The Auction

The car came to a smooth stop in front of a grand five-star hotel. The driver quickly stepped out and opened the door on Jaxon’s side, while Isla reached for her own door handle and slid out.

She froze for a moment, her eyes widening as she took in the breathtaking sight of the hotel. Its golden accents gleamed under the afternoon sun, and the towering pillars emitted elegance and sophistication.

“Let’s go,” Jaxon’s steady voice broke through her thoughts as he strode past her, heading toward the entrance.

Snapping out of her daze, Isla hurriedly composed herself and followed him, her heels clicking softly against the polished pavement. 

As they stepped through the revolving doors, the reception area unfolded like a scene from a dream. A massive crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a dazzling cascade of light that danced across the space. The floors were polished to a mirror-like shine, reflecting the intricate patterns of the grand Persian carpets that lined the lobby.

“Wow,” Isla whispered, her gaze darting around as she hurried to keep up with Jaxon.

Jaxon approached a sleek mahogany door, where a woman dressed impeccably in a tailored suit stood waiting. Her smile was wide and professional.

“Mr. Jaxon, welcome to the Noble Pursuit Auction,” she greeted with a slight bow. “Let me show you to the venue.” She gestured to the door and pulled it open for him.

“She’s with me,” Jaxon said, glancing over his shoulder to ensure Isla was close behind.

“Of course,” the usher replied smoothly, keeping the door open as Isla stepped through.

“Thank you,” Isla murmured, offering a polite smile.

The usher led them down a grand hallway lined with softly glowing sconces. The polished marble floor reflected the golden light, and intricate patterns decorated the high ceiling. As they approached another door, left slightly ajar, Isla caught sight of the room beyond—a space filled with dazzling displays.

Inside, various artifacts and exquisite jewelry pieces rested in glass cases, each one illuminated by pinpoint lighting that made the treasures sparkle like starlight. Groups of elegantly dressed guests lingered by the cases, murmuring to one another as they admired the items.

“Please go in, sir,” the usher said with another bow, gesturing toward the entrance.

Jaxon nodded slightly and stepped inside, with Isla trailing close behind.

Her eyes widened as she took in the grandeur of the room. Every piece on display seemed to tell a story—ancient necklaces encrusted with rare gems, golden chalices adorned with intricate engravings, and artifacts from distant lands.

“This is incredible,” Isla muttered under her breath, her steps slowing as she marveled at the sheer beauty surrounding her. 

She glanced over at Jaxon, who stood motionless, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. Unlike her, he wasn’t captivated by the breathtaking display of artifacts and jewelry. His sharp eyes scanned the room, as if searching for something—or someone. The focused intensity on his face piqued Isla’s curiosity.

Stepping closer, she hesitated briefly before speaking. “Mr. Jaxon, do you need me to get anything for you?”

Jaxon turned his head slowly, his gaze meeting hers for a moment before he shook his head. “No,” he replied simply, lifting his chin again to survey the room.

Then, his eyes settled on a specific display—a necklace nestled in a velvet-lined case, its centerpiece a striking blue gem that seemed to glow under the lights.

“How much do you think that’s worth?” he asked, his voice calm but carrying an edge of intrigue.

Isla followed his gaze to the necklace. The gem, flawless and luminous. The gold chain that held it was adorned with delicate, intricate engravings, suggesting it was crafted by a master artisan.

She tilted her head slightly, considering. “It must be priceless,” she murmured. “Something that rare can’t just have a number attached to it.”

Jaxon’s lips twitched in what might have been a faint smirk before his expression returned to its usual unreadable calm. “You’d be surprised,” he said cryptically, his eyes never leaving the necklace.

"It’s so beautiful. I can’t even imagine owning something like that. I’d probably go mad just having it sit in my closet. I’d save it for a special occasion, like a…” Isla’s words trailed off as she noticed Jaxon’s gaze fixed on her. His face remained unreadable, but the weight of his stare made her fall silent.

He looked away, his expression portraying nothing.

“Sorry,” Isla mumbled, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Jaxon’s sharp gaze landed on Clef Robert, who had just entered the room and was making his way to the far corner. A wine server approached Clef, offering a tray, and he smoothly picked up a glass. Pausing in place, Clef scanned the room until his eyes locked with Jaxon’s. A smirk spread across his face as he raised his glass in a silent, taunting toast.

Another wine server approached Isla, offering her the tray. She smiled politely and took two glasses, turning to offer one to Jaxon.

“Mr. Ja—” she began, but he cut her off abruptly.

“Wait here,” he ordered, brushing past her with purpose as he strode toward Clef.

Isla’s eyes followed him, curiosity flickering as she wondered what he intended. He stopped in front of Clef, and the two men began a conversation, their body language tense and guarded.

Isla sighed softly, her shoulders relaxing as she lifted her own glass to her lips. The first sip caught her by surprise, her eyebrows lifting in approval.

