Chapter 413

Everett and Rosalind locked eyes.

Everett's face remained hidden behind his mask, revealing nothing of his thoughts. But those piercing gray eyes held their usual chill, regarding Rosalind as if she were just another face in the crowd.

The host chuckled nervously. "Ladies, please! Here's the deal - only one lucky woman gets to touch our star performer tonight. We'll decide this through an auction. Highest bid wins!"

Instantly, the wealthy socialites surrounding them erupted into a frenzy of offers.

"Two thousand!"

"Five thousand!"

"Ten thousand!"

The numbers climbed rapidly until someone shouted "Fifty thousand!" Gabrielle gasped. "Fifty grand just to touch him? What's he made of - solid platinum? These women have lost their minds."

Then Rosalind raised her hand with deliberate calm. "One hundred thousand."

Gabrielle and Harrison both turned sharply toward her.

Gabrielle discreetly pulled at Rosalind's sleeve. "Rosalind, what are you doing?"

Rosalind kept her almond-shaped eyes fixed on Everett. "One hundred thousand. For one touch."

Everett's gaze locked onto hers, recognizing the challenge in her voice. She was determined to outbid every other woman here just for the privilege of touching him.

Harrison's eyes narrowed in sudden understanding. Only one man could make Rosalind behave like this - Everett Sinclair.

The bidding war reignited with renewed frenzy.

"Two hundred thousand!"

"Three hundred!"

Rosalind hesitated briefly - she hadn't brought that much cash. She turned urgently to Harrison. "Loan me the difference. I'll repay you tonight."

Harrison didn't hesitate, producing the platinum card Nathaniel had given her. "Whatever you need."

Rosalind straightened, voice cutting through the noise. "One million."

The room fell silent.

The host's eyebrows shot up. "The lady bids one million! Any higher offers?"

Rosalind held Everett's stare, her eyes flashing with triumph. The message was clear - he belonged to her tonight.

Everett remained impassive. Without a word, he turned and walked offstage.

"Wait!"

"Where's he going?"

The host cleared his throat awkwardly. "Apologies, ladies. Our star performer doesn't... participate in physical contact. Even for money."

Disappointed murmurs rippled through the crowd. "What a waste of time."

In the jostling crowd, someone bumped into Harrison. "Harrison!" Gabrielle cried out.

Harrison braced for impact, but suddenly found herself steadied by strong arms. She looked up into Nathaniel's striking features.

"Mr. Falcon," she breathed. "What are you doing here?"

Nathaniel's expression was glacial. He despised places like The Velvet Lounge - playgrounds for wealthy women seeking male entertainment. The discovery that Harrison was here made his blood boil. "Having fun?" he asked coldly, producing his black card. "Who caught your eye?"

Harrison flushed. "I didn't bid! That was Rosalind!"

Nathaniel scanned the room. Rosalind was already pushing through the crowd, following Everett's retreating figure.

As the Lincoln family's golden girl now of marriageable age, Nathaniel frowned. "What's she doing associating with such unsavory types?"

Harrison studied Nathaniel - his impeccable black suit seemed out of place amidst the club's gaudy decor. He carried himself with an air of refined authority, a true aristocrat among commoners.

He and Everett existed in entirely different worlds.