Claire originally wanted to ask Wilbur if he was going to the auction so they could go together.

But then she felt it was too presumptuous, as if she were deliberately asking him out on a date.

So she let it go.

Her life was currently a mess, and she didn't want to drag anyone else into it.

The next day, Claire headed straight from her work venue to the auction. To her surprise, the first person she saw walking in was Felix.

He was standing at the most conspicuous spot near the entrance, clearly waiting for someone.

Claire didn't need to guess. He was obviously waiting for his childhood sweetheart. Her gaze swept right past him, walking straight inside without a sideways glance.

But she had barely taken two steps before Felix spotted her.

Being a former model, Claire was tall and instantly stood out in a crowd.

Seeing Claire show up as expected, Felix let out a secret sigh of relief.

His heart had been in his throat since last night.

He had been worried she wouldn't accept his apology gift.

Worried she wouldn't come.

Last night, he originally planned to wait until she returned to the hotel to hand her the invitation personally.

But Secretary Lynwood called, saying Mr. Naylor was constantly asking for him at the dinner.

They had deep business ties, and leaving him hanging wasn't appropriate. So, he gave the invitation to the hotel manager with strict instructions to hand it to Claire, then rushed to his dinner.

He had thought about calling her.

But his number was still blocked. Unable to reach her, he had no choice but to wait for her at the venue.

Thank goodness she came.

A rare smile broke across Felix's face as he walked briskly toward her.

The moment he moved, Claire noticed.

Seeing him head her way, seemingly looking right at her, she felt a flicker of confusion.

Wait, was he coming for her?

The thought barely lasted a second before it was shattered by a cheerful voice.

Madeline's voice rang out from behind her, sounding overjoyed. "Felix, am I late?"

Felix's steps faltered abruptly. He instinctively looked at Claire in panic.

At that exact moment, Madeline

breezed past Claire, practically running to Felix's side. She intimately hooked her arm through his, whining playfully It's all your fault for not telling me earlier Even if it's a surprise, you can't cut it so close! What if I didn't make it? Then I would have missed the birthday surprise you planned for me!"

No wonder.

He was busy preparing a birthday surprise for Madeline.

The affectionate scene before her brought back what Felix had told her yesterday morning.

He had said.

"Madeline and I aren't what you think."

It seemed Mr. Coley was right.

Without the ironclad proof of being caught in bed, Felix would never admit to cheating.

Claire quickened her pace,

completely ignoring the two of them, and walked right into the auctio?

house.

swn o

Watching her retreating figure, Felix felt an inexplicable tightness in his chest.

He frantically tried to pull his arm back, but Madeline clung even tighter.

Today she was wearing a low-cut dress, purposefully pushing her cleavage up.

By hugging his arm tightly, her softness pressed blatantly against him.

Unfortunately, Felix's entire focus was on Claire; he didn't even notice her seductive display.

This made Madeline unhappy. She

to you! Who are you longe

tugged at him hard Felix, I'm talking

"No one..." Felix didn't mention Claire.

He pulled his arm free and asked, "What are you doing here?"

The question made Madeline's heart sink.

Was he never planning to bring her to the auction at all?