NovelEnglishChapter 271 Auction Day.
The air was crisp, sunlight warm-a perfect early spring day. The last traces of winter had melted away, replaced by a gentle breeze and the promise of new beginnings.
Outside the gates of Bamboo Grove, Mila adjusted her cream-colored sweater dress and draped a delicate, watercolor-patterned shawl over her shoulders. Her long, glossy black hair was swept up in a spiral and fastened with a row of pearl clips, while a strand of lustrous white pearls encircled her slender neck, giving off a subtle, silken sheen. She radiated elegance and intelligence, every inch the picture of poise.
Beside her stood Julian, dressed to perfection in a finely tailored, vintage-inspired blue sweater and slacks. The soft color made his small face appear even more fair and delicate. He gazed up at her with wide eyes. "Mom, isn't Mr. Whitmore coming with us?" After spending staround Mr. Whitmore, Julian had warmed up to him. He'd discovered the man was a fantastic cook, gentle, and patient-so unlike their first awkward meeting, Julian no longer felt the need to shy away.
Mila reached down to smooth his hair.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"He had something cup at work, sweetheart, so he can't make it to the auction. But once it's over, he'll join us for our picnic." Julian nodded, his voice lifting with excitement. "I've never been on a picnic before." In the past, because of his anxiety, and with Nathaniel busy running a massive company, Julian was mostly kept at home, watched over by staff, rarely allowed to venture out.
He'd grown used to it—at least, until his mother returned. Now, he didn't want to be alone anymore.
Julian gripped his mother's hand tightly, his eyes bright with anticipation, voice soft and earnest. "A picnic-with you." Mila's heart melted at the sight. She couldn't resist gently pinching his chubby cheek.
Just then, a crimson town car pulled up to the curb. Howard stepped out and opened the door for them, and once Mila and Julian were settled inside, the car headed for the auction house.
Behind them, two sleek black SUVS followed, each one carrying members of their security detail.
Only the most exclusive auction houses could offer rubies of such caliber. Downstairs, in the main hall, the seats were filled with everyday buyers. But the second floor was reserved for those with truly deep pockets—just six private suites, numbered one through six.
When Mila's great-aunt, Jade Sutherland, heard about her intention to bid on the ruby, she wasted no time. From her office in Tokyo, she wired a ten-million-dollar cashier's check to Splendid's Kingsford branch, ensuring Mila had the funds she needed to compete.
That was how Mila earned her spot on the second floor.
After verifying her credentials, Mila took Julian by the hand, with Howard and their bodyguards following close behind. A staff member, all smiles and deference, led them to Suite Six.
The auction hadn't started yet; buyers were still arriving. The second-floor suites formed a half-circle, and Suite Six sat directly across from Suite One. Mila had barely settled in when the curtains opposite began to part.
She glanced over just as two figures entered Suite One-Lysander and Giselle. Mila froze, her brows knitting together in surprise. She hadn't expected to see them here.
Giselle caught her eye and was visibly taken aback, her shock intensifying when she noticed Julian by Mila's side. Clearly, she recognized him.
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Lysander, however, was unreadable.
His expression gave nothing away; he didn't seem surprised in the least. In faet, he offered a faint, knowing smile. Mila suddenly had the urge to draw the curtains closed.
Howard, standing at her side, noticed her discomfort and leaned in quietly.
"Ms.
y Sutherland would you like to leave the auction? If you're not feeling well..." Mila shook her head.
She was here for a reason, and she wasn't about to back down. Not with her great-aunt's support and all that money riding on her. Why should she let anyone else chase her away? Seeing her resolve, Howard gave a reassuring nod. "Don't worry, Ms. Sutherland. We cprepared."
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