128 Unwanted Attention
“You know about art?” Chloe asked, surprised.
Eugene raised an eyebrow slightly. “When you invest, you pick up bits and pieces about everything.”
That casual “bits and pieces” felt loaded with meaning!
Chloe noticed Joseph and Landon had already moved further ahead. She glanced at Eugene- he’d clearly hung back just to walk with her.
She quickened her pace to keep up with him.
“Selina’s family holds significant influence in Eldermar. Landon met her during his studies there. They basically grew up together–even shared an apartment for a while,” Eugene mentioned casually.
“So they’re that close? Roommates…” Chloe chuckled, then suddenly froze. She stopped walking and stared at Eugene, processing his words. Had she heard that correctly? Landon and Selina lived together before?
Noticing her shocked expression, Eugene’s lips curved into a faint smile, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Yes, it’s exactly what you’re thinking. Very few people could tell Selina was disguised as a man back then.”
Chloe was stunned.
Had she just stumbled upon some major secret? Just imagining Selina pretending to be a guy while sharing living quarters with Landon was both shocking and somewhat hilarious.
When Chloe and Eugene finally caught up with Joseph and the others, Joe approached and whispered something to Joseph. Joseph’s expression turned serious. He turned to Eugene and Landon. “There’s a small situation. Let’s go to the room to talk.”
“You all go ahead. I’ll take my lovely Clo–Clo to grab something from the dining area. The auction will drag on forever, and I’m not about to starve through it,” Selina declared. She glided over to Chloe with grace.
“My dear Clo–Clo, want to team up to have some fun?” Selina flashed Chloe a warm smile.
“My name is Chloe Lewis. You can call me Chloe,” Chloe replied, smiling as she extended her hand.
Selina looked at her offered hand, then reached out and shook it firmly.
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Finished
“Alright then, Chloe.”
After exchanging glances with Eugene and Landon, Chloe left with Selina. Since the men had business to discuss, spending time with Selina seemed like a perfectly good alternative.
Selina led her to the dining area, which hadn’t officially opened yet. Most guests hadn’t arrived.
“This place only opens when the auction starts, but we can sneak a preview,” Selina said, handing Chloe a colorful cocktail. “Try this. It’s a special recipe from my family–you won’t find it anywhere else.”
“Thank you,” Chloe said, accepting the glass with a smile.
Selina’s eyes lingered appreciatively on Chloe’s dress. “This gown is stunning. Landon told me you designed it yourself.”
“Yes, I did.”
“It’s incredibly unique; it really captures attention. You absolutely must design one for me too. Tell Landon to pay you extra for it,” Selina insisted, her excitement evident.
“Of course,” Chloe agreed without hesitation.
“Chloe, you’re fantastic. It’s so easy talking to you–I’d really like us to be friends,” Selina said. Then she suddenly remembered something. “Wait here for me, I’ll be right back.”
Before Chloe could respond, Selina hurried off. Left with little choice, Chloe decided to wait. The lavishly decorated dining area was empty except for her, but at least the spread of food provided some company.
“Well, well, who knew this boring auction would hide a beauty like you?”
Chloe heard a mocking male voice behind her, and her expression instantly turned cold.
She set down her glass and turned around, finding her path blocked by a young man.
He wasn’t particularly tall, with his shirt collar hanging open carelessly, every bit the image of a spoiled rich kid. Two broad–shouldered bodyguards in black suits and sunglasses stood behind him, radiating intimidation.
The bodyguards perfectly matched their employer–bulky, imposing, and oozing arrogance.
Chloe had zero interest in engaging with him. This was Joseph’s territory; nobody would dare cause real trouble here. These pampered heirs were used to throwing their weight around—she decided to simply ignore him.
“Got some attitude, don’t you? What’s your name?” the man demanded, swaggering directly
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