THE SUPREME NATHAN THORNS (The City's god)

Chapter 5

Nathan knew Taylor was stepping in to help him, but the warmth of her hand in his sent an unfamiliar sensation through his chest. It wasn’t discomfort—no, it was something else. A slow, persistent thrum beneath his ribs. The closeness, the way she confidently claimed him, made something shift inside him.

Natalia, on the other hand, was seething. Nathan has a new lover? Already? It made no sense. They had barely been divorced for long, yet here he was, standing beside a woman so effortlessly elegant and powerful. A sharp pang of jealousy twisted in her gut, though she masked it behind a scoff.

James wasn’t faring any better. His pride had already taken a hit from seeing Nathan here, but learning about Taylor? His jaw clenched as he overheard the murmurs around them.

"That’s Taylor Monroe, right?”

“Yes! She’s the Head Manager of Narvo Bank. I heard she’s got immense authority over the bank’s investment business in the city."

"Unbelievable. Not only is she gorgeous, but she’s a powerhouse in the financial sector. That guy must be really lucky to have her by his side."

James’s grip on his cuff tightened. Head Manager? He only held a platinum card in Narvo Bank, and even at that level, someone of Taylor’s rank was practically unreachable. Yet, Nathan stood beside her like an equal.

He narrowed his eyes. So that’s why Nathan wasn’t arrested. It all made sense now. Taylor must have used her influence to clear whatever fraudulent mess Nathan had been accused of. And now, thanks to her connections, he was attending an event he otherwise wouldn’t have been qualified for.

Natalia’s lips pressed into a thin line as she digested the revelation. She had just left Nathan, and yet, it seemed he had landed on his feet—no, soared into something even better. A deep discomfort settled in her chest.

Taylor, sensing their thoughts, turned back with a slow, disapproving smirk. “I expected better from people who claim to have class,” she said coolly, then tugged Nathan’s hand gently. “Let’s not waste any more time here.”

And just like that, they walked past, leaving Natalia and James gaping.

Inside the hall, a different kind of attention was drawn. The moment James entered, the other guests swarmed, eager to curry favor with the Baron family’s heir.

“Mr. Baron! What an honor to see you here.”

“You’re looking as dashing as ever, sir.”

“Your family’s investments in the city are remarkable. We’d love an opportunity to collaborate.”

James straightened, his irritation from earlier fading as his pride swelled. He welcomed the flattery, his earlier frustrations slipping into the background.

Then, someone laughed lightly. “And of course, James and Natalia—you both make such a stunning couple! Truly a match made in high society.”

Natalia smiled, though something about the compliment didn’t sit well with her anymore. James, however, grinned wider.

“Well, we are quite the power pair,” he said, his chest puffing with satisfaction and pride.

As the evening progressed, the conversation among the guests shifted toward the highly anticipated auction. A well-dressed man holding a glass of wine leaned toward James with a knowing smile.

“I heard that during the auction, an extremely rare item will be up for bidding—a vintage ring,” he said, swirling his drink.

James arched a brow, intrigued. “A vintage ring?”

Another guest nodded eagerly. “Not just any ring. It’s part of the private collection of Sir Gregory Bakers, the president of Titan Business Alliance. He’s hosting this event, after all.”

Murmurs of admiration spread through the hall. “Sir Bakers has an incredible collection of rare antiques. The ring is one of his most prized possessions.”

A woman in a shimmering red gown sighed wistfully. “The price is bound to be exorbitant. Only someone of James Baron’s status and wealth could afford to bid on it.”

James smirked, puffing out his chest. “Well, if that’s the case, the ring is as good as mine.”

Standing nearby with Nathan, Taylor scoffed. “How bold of you to claim something that isn’t even in your hands yet,” she said, tilting her head.

James turned, trying to mask his irritation. “Oh? And why do you think so little of me, Miss Monroe?” He let out a short chuckle before casting a smirk toward Nathan. “I mean, no offense, but I think we both know I’m better than your boyfriend.”

Nathan remained impassive, while Taylor simply laughed—a rich, amused sound that caught the attention of those around.

“If Nathan wanted to,” she said, her voice carrying effortlessly, “he could buy out the entire auction.”

A hush fell over the crowd. Then, a few guests burst into laughter, their eyes flickering toward Nathan with ridicule.

“Buy out the auction?” someone muttered.

“Does she even know who she’s defending?” another scoffed.

A well-groomed man adjusted his cufflinks and shook his head. “Taylor, my dear, it’s admirable that you’re standing up for your… companion, but let’s be honest—everyone knows Nathan was just dumped by Natalia. It’s all over the city. He lost his place in high society which he never merited.”

“I wonder what trick he used to make her defend him like this,” another whispered.

Despite the hushed tones, the underlying scorn was evident. They were careful with their words, not wanting to offend Taylor directly, but their contempt for Nathan was clear.

Taylor’s expression remained unreadable, but Nathan could see the flicker of irritation in her eyes.

Meanwhile, Nathan barely paid any attention to the mockery. False pleasantries and shallow flattery didn’t interest him. He had no desire to prove anything to anyone.

He took a slow sip from his glass before finally speaking in a calm, steady voice.

“I’m not interested in buying the whole auction,” he said, his gaze locked onto James.

“But that ring—” He set down his glass, his tone turning firm.

“That is mine.”

The weight of his words settled over the crowd like a thunderclap, leaving a stunned silence in its wake.