Chapter 59

He didn’t really want to discuss it in front of Max. Max wasn’t keen on prying either. Sensing his reluctance, he just went back to perusing his documents.

The car swiftly pulled up in front of the grand building, where numerous media outlets had already gathered.

However, they were kept at bay behind barricades, with not a single reporter allowed near. Only the relentless flashing of cameras lit up the scene.

Neither Max nor Andrew enjoyed making appearances at such events, so the car took a detour on the red carpet and eventually parked in a private lot.

Inside the lobby, a crowd had already formed, flanked by waist-high partitions. Consultants in sharp suits were on their phones, updating their far-flung employers about the auction’s live bids. At auctions of this magnitude, collectors who couldn’t make it in via live person would send trusted consultants to bid on their behalf, keeping in touch feeds.

Andrew and Max were seated next to each other, and after scanning the room full of suited consultants, Andrew chuckled, “This bidding war is insane. It’ll take at least 300 million for Michael to get his hands on what he wants.”

The auction of Eternal Whispers was bound to attract covetous glances, but there was something even more significant on the roster tonight, although the organizers were keeping it under wraps.

“Max, any idea what the big secret item the organizers haven’t disclosed might be?”

It was usually a disadvantage for the organizers to delay revealing an item, but this time, no matter who you asked, no one could get the details.

Waiters in white gloves respectfully ushered guests into the hall, and just then, Dustin’s car arrived at the entrance. He was always a high-profile figure in the North American circuit, but after a glance at Brielle, he chose not to stop in front of the paparazzi’s lenses. Once inside the venue, many greeted him, and then their gaze fell on Brielle. She didn’t seem intimidated, but as she passed through the last doorway, she felt a piercing gaze upon her.

Looking up, her eyes met Max’s from the front row. Her pupils shrank, and she quickly tried to lower her hand.

Max’s gaze was indifferent, with a slight curve at his lips. His eyes trailed over her waist. before he subtly gestured to the seat beside him. He was indicating for her to come over. Brielle couldn’t defy him.

Dustin noticed the exchange and frowned, but then, with a casual air, he walked over and sat down with one seat separating him from Max.

Brielle was sandwiched between them, feeling like she was on pins and needles. “Uncle Max.” She called out quietly, nervously trying to explain in a hushed tone.

Dustin, however, turned his head in surprise, “What did you call him? I thought you said you didn’t know him?”

Brielle really wished she could silence him. She managed to keep a straight face, all survival instincts on high alert, “You must have misheard, Mr. Lynch.”

Just then, Max’s fingertips landed on her powder blue sleeve. Her dress was conservatively designed, with gathered lace sleeves that exuded elegance. With each step she took, the fishtail hem of her dress fluttered, adorned with sequins. Among a sea of strapless gowns, it stood out.

However, Brielle felt like she was standing there naked, as if the fingertips on her wrist. could reach through the fabric and touch her skin. The warmth spread, making her heart tremble with a scalding sensation Andrew, sitting on the other side of Max, cold and serpentine.

hadn’t uttered a word from the start, his eyes The domineering presence of the three men silenced Brielle, who sat with a rigid back, trying not to show any signs of weakness.

Her silence didn’t prevent Dustin from speaking up. “Mr. Dorsey, I’ve long admired you. It seems I’ve intercepted your companion by mistake. My apologies.”

His presence was no less commanding than Max’s, and he leaned in toward Brielle with at lazy smile.

“It appears Mr. Dorsey and I have similar taste.”

At that, Max looked up, “Similar?”

Dustin nodded, but he didn’t play the same high-stakes game of innuendo as Max. If truly wanted to pursue something with this woman, his tactics would be second to no Yet, his feelings towards Brielle were odd.

Her face was undeniably beautiful, a prize he typically wouldn’t pass up, but all he felt w an inexplicable closeness, especially under the scrutiny of her gaze, which made him want to soften.

“Isn’t it? Mr. Dorsey must also find her quite endearing, right?”

Brielle felt a tingling sensation at the back of her head. If not for the fear of Dustin’s potential revenge, she would have retorted.

Endearing? For a playboy like Dustin, the number of women who’ve tugged at his heartstrings was countless.

Max raised an eyebrow, his fingertip tracing gently over the back of Brielle’s hand, “Yes, she does seem quite endearing.”

Despite knowing this was a game between two men, Brielle’s heart fluttered at his words, a mix of exhilaration and bitterness, indescribably complex.