Chapter 3

The entire hall erupted.

"Sir, are you saying…" the auctioneer asked in shock.

The man explained calmly, "I am Master Wren’s assistant. Master Wren instructed us to place an unlimited bid on any lot she selects."

The auction hall instantly exploded.

"Master Wren? The Wren family’s only heir? The famous crown prince of Blackridge?"

"Isn’t he known for keeping women at arm’s length? Why would he put in a blank check bid for Miss Vera?"

"Looks like Miss Vera is about to rise straight to the top…"

The murmurs rose and fell in waves.

Vera’s expression shifted from shock to delight to undisguised triumph.

"May I ask where Master Wren is?" she asked, her cheeks flushed. "Can I thank him in person?"

The assistant replied respectfully, "Master Wren is not available to appear at the moment. When the time comes, he will naturally meet you."

Only then did Vera turn to Rhea, her eyes brimming with victorious joy. "Rhea, are you still bidding?"

The next second, she added in an innocent tone, "Oh, I almost forgot. Master Wren put in a blank check bid for me. If you keep bidding, won’t you end up bankrupt? After all, in this circle… who could possibly be richer than Master Wren?"

Rhea’s expression changed sharply. She turned to look at Wyatt. He was gazing at Vera with unmistakable indulgence, his eyes filled with warmth.

What followed felt like a ridiculous idol drama. Anything Vera lingered on for even a second, the assistant immediately put a bid in.

The pigeon-blood ruby necklace.

A priceless antique porcelain tea set.

Even the Monet Water Lilies, with a starting price of $80 million.

All of it went into Vera’s hands.

Rhea suddenly stood up, unable to hold back any longer. "Does your master plan to leave nothing for anyone else?"

The assistant glanced cautiously at Wyatt, who gave an almost imperceptible nod.

"I’m sorry, Miss Vaughn," the assistant replied coldly. "These are all gifts from Master Wren to Miss Vera. His only wish is that Miss Vera enjoys today’s auction. Other people’s feelings are not within his considerations."

Rhea laughed. Her nails bit deeply into her palm. She looked at Wyatt, yet his gaze never once left Vera, who was basking in the spotlight.

'Wyatt, well done. Truly well done.'

After the auction ended, Vera was immediately surrounded by socialites and wealthy ladies, praised and fawned over like the center of the universe.

Rhea could not stand the hypocrisy any longer. She turned and left the venue briskly.

The moment she got into the car, she told the driver, "Nightfall Club." She needed alcohol to numb herself.

Before the door even closed, Vera squeezed in. "Rhea, are you going to a club? I’ve been so bored lately. Take me with you!"

Rhea was just about to kick her out when Wyatt quietly braced the car door and said to the driver, "Drive."

The entire ride, Vera excitedly chattered about the auction.

"Wyatt, why do you think Mr. Wren is so good to me? We’ve never even met!"

Wyatt’s voice was unbelievably gentle. "Because he likes you."

Vera’s eyes widened instantly, her cheeks flushing. "Wyatt, don’t joke like that!"

"We men understand each other best." He looked at her with burning intensity. "Where the money goes, the affection follows. Besides… you are so good. It wouldn’t be strange for him to fall for you."

"Then…" Vera asked suddenly, "Wyatt, do you like me too?"

Wyatt froze.

Just as he was about to speak, Rhea cut in coldly, "If you want to flirt, get out of my car. This is my vehicle."

Vera’s eyes reddened instantly. "I’m sorry for disturbing, Rhea. I won’t talk anymore."

Rhea ignored her and turned to look out the window. In the reflection of the glass, she clearly saw the way Wyatt looked at Vera—full of tenderness and pain.

When he looked at Rhea, his gaze was icy and filled with disgust.

She laughed at herself softly. It seemed all men only liked women who played innocent.