Chapter 27: Planning to Win Her Back
Menu
Liam’s gaze lingered on Riley for a moment before quickly looking away. Riley, noticing his reaction, examined her outfit.“Don’t I look good?”
Liam mumbled a noncommittal, “Okay.”
Riley’s lips twitched. That was his way of saying she looked bad.
She turned to Peter.“Don’t I look good?”
Peter shook his head. “No, you look amazing.” He looked at Liam.“Liam, look again. Riley is stunning tonight.”
Liam’s eyes drifted back to her. Riley was wearing a custom–made silk cheongsam, the hem falling just above her ankles, revealing her slender legs. Liam realized she had a surprisingly gurvaceous figure, and her tiny waist looked incredibly appealing to him.
Riley noticed his reddened ears.“Liam, why are your ears so red?”
Liam touched his ear. It was burning. He coughed awkwardly.“Let’s go. It’s about to start.”
d?
Meanwhile, Ethan, at the auction, kept checking his phone for the money transfer. The auction was about to begin, but his bank account was still empty. He panicked. Had he been scam He called Jake.“Brother, where’s the money?”
“What’s the rush?”
Jake’s voice came from behind. Ethan turned to see Jake walking toward him, phone in hand. He hung up and hurried over.“Brother, what are you doing here?”
Jake said calmly, “Attending the auction.”
“You’re also buying jewelry for your girlfriend?”
Jake glanced at him without speaking and walked inside. Ethan followed.“Brother, who are you buying for? Your new girlfriend?”
Jake’s face darkened. “What new girlfriend? Stop talking nonsense.”
Ethan caught on and leaned closer, whispering, “Brother, you’re not buying it for Riley, are you? Trying to win her back?”
Jake remained silent.
Ethan continued, “I think Riley is great. Marrying her wouldn’t be bad at all. She’s so caring, and most importantly, she cooks delicious food. I haven’t tasted her cooking since your fight.
Jake’s eyelids flickered at the word ‘marriage.” He’d never considered marrying Riley. As his mother said, in their circles, marriage required someone of equal standing; Riley wasn’t suitable. But now… having her home, with a warm meal waiting for him, seemed appealing.
“Whoa, Brother, I see Riley!”
Ethan’s voice broke Jake’s reverie.
“Who do you see?*
“Riley! Look”
Jake looked and saw Riley and Peter laughing together.
18
Chapter 27: Planning to Win Her Back
Menu
Jake’s face darkened. He approached, but a middle–aged man stopped him, greeting him warmly Jake forced a smile, his irritation barely concealed, exchanging pleasantries with the businessman. When the man finally left, Riley was gone. He scanned the room. “Brother, what are you looking at?” Ethan asked.
“Where is she? Where did she go?”
“She’s sitting up front. The auction’s about to begin. Come on.” He pulled Jake towards their seats.
The auction began. Riley sat beside Peter. Jake, as the night’s main guest, was preparing his opening remarks.
Peter leaned in.“Riley, if you see anything you like, tell me. I’ll buy it for you. They’re auctioning off more than jewelry tonight.”
Riley shook her head. She didn’t want anything; she was just there to make up the numbers. Peter tapped her head.“Don’t try to save your brother money.”
Riley sighed wearily. “I really don’t want anything.”
She felt someone staring at her. She turned to find Jake looking at her. She frowned. Why did she keep running into him?
Liam’s deep voice boomed from the speakers. Riley looked at the stage, momentarily captivered by his presence. She was still a sucker for good looks; otherwise, she wouldn’t have followed him around like a puppy in the past.
“Riley, isn’t my Liam handsome?” Peter teased.
Riley subtly looked away, replying indifferently, “He’s… alright.”
Peter scoffed.“You think my Liam is alright? You must have met someone even better.”
“Don’t talk nonsense. I haven’t.”
“Do you like my Liam? Should I help you chase him?”
Riley glared at him.“Have you expanded your services to match–making now?”
“Of course, my sister’s happiness is my top priority.”
“Don’t bother. I’m not interested.” She didn’t need to “chase” anyone who was already married.
“My Liam is easy to chase. Go for it! Don’t be shy!”
Riley, annoyed, raised her voice.“Who said I liked him? I don’t.”
She felt a shift behind her. She turned to meet Liam’s dark gaze. She flinched. When did he get here? He’d been on stage just moments ago.
Liam sat beside her without a word. The atmosphere grew heavy. He must have heard her. Was he angry?
Liam glared at her, annoyance flashing in his eyes. She’d said she didn’t like him.
He ignored her.
As Riley contemplated starting a conversation, the auctioneer began.
“Up next is a property: Rose Garden in Runhua Yuan. Starting bid:5 million. Please see the large
screen.”
As photos of the villa flashed on the screen, Riley’s eyes widened in shock. It was the villa her
18.6%
77
Chapter 27: Planning to Win Her Back
father had given her for her eighteenth birthday. She’d renamed it Rose Garden because of all the roses.
L
