Chapter 134 Veiled Intentions at the Auction
Standing to the side, Brianna watched their conversation with a mix of jealousy and eyeteeth itch. "Mr. Howard is truly considerate, isn't he?"
She eyed Madison, her meticulously made-up face briefly contorted by a flash of malice.
Mrs. Nelson, staring intently at the man, probed, "Since Mr. Howard has a project he wishes to discuss with JK Group, I'm curious about your actual name."
"Ah, in the presence of such beauty, I nearly forgot my manners. Allow me to introduce myself properly. You can call me Hank. I hope we find success in working together.
His tone was casual to the point of carelessness, not even bothering to extend a hand for a handshake.
Everyone was eager to grab a slice of the pie by partnering with JK Group. Although the man claiming to have a project for Matthew seemed disinterested in the collaboration itself.
When he turned back to Matthew, his demeanor shifted again to one of cynicism and bold confidence, as if the one who had been pleasantly conversing with Madison was someone else entirely.
Matthew's eyes were locked onto the man before him as if trying to see through him, but he remained an enigma.
"All right, I won't keep Matthew and Madam Mrs. Nelson any longer. I'll see you at the auction. This time, don't compete with me for bids," the man said with a laugh, leading Brianna to make their exit. Brianna shot a spiteful glare at Madison when no one was looking. Madison paid her no mind.
Curious about the man, Madison asked, "Matthew, what does this Mr. Howard do?"
"Not entirely sure," Matthew replied, face set in contemplation. Hank was supposedly the right-hand man known as 'Eagle Eye' for an individual known as K.
His arrival at Horizon City with Brianna confirmed she was in cahoots with them. Matthew didn't believe his visit was for Something as trivial as buying a few pieces of jewelry. Whether his talk of the partnership was sincere or not, Matthew knew he had to take the initiative to secure it. Only through a deeper partnership could he gather more substantial evidence against the crime syndicate.
Yet, Hank's attitude toward Madison left him feeling uneasy.
"Let me grab you Something to eat. Rest on the couch for a bit."
"Okay."
Madison wasn't used to wearing high heels, and they were starting to hurt her feet. Matthew led her to a nearby couch.
He handed her a glass of juice and brought over a couple of small cakes. "Have something to eat. Don't go hungry," he said.
Madison took the plate with a smile. "Thanks."
They sat side by side on the couch, unfazed by the curious gazes of those around them. Before long, Victor came over to join them.
"Matthew."
"It looks like he's here," Matthew said, standing up and whispering to Victor about Jonathan Keene's arrival at the venue.
"Matthew, do we need someone to keep an eye on him?" Victor asked, concerned. Keene was known for being elusive, and his sudden appearance in Horizon City surely wasn't just for the auction's jewelry.
After a moment of thought, Matthew said, "Have two guys tail him from a distance. He's a tough cookie. Don't get spotted, or we'll spook him."
"Got it."
With their chat over, Victor left for other business he had to attend to. These kinds of social functions were different from his style.
Shortly after, someone approached Matthew, inviting him to the lounge. Meanwhile, Madison relaxed on a sofa, enjoying a couple of mini cupcakes and a glass of juice. Her feet felt much better.
Sitting beside her, Matthew checked on her. "You good here by yourself?" Madison smiled reassuringly. "Go on, I'll wait for you here, don't worry."
Matthew gripped Madison's hand firmly, saying, "All right, I'll be right back. Stay put, don't wander off. Wait for me here."
"I'll be right here waiting," she replied.
With reluctance, Matthew finally left with the guest.
After Matthew's departure, Madison sat alone. Everyone knew she came with him, and no one dared to bother her. She enjoyed the peace, spared from plastering on a polite smile.
However, she hadn't expected Brianna to strike up a conversation.
"Madison."
Looking up, Madison saw Brianna standing beside her. She really didn't want to engage, knowing that Brianna's words were seldom kind.
As onlookers gazed with anticipation, Madison rose reluctantly, managing a faint smile. "Miss Smith, is there something you need?"
Brianna, holding two glasses of red wine, smiled at Madison while the crowd murmured, eagerly waiting for a scene—perhaps a spat over Matthew or even some dramatic confrontation.
Putting on a greeting smile, Brianna said, "Madison, there might have been some unpleasantness between us before, but seeing Matthew happy now puts my mind at ease. The fact is it isn't with me. I'm happy for him."
She offered Madison one of the wine glasses. "Let's have a toast to both of us falling for the same man."
Madison hesitated, eyeing the glass of red wine as Brianna approached. She expected Brianna to bring up memories of her time with Matthew or make up stories about recent contact with him. Knowing Matthew hadn't reached out, Madison was prepared to ignore whatever Brianna had to say. Surprisingly, Brianna's offer seemed like an attempt to reconcile.
The saying goes, "Don't bite the hand that feeds you," and Brianna's act was disarming. Madison just held the wine, studying her.
Brianna waited expectantly. "What's the matter? Can't you share a drink with me?"
After Brianna downed her glass in a single gulp, Madison, aware of the onlookers, felt coerced to follow suit.
With a smug smile, Brianna excused herself, "I must be going. Mr. Howard needs me at the auction." She sashayed off toward the bustling auction hall.
Once alone, Madison continued to wait for Matthew. Soon, she felt overheated and flagged down a server for a glass of iced fruit juice, which provided some relief. She then inquired about the restroom and subtly made her way in the opposite direction the server had indicated.
Around the corner outside the hall, Brianna rendezvoused with a slick, plump man. "Mr. Lee, you saw it yourself—I got her to drink. The room's prepared. The rest is up to you."
Eyeing Madison from a distance, Brianna's tone was chilling.
Mr. Lee hesitated, wary about Madison's association with Matthew. "Miss Smith," he expressed concern, "She's with Matthew. Won't this be an issue?"
"Just a date, Mr. Lee. Do you think Matthew would risk business over her? Here's the keycard—she's almost yours. Cooked ducks don't fly away, do they?"
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