Farewell to Love: The CEO's Desperate Chase novel Chapter 80

With just a single sentence, the entire crowd's attention zeroed in.

"Oh my god, it's really him—and that's his Bugatti! The Centodieci, only ten in the world!"

"I've hardly ever seen him drive it. The base price is nearly eight million dollars, but rumor has it Tyler's is worth over twenty million!"

"In the past seven years, Tyler's only attended three galas himself—two years ago, four years ago, and seven years ago. Every other time, he's sent someone else to bid on his behalf. Lately, he hasn't shown up to these events at all."

"Not that surprising. The Erickson Group's own charitable foundation is one of the biggest in the country, and Tyler's always been generous when it comes to philanthropy."

"So why is he here tonight?"

"Is he alone, or did he bring someone?"

"Who would he bring? Emilia?"

"No idea. He wouldn't bring Vivienne, surely. He's still married to Emilia—there's no way he'd show up with Vivienne at an event like this."

"My thoughts exactly."

—

The conversation in the crowd buzzed louder. Emilia and Christian both turned to watch the sleek car gliding toward the entrance.

Christian clenched his jaw, glancing at his own Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta—a car worth nearly three and a half million dollars—but suddenly, it didn't feel so impressive.

Emilia watched as the Bugatti came to a smooth halt in the lot. Instantly, a swarm of reporters and paparazzi closed in like sharks scenting blood, their cameras flashing relentlessly, turning the night as bright as day.

The surrounding guests—all socialites and dignitaries—couldn't help but stare.

Security from the villa moved swiftly to keep order. Then, as the car door opened, Tyler stepped out first.

The crowd erupted into gasps.

If there'd been any doubt before, there was none now—they were seeing the man himself.

He circled around the car and opened the passenger door, drawing every gaze like a magnet.

Who on earth had Tyler brought tonight? For someone so famously private to attend in person—let alone with a guest—this was unprecedented.

The car door swung open, revealing first a single stiletto—a Jimmy Choo, the signature bow unmistakable.

He glanced at her, his eyes full of concern.

Emilia just smiled softly, as if nothing was wrong.

She was actually relieved. She needed to save every cent for the massive sum it would take to buy out the old Dennis family estate. Borrowed designer clothes suited her just fine—every bit saved counted.

She didn't feel like she was losing.

This was a charity auction, not a red-carpet event or some society fashion show. Looking appropriate was enough.

As for who Tyler chose to bring—it was none of her business.

On the other side, the reporters surged forward, bombarding Vivienne and Tyler with questions. Emilia turned her attention back to Christian at her side.

"Let's go in," she said quietly.

He nodded, shielding her as they walked toward the villa.

Across the lot, Tyler suddenly seemed to sense something and looked up. His gaze settled on the pair—Emilia and Christian—making their way slowly toward the entrance.