them both. "Why are you really here, Nathaniel? Could it be...you still care?"
He recoiled as if burned. "Release me this instant!"
A cough interrupted them. Evelyn tightened the silk tie just enough to make his eyes widen. "Careful, Mr. Whitmore. Your concern is showing."
His Adam's apple bobbed. "You're playing with fire."
"And yet," she whispered, leaning closer, "you're the one who followed me." The air between them crackled with unspoken tension as Daniel's voice called from down the hall.