Four Years Later

Summer nights in Northborough stretched on and on, the velvet darkness stitched with scattered stars.

At the Northborough International Convention Center, a charity auction was in full swing.

"And next up for bidding, we have a rare porcelain bowl from the late

Renaissance period, restored just two years ago by Ms. Leilani. The craftsmanship is remarkable, and it took her over a year to bring it back to life. Tonight, she's generously put it up for auction, with all proceeds going to our charity event. Bidding starts at three million."

A paddle shot up from the crowd. "Five million!"

Heads turned in unison.

It was Pandora, the poised secretary, holding the paddle. Seated beside her was none other than Garry, the legendary magnate from the Westenmar Foundation.

Everyone in the room knew Garry's reputation: an influential philanthropist with a particular fondness for antiques. Over the years, he'd made substantial contributions to heritage preservation, both at home and abroad.

When Garry set his sights on something, few dared to compete.

The room collectively assumed the porcelain bowl was as good as his.

"Eight million!" came a sudden call.

A ripple of surprise swept through the hall; such a bold jump in price was rare.

Clearly, someone intended to go head-to-head with Garry tonight.

All eyes zeroed in on the challenger.

It was Carl holding the paddle, seated beside Stewart.

Who in Northborough didn't know Stewart? The city's undefeated legal powerhouse, who'd taken the reins of The Wentworth Group just two years prior. Under his leadership, the company had surged ahead, dominating the green energy and technology sectors, ushering in a new era for the Wentworth empire.

A man who commanded both the political and business arenas-mention Stewart's name in any elite circle, and even the most seasoned players would hesitate.

The stage was set: Northborough's "devil in a suit" squaring off against Westenmar's titan.

This was going to be a show.

sizing

looked over, their gazes locking across

slow smirk curled Garry's lips. “Ten

the

out, "Ten million! Mr. Ferguson bids ten million! Mr. Wentworth,

Stewart glanced at Carl.

raising the paddle again.

auctioneer nearly dropped his gavel. "Twenty million! Mr. Wentworth bids twenty million! Will

friends chatting. "Since when did

tone was cool, his expression unreadable. "It caught my

a

the gentleman, huh?" Garry's smile widened. "Well, if Mr.

much, then

claimed the porcelain bowl for

the host and director of the auction

much for supporting our charity

steady. "Ms. Leilani's dedication to charity is admirable. I've heard a lot about her over the past two years. If possible, I'd

Jacques offered a rueful smile. "I'm afraid that might be difficult. To be honest, despite working with Ms. Leilani on

eyes narrowed slightly, but

house, Stewart caught

an iron-grey suit, a cigar balanced

to fetch

a mocking smile playing on his lips.

years and you're still

expression remained icy, his gaze unwavering. "Garry, I

the three-year deadline has

"That's right, this is the fourth year." He

some good news: I'm getting

Stewart frowned. "To Rosita?"

"That's

scoff escaped Stewart. "Is this your new way

"I never said that. The wedding's next week-I'll be sure to send you

Stewart's eyes narrowed.

strolled over to the black

slid inside without a backward glance, and Pandora nodded respectfully

Rolls glided away,

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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