97 Chapter 97 – A Bid for Protection and Affection
Castro’s face continued to redden as he struggled to regain his can’t speak to me like that! Do you know who I am?”
composure. “You…
“You’ve already told us,” I replied calmly. “And we still don’t care.”
you
The security guard cleared his throat awkwardly. “Sir, ma’am, about the verification of
assets…”
Isabelle smiled faintly and pulled out her phone. “One moment,” she said, stepping away to make a call.
Castro seized the opportunity, leaning toward the guard. “Don’t waste your time. These two are clearly frauds trying to crash the auction.”
I stood silently, watching Isabelle speak quietly into her phone. Her posture remained elegant and assured, not a hint of worry in her demeanor. Within thirty seconds, she ended the call and walked back to us.
“That should take care of it,” she said simply.
Almost immediately, the guard’s earpiece buzzed. His eyes widened slightly as he listened to whatever message came through. His attitude shifted visibly as he nodded
toward us.
“Miss Ashworth, Mr. Knight, you’re cleared for entry. Please, right this way.” He stepped aside with a respectful nod.
Castro’s mouth fell open. “What? There must be some mistake!”
The guard turned to him with a newly professional coldness. “Sir, I’m afraid your behavior has been reported as disruptive. I must ask you to leave the premises.”
“Do you know who I represent? This is outrageous!” Castro sputtered, looking around desperately for support.
“Security will escort you out if necessary,” the guard replied flatly.
I couldn’t suppress my smile as I offered my arm to Isabelle. “Shall we?”
Her fingers wrapped delicately around my forearm as we walked past Castro, whose
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face had now turned an alarming shade of purple. The sound of his continued protests faded as we entered the grand auction hall.
The interior was even more impressive than the exterior–crystal chandeliers hung from vaulted ceilings, illuminating display cases containing treasures from around the world. Well–dressed attendees mingled around high tables, sipping champagne and examining auction catalogs.
“One phone call,” I murmured to Isabelle as a staff member handed us flutes of champagne. “Remind me never to get on your bad side.”
She laughed softly. “I barely did anything. Just reminded a few people who I am.”
I studied her profile as she gazed around the room. Despite her modesty, I understood now why people whispered about her. Her power wasn’t just in her family name but in how effortlessly she wielded her influence.
“There are at least seven Inner Strength experts here,” I noted quietly, having scanned the room with my senses. “Three by the eastern wall, two near the refreshments, and two more circling the perimeter.”
Isabelle raised an eyebrow. “Looking for trouble?”
“Always preparing for it,” I replied, taking a sip of champagne. “Old habits.”
A chime sounded, signaling the start of the auction. We found seats near the middle of the hall, close enough to see clearly but not so close as to draw attention.
The first several items were predictably extravagant–a diamond necklace once worn by European royalty, a collection of ancient coins, a painting from a famous artist I’d never heard of. Each sold for millions, with barely a flicker of emotion from the
bidders.
“These people live in a different world,” I whispered to Isabelle.
She leaned closer, her scent enveloping me. “And what world do you live in, Liam Knight?”
Before I could answer, the auctioneer announced the next item–a limited edition sports car, one of only five ever produced. The bidding was fierce, eventually settling
at twelve million dollars.
I watched the proceedings with detached interest until a particular item caught my
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attention.
“Next, we have lot number twenty–three,” the auctioneer announced. “An emerald green Jade penda of exceptional quality, dating back approximately three centuries. Note the intricate carving and the unusual clarity of the stone. Starting bid is six
million.”
My heart quickened as an assistant held up the pendant. The jade glowed under the lights, its deep green color reminiscent of the jade pendant my father had left me–the one that had changed my life.
“Six million five hundred thousand,” I called out before I could second–guess myself.
Isabelle turned to me in surprise. “Liam?”
The auctioneer pointed in my direction. “Six million five hundred thousand from the gentleman in the center. Do I hear seven million?”
The room remained silent. After a few moments, the auctioneer struck his gavel. “Sold to bidder number forty–two for six million five hundred thousand dollars.”
Isabelle studied my face. “I didn’t know you were interested in jade.”
I met her gaze. “It’s for you.”
Her eyes widened, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “For me? But why…”
“It reminded me of something important to me,” I explained. “And I wanted you to have
it.”
She hesitated. “That’s… a very expensive gift, Liam.”
“Do you like it?”
Her expression softened. “It’s beautiful.”
“Then it’s worth it.”
After the auction concluded, we made our way to the collection area. I signed the necessary paperwork and paid for the jade pendant, which was presented in an elegant box lined with silk.
Outside, as we waited for our car, I opened the box, The jade pendant gleamed in the evening light, suspended on a delicate platinum chain.
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“May 1?” I asked.
Isabelle nodded, turning so I could place it around her neck. My fingers brushed against her skin as I fastened the clasp, sending a small shiver through me.
She touched the pendant lightly. “Thank you, Liam. No one has ever given me something like this before.”
“It suits you,” I said truthfully. The green jade complemented her perfectly.
What I didn’t tell her was the real reason behind my purchase. As we rode back toward the hotel, I watched her admire the pendant in the reflection of the car window, my mind already working on the next step.
The jade wasn’t just a gift. With my alchemist skills, I could transform it into a Protective Dharma Amulet–a powerful defensive.talisman that would activate automatically if she were in danger. After what had happened before, when she’d nearly been hurt because of her association with me, I couldn’t take any more chances.
I would never forgive myself if something happened to her again.
As Isabelle caught me watching her in the reflection, she smiled. “What are you thinking about?”
“Just that I’m glad you like it,” I replied, not quite meeting her eyes.
The pendant rested against her skin, ordinary for now. But soon, it would carry my protection wherever she went. I silently vowed to begin the transformation process tonight, while she slept–the first step in ensuring that no harm would ever come to her again because of me.
