"Let's see," The arrogantly said, "I'll wait for you to crumble with loss..." Christian smiled with an unreadable face, "It's okay for you to think of winning but wanting to see others losing is your path to lose."With that before the expert could even talk, Christian turned around to an attendant, "Can you please bring the stones I chosen to second floor?" "For sure, sir," The attendant nodded his head politely.The heavy velvet curtains were drawn back, revealing a grand staircase that led the invited guests to the second floor of the auction house. Soft candlelight flickered from bronze chandeliers above, casting warm glows on the polished marble floors. "Wahh, I've seen golden and silver chandeliers, bronze is so beautiful and looking elegant...""Do you like it that much?" Ezra whispered, Christian nodded his head excitedly.In front of the guests gathered, a steward bowed low at the landing."This way, ladies and gentlemen, the second tier awaits for the gemstone unveiling."

"You intrigue me, Mr. Grey. -A," Ezra leaned in, squinting at the elegant script on the note, he read aloud, then raised a brow. "Who signs off with just a letter these days? Mysterious, dangerous women and assassins, are these the only people you always meet?" Christian let out a tired sigh, his fingers brushing the edge of the folded note again. "It’s probably the same one before," he said, though his tone wasn’t certain. "I think those veiled people are still observing me..." Ezra smirked. "You think they're the type to flirt through cryptic letters?" Christian looked around the dimly lit auction hall, scanning the thinning crowd. "I don’t know," he said slowly, "but whoever it was, they know something which others don't or they must be throwing a stone to know...." "Sounds like someone’s watching you all the time," Ezra muttered. "Creepy and interesting!" Christian pocketed the note, his gaze still sharp as he glanced toward the shadowed balconies above. "Let’s go home," he

"It’s too early, Young Master," James said, blinking in confusion as he stepped aside at the sound of hurried footsteps in the staircase.Christian was already halfway down the stairs, his blazer unbuttoned and hair tousled with the wind from the open front doors."I’m going to meet a friend," he said, not even pausing to look at James. "Then I’ll go straight to the company with her."James tried to stop Christian, "At least, let me get breakfast packed for you, young master... If not you'll be hungry..." "It's okay James," Christian smiled at James, "I'll have breakfast with my friends, I'm leaving, have a nice day." With that Christian already left the house, James didn’t question further. He had served the Sargent household long enough to know when Christian had that look in his eyes, restless, caught between hope and anxiousness.The motorcycle sped through the quiet morning streets. The sun was just peeking over the rooftops, but Christian’s thoughts were already racing ahead

"No... No," Mia argued in panic, "We didn't st... Steal anything..." Christian crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow, "If so, why can't you prove it by continuing the presentation?" Mia’s lips parted, but no words came out.The screen displayed only half the presentation slides, everything until slide 10, and then... nothing. No figures, no strategy, no financial breakdown, just a blank white space, the perfect trap which is prepared by Christian in advance.Whispers broke across the boardroom."What a shameless act!" "Yes, how can they steal someone's presentation and act as they own it?" "Showing off as if it's their hardwork, what a shameless team!" Edward who looked at Christian realised it's all his plan and decided to play along admiring Christian's brilliance, "Dad is right, Chris and his brilliance is beyond anyone's expectations!" Hiding his proud smirk, Edward narrowed his eyes, "Ms. Mia, if you're confident that you didn't steal anyone's presentation and this is you

"Do you know her?" Luna raised an eyebrow at Christian talking about Aurora indirectly."Huh? Who?""I mean, you and that woman earlier, do you know her that well?" Christian slightly panicked for a minute, and shook his head, "No... I don't." "Oh?" Luna said with a smile, Christian hummed, "Yeah, I... I just gave her earring, that's it." Luna gave a soft nod, "Let's go." Both of them got inside the private dining room which was warm and well-lit, a stark contrast to the chill that still clung to Christian’s shoulders from the hallway encounter. The round table gleamed under a soft golden chandelier, and his teammates were already halfway through arguing over the menu.Kira was pointing at the dessert section. "We are ordering this triple chocolate souffle... No debates...." Andrew groaned in frustration. "We came for dinner, not a sugar coma, how about we concentrate on normal food, first?" Tanya sneered. "Look at the guy who eats candy for breakfast talking about normal food!