Chapter 142
Everard’s gaze darkened slightly.
The man standing before him was none other than Louie, and his appearance seemed unexpected. After a brief expression of surprise, Louie adjusted his glasses with a deft touch.
Both men were of similar height, with slim builds, but one was clad in a crisp white suit, exuding a refined air, while the other was decked out in black, a cool and wild presence.
An invisible tension spread between them as soon as they met.
Ballaster, who stood to the side, felt almost suffocated by the overpowering atmosphere. Unable to bear the pressure, he quickly interjected, “Mr. Watkins, Mr. Adams, I’ll leave you to chat.”
With that, he made a hasty retreat.
Once Ballaster was gone, Everard’s eyes narrowed with a glint of coldness. Just then, Louie suddenly looked past him, “Lia?”
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Everard paused, instinctively glancing over his shoulder, only to find nothing but empty space. Turning back, he was confronted by a pocket watch swinging hypnotically before his eyes….
Everard’s gaze involuntarily followed the pendulum motion of the watch, his body slowly stiffening as his eyes dulled.
To control someone, you need them off guard.
Loule hadn’t held out much hope for swaying Everard, just wanted to try his luck, but to his surprise, he succeeded! He pocketed the watch to avoid seeming too deliberate.
Then, he adjusted his glasses, and the lenses caught a cold glint of light. Now was the time for subtle suggestions. If he told Everard to break up with Cordelia, it would no doubt be effortless.
Louie watched Everard for a moment before speaking gently, “Listen, whatever your reasons for being with her, you must treat Cordelia well for life, never betraying her, understand?”
Everard, seemingly entranced, nodded, “Understood.”
“Understood what?” Louie pressed, seeking to reinforce the suggestion.
“A lifetime of loyalty to Cordelia, never to betray,” Everard repeated.
With anyone else, Louie might have reinforced the suggestion multiple times, but with Everard, he dared not. He feared being discovered. So he stepped back and snapped his fingers, “Snap!”
Everard’s focus sharpened as if he’d snapped back to reality, looking slightly bewildered.
Loule, satisfied with the result, retreated into the throngs of the auction.
Once he’d disappeared, a sly smile played on Everard’s lips, his feigned bewilderment vanishing, a cunning light flashing in his deep eyes.
How bold Louie was to try and hypnotize him. He’d pretended to be hypnotized just to see what Louie was up to, never expecting the suggestion to be so benign.
Everard lowered his gaze.
Within the Pioneers Group, he understood everyone except Louie, who, despite years of observation, remained an enigma.
On the surface, a psychologist, yet indeed, he seemed busy with consultations every day.
But could such a man be just a psychologist?
As he pondered, footsteps approached from behind. Everard turned to see Cordelia approaching. She looked at
גלו
12:09
Chapter 142
him, asking, “Why are you here?”
Leaning casually against the wall, Everard answered in a velvety voice, “Because I miss you.”
Cordelia uttered an uneasy “Oh,” then added, “Well, you’ve seen me. You can go now.”
Everard was speechless. His girl was surely clueless about romance!
Cordelia led the way back into the crowd, searching for Lorna, only to find Fanny confronting B. AsterBallaster, “B. Aster, it wasn’t on purpose. I thought with Lorna not painting for eighteen years, her pen name was dead. I meant no harm. You must believe me.”
Ballaster chuckled at her explanation, even Naylor shook his head slightly. Ballaster responded, “Fine, all you did was giving me a false lead, but I can’t do much about that.”
Fanny exhaled in relief, tentatively asking, “What about that game project…?”
Ballaster cut her off, “Sorry, I need to ask Lorna first. If she’s not interested, I’ll come to you.”
Bypassing Fanny, he headed towards Lorna in the crowd.
Fanny stood rooted, fists clenched. She’d been embarrassed at the auction but stayed for the game project. Yet now, Ballaster was going to ask Lorna first? It was a bitter pill to swallow.
She couldn’t allow Lorna to climb over her head!
As the auction neared its end, everyone prepared to depart.
Lorna, Sanderson, Cordelia, and Everard were heading out when they ran into Laurinda at the door.
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