“Hmm,” she murmured to herself, a pleased smile tugging at her lips. The wine was unexpectedly exquisite. Her gaze drifted back to the necklace Jaxon had pointed out earlier. She couldn’t help but wonder how much such a dazzling piece would be worth.

Her thoughts were interrupted when a woman in an elegant gown stepped onto the mini podium at the front of the room, flanked by two men in impeccably tailored suits. The air seemed to shift as the guests turned their attention to her.

“Good day, everyone,” the woman began, her voice amplified by a sleek lapel microphone. Her wide, enthusiastic smile seemed to radiate confidence. “I’m so glad you could all make it here today, and I truly appreciate your presence.” She clapped, prompting polite applause from the room—everyone except Isla, who still held both wine glasses, her focus split between the stage and the thoughts in her head.

“Now, without further ado, let’s get straight to the business of the day,” the woman continued, extending a hand to one of the suited men beside her. He handed her a thick sheet of paper, ad she stared at it.

“The first lot today is the Lirael's Golden Torc.” She pointed to the second neckpiece close to the podium as she walked up to it. “The Golden Torc of Lirael is a legendary artifact from the mythical kingdom of Lirael, said to have been created by the ancient sorcerer-king, Aranthor, over a thousand years ago. Crafted from enchanted gold and adorned with gemstones, it is said to possess the power to bind the wearer’s soul to the land itself, granting immortality and control over natural elements.” 

The room buzzed with chatter and murmurs in response to what she had just shared. "Is that even a true story?" Isla wondered, her eyes fixed on the neckpiece.

"Her opening bid is €365,000!" the auctioneer announced, excitement in her voice, and Isla's eyes widened in shock. "Three sixty-five?" she murmured, then glanced at Jaxon, catching him staring at her. He smirked at her reaction before turning away.

"I see you brought a partner," Clef remarked, his eyes on Isla as he brought his glass to his lips.

"She's my secretary," Jaxon replied firmly.

"Is that so?" Clef smirked, eyeing Jaxon. "She's quite beautiful. Might I…?"

"Don’t even think about it. Let’s wrap up our discussion. Cash?"

"Hmm," Clef nodded, his smirk still in place. "56, Riverlane. 8 p.m. tomorrow night."

To Isla’s surprise, the crowd began placing their bids, leaving her stunned. Jaxon approached her once more, standing beside her. She handed him his wine, which he took and sipped.

"The prices are outrageous," Isla muttered, shaking her head in disbelief. Jaxon scoffed, and they continued to watch in silence until the necklace Isla had been eyeing came up. She couldn’t help but guess the price in her head.

“Her opening bid is €700,000!” the auctioneer called, and Jaxon turned to glance at Isla. Her jaw dropped, and her shocked reaction made him chuckle. It was the highest starting bid for any necklace so far. ‘Why is it so expensive?’

“€710,000!” Clef called from the corner of the room, drawing everyone’s attention. Jaxon’s brows furrowed as he quickly realized what Clef was trying to do.

“€750,000!” Jaxon shouted, and Isla’s eyes grew even wider as she turned to him.

“What?!” she whispered loudly, but Jaxon’s gaze was locked on Clef’s.

“€800,000!” Clef called again, and the room gasped. It seemed everyone had decided to stay out of it and watch the drama unfold.

“Let’s just finish this,” Jaxon muttered. “Two million Euros!”

“What? Two million Euros?!” People exchanged stunned looks. Isla was too shocked to speak, her wide eyes fixed on him. ‘What kind of man spends two million on a necklace?’ she wondered.

The crowd’s attention turned to Clef, waiting for him to challenge the bid, but instead, Clef smirked and took another sip of his wine.

“The Necklace of the Seraphim's Embrace goes to Mr. Jaxon Waverly!” the auctioneer announced, and nearly everyone in the room erupted in applause, except for Isla, still frozen in shock, Clef, whose gaze remained fixed on Jaxon, and Jaxon, who stood his ground, unbothered.

The auction finally came to a close, and the necklace was carefully packaged and brought to Jaxon. Isla collected the bag and receipt from one of the suited men. With his hand still in his pocket and Isla trailing behind him, they made their way out of the room.

“Jaxon!”

They both turned to see Clef, a mysterious smile playing on his lips. Jaxon clenched his jaw and looked away, waiting for Clef to catch up.

“Fantastic drama back there,” Clef said, his wide grin fixed on Isla, who smiled softly in return. Jaxon remained silent.

“So, who’s the neckpiece for? She must be someone special for you to spend such an outrageous amount,” Clef added, his eyes still on Isla. She slowly turned to look at Jaxon, her curiosity piqued.

‘Does he have a girlfriend he’s buying it for? Maybe his mother… or sister? No, not his sister, he doesn’t have one,’ Isla thought, staring at him, trying to figure it out.

“I believe that’s my business, Mr. Clef. See you soon,” Jaxon replied coldly, then turned to leave. Isla quickly followed him.

They climbed into the car, the bag from the auction resting between them in the back seat. Isla stared at it again, lost in thought.

‘Who could it be for?’