The Ex-Con Who Conquered the World novel Chapter 104

"What pills are you planning to put up for auction?" Nina inquired.

"Four Quintessence Elixirs and one Meridian-Opening Elixir for now," Stefan replied after a brief moment of thought.

Keeping ten Meridian-Opening Elixirs for himself was more than sufficient.

His intention in auctioning one was to see who might bid for it.

Anyone interested would certainly be aware of martial cultivators.

Moreover, this move might lure out bigger fish—perhaps even members of the Veilscale Society.

He knew they still had agents hidden within River City, and not knowing their identities left him uneasy. Exposing them would shift the advantage to his side, placing him in the shadows while they stepped into the light.

"Alright, then. I'll coordinate with the Locke family's auction liaison," Nina stated.

"Let's touch base later. I need to head back for now," Stefan said, preparing to return to the Stewart Mansion to make arrangements.

"Wait—Stefan, hold on a moment."

As he turned to leave, Nina instinctively reached out, her hand brushing against his.

Whether intentional or not, her fingers closed around his palm.

Feeling the soft, smooth touch, Stefan instinctively tightened his grasp.

"Ah—"

A soft gasp escaped Nina's lips, her cheeks instantly flushing a delicate shade of pink. The sight was enough to stir a protective instinct in anyone who beheld her.

"Was there something else, Nina?" Stefan asked calmly, his hand still enveloping hers as if he'd forgotten to let go.

"I... I..." Nina's large eyes darted between their joined hands and Stefan's face as she was momentarily at a loss for words.

She tried subtly pulling her hand back, but his grip remained firm and steady, as unyielding as iron.

Stefan maintained an air of nonchalance, seemingly unaware he was still holding her hand—a level of composure few could match.

The door swung open abruptly, followed by Janet's shocked voice. "Stefan! What are you doing? How dare you take advantage of Ms. Reed in my absence—"

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