novelxo Chapter 1
Chapter 1: Tie Her Back to Me
GIO, a high–class club in LA, had its first five floors solely dedicated to dining and entertainment. It also included a luxury auction house, with the sixth floor being the main venue, and the seventh as the lounge.
Although Stacey White had been abroad for several years, she had still heard of the prestigious GIO club and how the price of jewelry auctioned within it often doubled.
She was on the second floor, merely watching the auction going on beneath her without any intention to join.
Seated beside her was Matthew Rogers. He straightened his tie, taking his eyes off the stage and casting a gentle glance at the lady beside him. “Stacey, is it going to be a long stay this time?”
“Of course.” Stacey nodded, her gaze falling lightly on the couple’s ring that was being auctioned on the first floor. “All the items being auctioned here are quite good. That ring has a pretty nice design, don’t you think?”
“Like it?” Matthew’s lips curled into a smile. “How about I bid on it as a welcome–back gift for you?”
Stacey beamed and shook her head. “I merely complimented the design. I didn’t say I liked it.”
The current price was four million, and by the looks of it, the price would only increase. She didn’t dare to ask for such a big gift.
The next item was the treasure of the day, a gemstone necklace called “Sweet Love.”
Stacey was instantly captivated when the necklace was unveiled on stage. The ten–million–dollar starting bid caused her to subconsciously let out a soft gasp.
The bid soon climbed to eighty–eight million in no time. Stacey was astounded. A price tag like that could certainly inspire murder.
“Eighty–eight million going once.”
“Going twice…”
“Eighty–eight million…”
The auctioneer was just about to drop the hammer when the door of the venue was suddenly pushed open from the outside accompanied by a cool male voice. “One hundred million.”
At that time, the chatter in the venue immediately quieted down, and everyone’s eyes fell on one place.
The two men in suits came through the door, one exuding a compelling noble and commanding demeanor. The other one played with a lighter in his hand and was exceptionally handsome.
Stacey stood up abruptly, her heart trembling slightly at that moment. She felt a slight chill run through her. She had just returned to the country, and he was the last person she expected to see.
Hogan Barnes‘ appearance instantly attracted everyone’s
attention. This man was still the same as before. No matter the time or where he was, he would instantly be the focus of
attention.
After a few moments of silence, the room became noisy once again, and the crowd began talking about Hogan and Patrick Ward.
“Barnes Group’s Hogan Barnes enters the bid with one hundred million. One hundred million once…”
“One hundred million twice…”
“One hundred million, sold!” the auctioneer exclaimed, dropping the hammer. On Hogan’s lips was a smug smile. Stacey muttered in her heart, noting that he was still as extravagant as he was three years before.
Stacey’s gaze lingered on Hogan, and as if he were a black hole, she found it difficult to tear her eyes away.
Seeing her dazed state, Matthew asked her, “Stacey, what’s wrong?” Only then did Stacey manage to break the spell that held her. She reacted quickly, shaking her head slightly and smiling slightly as she answered Matthew plainly, “Just curious about the identity of this egoistic man.”
“He’s the current president of Barnes Group and the second young master of the Barnes family, Hogan Barnes,” Matthew introduced succinctly.
Stacey took a deep breath. After sharing a roof with him for four years, she knew Hogan all too well. Her mother had gotten remarried to a man named William Barnes, Hogan’s father, making him her brother.
788 VOUChers
Hogan had always been arrogant and domineering, and three years prior, he took immense pleasure in bullying her.
Hogan stood on the stage and let the reporters take pictures. As if sensing Stacey’s gaze, he looked up at her leisurely, and in a moment, their eyes locked.
“The auction is over, Matthew. Let’s go!” Stacey smiled at Matthew and got up to go downstairs.
The temperature difference between day and night in LA was too great, and Matthew was afraid that Stacey would get cold. He took off his jacket and put it on Stacey.
However, Hogan just happened to catch this scene. His eyes narrowed slightly as he clenched his fist.
Three years had passed, and this woman had gotten involved with Matthew.