CHAPTER 6

6.

For a few seconds, he held her gaze, Victoria momentarily forgot where she was as she stared back at him.

His deep blue eyes were concentrated on her, making her vaguely self aware.

It felt so much like he was orchestrating this scenario, pulling her puppet strings and forcing her to look at him even if a part of her brain fought wildly against it.

'What are you doing? Look away!' a voice repeatedly yelled in her head.

If she kept staring, the arrogant stranger would surely believe that she was interested in him. And judging by the number of females surrounding him, it was no secret that he was used to having women fawn over him.

Well, she would not be added to his long chain of lovers and admirers.

Veronica snapped her gaze away just as he pulled his glass back. The arrogant stranger was already getting on her nerves and no doubt, he was enjoying this little stunt he pulled.

'... Or maybe you're scared of the control he has over you?' a quiet voice asked.

It was the first time someone struck to her like that. The guy made her freeze in her spot and whereas in the past she would have given him a nasty glare or outright call him out for being a creep, this time, she found herself unable to do anything except stare with dazed eyes.

But it was definitely not control, she told herself. No one could control her. 

Even with that reassurance, a cold, unsettling shiver ran down her spine.

Quickly, she downed the remaining contents of her glass in an attempt to clear her mind of what just happened.

"I didn't know Ethan Reynolds was attending this year's gala," a friend of Alexandra's casually commented. It was rare to see him or any of the Reynolds attending social gatherings.

Many influential people gathered around him, exchanging pleasantries and sharing stories which explained the noise they heard. From an onlookers point of view, it would seem they worshipped him and all craved for his attention.

The last name mentioned piqued her interest and Veronica had to ask, "Reynolds?"

"Yes," he answered with a bit of distaste. "It's him alright. All haughty as always."

Before she could say anything else or conduct a little investigation, someone else was speaking.

"Because he is Ethan Reynolds. If you were that successful at such a young age, at the head of the food chain, with those killer looks, definitely, you'd have an enormous ego," the female said, speaking in Ethan's defense.

"It's certainly odd seeing him here. He's always so busy. Lexie, how ever did your dad convince him to come here? "

"Well," Alexandra heaved, "like I said, dad wants to reach a target this year. Definitely, he invited everyone he could."

Everyone he could, entailed the biggest fish, the elites of the elites, high ranking officials and the super-rich and powerful. The Reynolds family topped that list so they were not left out.

"... And I'm guessing Ethan's here in place of his father... Or maybe he's here on his own accord, I don't know," she added.

Smoothly, the topic of discussion changed and Veronica was left to ponder over this mysterious stranger.

If she wanted more information on him, she'd have to wait and ask Lexie later. Else, if she brought the question up now, they might misread her intentions.

She glanced behind her. Ethan was saying something to the lady beside him. Veronica recognized her to be Rhian Stanton, daughter to an influential political family.

She felt relieved that he was not staring at her anymore. Yet, there was a feeling of emptiness that accompanied that relief.

He wasn't looking at her....

Ethan looked up after assuring Rhian that her dress was perfect. Honestly, he did not care because he felt nothing towards her but because she was his date, there were a few things he was obliged to do.

His object of interest stood some meters away, in the company of Ronald Ferguson's daughter.

She had been staring before he looked up. He had felt it. Besides, it was only natural for her to look back after he caught her attention.

Ethan observed her. She was very beautiful with a sort of rare delicacy.

Her smile was small, showing her reserve as she conversed with her group, displaying effortless grace and charm.

In that moment, she looked nothing like the pale woman staring back at him when he tipped his glass at her.

Obviously, it was a very creepy thing to do but if he wanted to catch Veronica Morgan's attention, Ethan realized he had to be more extreme with his actions.

She was an interesting person and the investigation he carried out on her revealed fascinating information.

Although details of her childhood and some parts of her life were left out; the investigators were unable to uncover them, Ethan was eager to find out more about this successful mogul.

After the Bassburgh Ochestra was done performing, it was time for the auction.

The guests settled in their seats and awaited Ronald Ferguson, the event planner and auctioneer.

Prior to the event, a list of the items available at this year's gala was presented along with the invites and tickets to the gala.

The first set of items were placed on display in glass cases behind him. Their prices ranged from ten thousand dollars to a few hundred thousand dollars.

Veronica looked over the items on display. She had no interest in buying any of them. The one item she valued was not yet on display.

A few bids rang and the first batch was sold. Veronica was very impatient.

More items were displayed. For the sake of her friend, she bought a few of them, mostly vases and artworks.

Ethan Reynolds was yet to make a bid, she noted. Slowly, she looked around, trying to find him.

'Urgh,' she stopped herself. 'Why am I looking for him? He's not important. He's only an arrogant creep!'

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Sapphire Crown of the Sea..."

Immediately, she looked up. Alexandra's father presented a beautiful sapphire necklace.

She knew of that Victorian jewelry. The complete set was in the London Museum of Arts and Culture.

In the past, she had tried to make a jewelry of similar design, like a replica of the royal necklace.

However, she stopped working on it and kept it hidden away in a safe. When she found time, she would work on it again.

In no time, there were bids running in from a directions for the necklace. Most likely, the men wanted the necklace for their wives and mistresses.

"Look at how much they're bidding for that necklace," Alexandra was in true awe.

"Well, Queen Victoria wore it. It's design is intricate and complex, plus, it's very valuable. Of course they all want it," Veronica scoffed.

Alexandra was not surprised by her knowledge. Her acclaimed billionaire best friend was an infamous jewelry designer, one of the best in her field.

Definitely, she'd know about the Sapphire Crown of the Sea.

"Ten million," a low, magnetic male voice called out.

The entire hall fell silent. Someone was willing to bid ten million for a necklace?

On cue, Veronica looked in the direction it came from. And then she saw him.

Ethan Reynolds was the only person daring enough to spend such digits on an invaluable jewelry.

"Ten million," Ronald repeated. "Do I hear fifteen million?"

The male guests were apologizing to their women. They couldn't go on par with Ethan for that jewelry.

Anyone who attempted to get an object or item that caught Ethan's fancy was only wasting his time. Ethan lost to no one. He'd get what he wanted when he wanted it.

No one else was willing to raise the price. The Sapphire Crown of the Sea was sold at ten million dollars to Ethan Reynolds.

Veronica caught his date saying something to him and smiling nonstop. It registered to her that he bought the necklace for her.

"Tsk, he's willing to spend on her. Certainly he loves her so much." She did not think such arrogant men were capable of generosity.

"What was that?" Alexandra turned to her. She heard Veronica mumbling something.

"Oh nothing," Veronica replied. "I'm just waiting for the deal breaker."

A few more bids later, the last batch of items were brought out. Veronica's eyes widened the moment she saw it.

Her impatience doubled. If she could, she would speed up the bidding process.

"Finally, I present to you, the Serpentine Dragon's Eye,"

The green emerald glowed with a  mysterious radiance. It was brought in from an important temple in China.

Veronica had sought for it for a long time now. This emerald was a sign of good luck, as old as ten centuries. But today, it was right in front of her.

The emerald was invaluable. Only a few knew of it's worth.

"I'll start this bid at the price of fifty million dollars."