Chapter 57 My Favorite Thing Is Right Before My Eyes

It was kinda murky, but word on the street was that the Howard family was looking to team up with the Garcias.

So, naturally, everyone made a beeline for Celeste.

Celeste piped up, "Mr. Howard, I still have no clue what to bring to your mom's birthday bash. Got any tips for me tonight?"

Henry swirled his wine, sounding totally uninterested, "It's the thought that counts. Just bring whatever."

Not giving up, Celeste asked straight up, "Can I sit next to you tonight?"

Henry barely glanced at her. "Miss Garcia, I'm not into you."

And with that, he turned away, giving her the cold shoulder.

Celeste was stunned. She didn't expect Henry to shut her down so bluntly.

She'd been spoiled her whole life, with guys lining up for her. This was the first time she'd been turned down.

And it lit a fire in her to win Henry over. As the auction was about to start, everyone moved from the banquet hall to the auction room.

Henry sat in the front row, looking all aloof and noble, like he was sculpted by the gods.

Celeste walked over, aiming to sit next to him. But Henry glanced at her. "Sorry, this seat's taken."

She tried the other side, and Henry, sounding annoyed, said, "That one's taken too."

Celeste's hand clutched her handbag tightly, though she still had a smile on her face, betraying her feelings at the moment.

She was fuming! She ended up sitting at the far right of the front row, watching as Ophelia and Alice took the seats next to Henry.

A wave of defeat washed over her.

Ophelia was Henry's niece, but why did Alice get to sit next to him?

Despite looks, Alice wasn't even in her league when it came to family background, or talent. Plus, Alice was Oliver's ex-fiancée. How could Henry be so chill about it?

Jealousy burned inside her.

Just then, Celeste got a call from Nathan. "Celeste, Dash's spoken. Tomorrow at Paloma's birthday party, you'll be with her. It'll cement your status as Henry's future wife."

After the call, Celeste felt reassured and her mood lifted.

Meanwhile, Alice felt someone staring and turned to meet Celeste's gaze.

Celeste gave a slight nod, and Alice responded with a small smile.

Alice then turned to Henry, sounding a bit miffed. "Uncle Henry, aren't you gonna explain why you stood me up the other day?"

Henry raised an eyebrow and whispered, "I'm still mad at you, and you're mad at me?"

"I'm your girlfriend, I deserve to know."

Henry clicked his tongue. "You're young, but you've got quite a temper." He chuckled, "I didn't know beforehand. My dad tricked me into it."

"Alright, I forgive you."

Henry was amused. "I haven't forgiven you yet."

Alice sat up straight, her fingertips lightly brushing the seam of Henry's pants. "Don't be mad. Give me a hint. I need to know what I should understand."

"Figure it out yourself." Henry didn't give her a straight answer.

Alice stuck out her tongue, thinking Henry was tough to please. She'd already apologized for lying to him.

Ophelia suddenly leaned over. "Alice, if you see something you like, just bid on it. Uncle Henry will cover it."

Henry chuckled, "You think I'm that easy?"

Ophelia clicked her tongue. "Uncle Henry, if you keep being so cold, you'll never get a girlfriend. You've got plenty of cash, and this is nothing. By the way, can we switch seats? It's hard to talk to Alice from here."

Seeing Ophelia about to stand up, Henry quickly got up, pushed her back down, and pulled Alice into his previous seat while he took Alice's spot.

Alice suddenly got why Henry had separated her from Ophelia earlier. If Ophelia sat next to Henry, he wouldn't have a reason to sit with Alice.

But now, he had a reason to stay next to her, without Ophelia in the way.

Henry was seriously crafty!

As Alice thought this, the host had already taken the stage and enthusiastically announced the start of the auction.

The first item up was a vase, adorned with four beautifully crafted flowers and gilded patterns below.

The starting bid was a million bucks.

No one expected the first item to be so captivating, with significant heritage value.

Many people were eager to bid and kept raising the price.

Eventually, a real estate company owner snagged it for seven million dollars.

The next four items also sold for high prices.

When the sixth item was displayed, the ladies' eyes lit up.

It was a necklace made of 36 top-quality gemstones.

The host lifted it up to showcase the details. This necklace was top-tier, with pure, flawless gemstones, each uniquely colored, displaying brilliant hues from any angle.

The starting bid was three million dollars.

Quickly, the necklace's price soared to ten million dollars.

Celeste raised her paddle. "Fifteen million dollars."

Immediately after, Henry raised his paddle. "Thirty million dollars."

As soon as Henry spoke, the auction hall went silent. After all, who could outbid Henry? No one wanted to offend him over a necklace.

Finally, the host's gavel fell, and the necklace was Henry's.

Ophelia asked, "Is this a birthday gift for Grandma?"

Henry responded indifferently.

Ophelia then put on a pleasing expression and said, "Uncle Henry, if I see something I like next, I'll bid on it."

Henry gave her a disdainful glance while pushing her aside. "You're blocking my view."

Ophelia fell silent.

As more items were auctioned, Ophelia successfully bid on a Kashmir Sapphire Ring for thirteen million dollars.

Henry subtly observed Alice's delicate profile. Since the auction began, she had shown little interest, as if nothing caught her eye.

He tilted his head slightly and whispered into Alice's ear, "Nothing you like? I'll buy it for you, for Ophelia's sake."

Alice wasn't angered by his words. She just looked at him seriously and said, "My favorite thing is right before my eyes."

At that moment, Henry's heart raced upon hearing her words.

Alice never blushed when saying sweet things, yet she made his heart flutter.

Henry turned away with a subtle smile on his face.

Meanwhile, the twelfth item was brought out, causing a stir in the auction hall.

Alice's eyes suddenly lit up.