Chapter 3
The room erupted in shock.
“Sir, are you saying…” the auctioneer asked incredulously.
The man explained, “I’m Mr. Reed’s executive assistant. Mr. Reed has instructed that any item Miss Mia Reeves shows interest in today will be purchased at any price–sky’s the limit.”
The auction house instantly buzzed with excited whispers.
“Mr. Reed? The sole heir to the North Shore empire?”
“Isn’t he famous for avoiding romantic entanglements? Why would he be throwing unlimited money at Miss Mia Reeves?”
“Looks like Miss Mia is about to make quite the social climb…”
The murmurs ebbed and flowed throughout the room. Mia’s expression transformed from shock to delight, finally settling into poorly concealed triumph.
“Is Mr. Reed here? May I thank him personally?” Mia asked, blushing.
The assistant respectfully replied, “Mr. Reed cannot reveal himself at the moment. When the time is right, he will meet with you.”
Only then did Mia turn back to Ariana, her eyes gleaming with victory. “Are you still bidding, Ari?”
A second later, she added with fake innocence, “Oh, I almost forgot–Mr. Reed is backing my bids now, and I’m afraid you might go bankrupt if you continue. After all, who in this city has deeper pockets than Dominic Reed?”
Ariana’s expression darkened. She shot a glance at Dominic, only to find him gazing adoringly at Mia, his eyes filled with tenderness.
The auction that followed played out like a romantic comedy.
Any item Mia so much as glanced at, the assistant immediately announced “sky’s the limit.”
The ruby necklace, the rare Tiffany sterling silver tea service from the Belle Époque era, and even that Monet water lily masterpiece with a starting bid of 80 million–all fell into Mia’s possession.
Ariana abruptly stood up, unable to contain her frustration any longer. “Your Mr. Reed doesn’t leave anything for anyone else?”
The assistant glanced cautiously at Dominic, who gave an almost imperceptible nod.
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Husband’s Secretary Affair Exposed–Then I Fell Into College Upperclass’s Arme
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“Apologies, Miss Reeves,” the assistant replied coldly. “These are all gifts from Mr. Reed to Miss Mia. His only concern is her happiness today. The feelings of others are… irrelevant to him.”
Ariana laughed, her nails digging deeper into her palm.
She looked at Dominic, but his gaze remained fixed on Mia, who was basking in her newfound adoration.
Dominic Reed, you’ve really outdone yourself.
You truly have!
When the auction ended, Mia was surrounded by society women, all fawning over her like she was the center of the
universe.
Ariana couldn’t stomach the hypocritical scene and quickly left the hall.
Once in the car, she told the driver, “Take me to Midnight Lounge.”
She needed alcohol to numb herself.
Before the car door closed, Mia squeezed in beside her. “Ari, are you going to the lounge? I’ve been so bored
lately–take me with you!”
Ariana was about to kick her out when Dominic smoothly blocked the door and instructed the driver, “Drive.”
Throughout the journey, Mia excitedly discussed the auction.
“Dom, why do you think Mr. Reed would be so generous to me? We’ve never even met!”
Dominic’s voice was unbelievably gentle: “Because he’s in love with you.”
Mia’s eyes widened instantly, her cheeks flushing. “Dom, don’t tease me!”
“Men understand other men,” he said, his gaze intense as he looked at Mia. “Money follows the heart. Besides…”
“Miss Mia is exceptional. It’s no wonder he’s fallen for you.”
“Does that mean… you like me too, Dom?” Mia suddenly asked.
Dominic froze, about to respond when Ariana coldly interrupted: “If you two want to flirt, get out of my car!”
Mia immediately teared up. “I’m sorry, Ari. I didn’t mean to upset you. I’ll be quiet now.”
Ariana ignored her and turned to look out the window.
Through the reflection, she clearly saw the look Dominic gave Mia–full of tenderness and concern–while his gaze toward herself was only cold with contempt.
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She smiled bitterly to herself.
Apparently all men only fall for that fake sweetness act!
2011
Chapter 4
