Chapter 582 Several luxury cars headed toward the nightclub , stopping just outside .
When the vehicles stopped , the clubs boss rushed out , breathing heavily at his eyes locked onto the Stewart insignia on the license plates , his legs trembling with fear .
The Stewart license plates were exclusive to the Stewart family belonging to a family wielded immense influence over the global economy .
For generations , their authority had gone unchallenged .
Their wealth and power were unparalleled ; even the slightest move from them could shake the entire Crownridge Why would people from such a family come to a place like this ? The boss wondered , his heart pounding .
When he first received word of their arrival , he panicked , convinced he must have done something to offend them , and now they had come to settle the score .
Mr.
Stewart .
The boss said , standing there with utmost respect Behind him stood a line of bodyguards and enforcers , all equally subdued , their expressions tense .
No one dared to breathe too loudly .
Inside , the nightclub had fallen into complete silence , the usual lively atmosphere replaced with oppressive stillness .
The staff and patroms held their breaths , terrified of causing any offense .
The bosss eyes scanned the group , quickly locking onto Percival .
He thought , These people exude an air of sophistication and power clearly heirs of affluent families .
Still , Percivals presence stands out .
Among recognizable faces , like Stellan and Francis , well known celebrities , only one man remains an enigma .
That must be him the head of the Stewart family With that thought , the boss approached with practiced politeness , a professional smile plastered on his face .
Everything inside has been prepared for you .
Weve reserved the number one suite upstairs for your group , he said confidently .
Good , Percival replied in a low , commanding voice .
The bodyguard stepped forward and handed over a thick stack of cash .
The boss stared at the money in surprise , feeling a mix of flattery and shock .
Most patrons tipped after their visit , but it was rare almost unheard of for someone to hand over cash when they arrived .
Running his fingers over the thickness of the stack , he felt a surge of excitement .
He followed closely behind the group as they entered the club , which had been cleared out in advance .
All other guests had been ushered to a back room , leaving the space eerily quiet .
Leading the group upstairs , the boss stopped in front of the number one suite and opened the door for them .
The number one suite , typically off limits to the public , was reserved for the elite .
It symbolized power and status , an exclusive place where money couldnt guarantee entry .
After ensuring the group was settled , the boss instructed staff to bring in drinks , fruit , and snacks before quietly leaving the room So , this is a nightclub ! Odalys said as she stood , walking to the window , Hearing the commotion from below , she opened the window and glanced down .
From their vantage point, the auction stage was in full view , The room below was filled with patrons men with arms around shy young women , wealthy older women accompanied by younger companions , and an assortment of rowdy onlookers , many of whom seemed to be from the underworld .
Tonights auction begins now someone shouted from the stage .
A figure was pushed forward onto the platform a man in black trousers and a crisp white shirt , several buttons undone to reveal a muscular chest .
His hair was neatly combed , though a few strands fell casually across his forehead , and his entire demeanor exuded a raw , magnetic energy that set him apart from the typical nightclub regulars , Wait , isnt that Henry ? someone in the crowd muttered in disbelief .
Henry was no stranger to many in the room .
Some had crossed paths with him socially , others in business .
His sudden appearance here left everyone stunned , the realization drawing slurp gasps from the audience .
The president of the Bennett Group on the auction block ? Whats going on someone asked , battled 1/3 10:24 AM Chapter 582 Others , however , whistled and cheered , their excitement rising as they watched Henry stand motionless on stage .
His vacant eyes stared ahead , unfocused , as though he couldnt hear or process the noise around him .
Hes been drugged Selah muntered as she popped a peanut into her mouth .
Freya leaned over their shoulders to get a better look .
Youve got to be kidding me .
That is Henry ! Odalys , is this why you brought us here to witness this ? Its unbelievable ! The great president of the Bennett Group , up for auction its unreal ! was standing on the auction stage , the Bennett Her eyes gleamed with excitement .
She had always disliked the Bennett family .
Now that Henry was st familys reputation in Crownridge was utterly ruined , Henry? Selah stared more intently , trying to reconcile the man on stage with her memory of him .
Realization dawned , and her expression shifted .
It is him ! Ive met him before .
Hes always been so proud this doesnt make any sense .
How could he end up here ! Her shock was so great she nearly dropped the peanuts in her hand.
Stellan and Francis , drawn by the commotion , came over to look .
Their expressions darkened as they took in the scene , a mix of disbelief and unease flickering in their eyes .
Odalys remained silent , her gaze locked on Henry .
Percival moved to stand beside her .
Do you see anything unusual ? he asked quietly .
Interesting , she replied , her eyes narrowing .
Henrys under the influence of the forbidden scents we saw earlier the same one Hannah used in the hotel .
Its even from the same bottle .
Looks like shes been putting it to use Selah visibly shivered at the mention of forbidden scents , goosebumps rising on her arms .
How could forbidden scents make someone so dazed ? Isnt it said that using them makes the other person completely devoted ? Freya asked , confusion flashing in her eyes .
She couldnt understand it ; it was entirely beyond her understanding .
Different forbidden scents have different effects .
Odalys explained patiently .
If the forbidden scent is applied to someones skin and then burned , causing the other person to inhale it , the one who breathes it in will become utterly devoted to the person wearing it .
But in this case , Sophia didnt apply it to herself .
Instead , she used it directly on Henry .
The forbidden scent muddles the mind without the proper connection , leaving the person disoriented , like their consciousness is locked away .
Its similar to severe autism , where the individual lives in their own world , completely cut off from the sounds and reality around them , Odalys added Selah frowned in frustration .
Is there a way to fix it ? Leaving him like this isnt any fun , she said , shaking her head .
A group entered the room in a rush as soon as she finished speaking .
Atlass face instantly changed when he saw the figure standing on the stage .
Henry ? Atlas muttered , convinced his eyes were deceiving him .
Caspians heart sank .
He hadnt expected Henry actually to be here .
Less than an hour ago , theyd received a message claiming Henrys life was in danger at the nightclub , which had sent them racing over in a panic .
But seeing Henry on stage , being auctioned off , was beyond anything they could have imagined .
It is Henry .
Why is he selling himself like this ? Sophia said in a pitiful tone , her voice laced with mock sympathy Sophia stood there with a faint smirk , her eyes flashing with malice .
She wondered , So he thought he could investigate me ? Lets see if he survives this first .
Even if someone looks into it , theyll only trace it back to Hannah , not me .
I have nothing to worry about , even if the truth comes out Shut up .
Caspian snapped , his voice trembling with rage as he turned on Sophia .
His fists clenched tightly , his knuckles whitening as he fought to keep his anger in check .