Sham Marriage Quit Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 73

"Oh, right... I just needed her help with something. It's almost the end of the workday anyway. Is that a problem?"

Ryan was one of Alexander's most trusted people.

If he asked for someone, Lydia might hate it, but she would never refuse. With Ryan stepping in, she had no choice but to let Elena go.

Inside the car, the driver was up front, Ryan in the passenger seat.

Elena asked, "Where's Alexander?"

Ryan replied, "He's still tied up. He asked me to bring you ahead."

"Got it."

Elena leaned back and closed her eyes to rest.

Alexander had not told her where they were going, but she had already made it clear that their relationship could not be public yet. She trusted he would not take her somewhere inappropriate.

Ryan took her to get her hair and makeup done first. It was close to seven by the time they finally arrived.

When she stepped out of the car and saw Raylance Hotel in front of her, she immediately understood.

An auction.

This event had been making waves for weeks. She had even seen the invitation at the Hawthorne estate before.

Nathan was on the guest list.

Elena suddenly did not want to go in.

She stayed in her seat and turned to Ryan. "If he's not here yet, could you tell him I'm not going—"

Before she could finish, the car door beside her opened.

Alexander stood there in a black suit. "Not going?"

Elena sighed. "Nathan's here."

"Backing out last minute doesn't really suit you."

Alexander smiled faintly, not the slightest bit bothered by her hesitation.

Elena fell silent.

Thinking about how many times he had helped her, she gave in. She stepped out and followed him inside, already running through possible explanations in case she ran into Nathan.

Just as they entered, a black Maybach pulled up nearby. Nathan stepped out, his gaze landing on a slim figure ahead.

The woman wore a black backless gown, her silhouette elegant and fluid.

For a split second, she reminded him of Elena.

But Elena would never wear something like that. Besides, he had not brought her, and there was no way she could get into a place like this on her own.

"Babe, you promised you'd get me the Eclipse Brooch tonight, right?"

Camille looped her arms around his neck, her voice soft and coaxing.

The Eclipse Brooch was the highlight of the night. Most of the guests were here for it. Last time, the Everlove Heart had slipped through her fingers. This time, she had even pulled a dramatic stunt just to make sure Nathan would give in.

She felt a little awkward, cleared her throat, and took a sip of the orange juice a server had brought.

Alexander said nothing more.

Soon, the auction began. Elena was not interested in the items. She pulled out her phone and started texting Chloe.

She mentioned running into Nathan at the same event. Chloe replied instantly.

Chloe texted, "Did you see him? Is he alone, or did he bring that bitch with him?"

Ever since finding out about Nathan and Camille, Chloe had fully committed to that nickname.

Elena replied, "Haven't seen him yet. I don't think she's here? She just pulled that whole stunt, no way she recovered that fast, right?"

She was not entirely sure.

But it did not take long for her to realize she had underestimated their relationship.

"Three million going once, three million going twice, do we have a higher bid?"

Nathan?

Elena lowered her phone and peeked through a gap in the partition toward the lit area.

Each time someone placed a bid, a spotlight followed.

And there he was.

Nathan sat across the room, wearing the custom suit she had picked out for him. Beside him sat a woman in a strapless mini dress, clinging to his arm.