Chapter 205:

Freda, noticing Theo's quiet contemplation, skillfully steered the conversation toward lighter topics. "Any fun plans after dinner?" she asked.

After a brief pause, Theo's face lit up. "Actually, there's an auction nearby. If you're interested, I'd love to take you."

"An auction? Trying to show off your wealth on our first date?" she teased, a playful glint in her eye. Her stunning looks and flirtatious glance were undeniably charming.

Theo chuckled. "Your humor is delightful. I've always had lots of friends. People seem to enjoy my company."

Her words amused him, her charm and confidence bringing a smile to his face. Freda's eyes narrowed slightly as she gazed at him, his warmth radiating like a gentle glow.

After a pleasant dinner, he'd taken a liking to her and invited her to the auction. It was a relatively low-key affair, though starting bids hovered around a modest one million.

Freda scanned the catalog. Her expression shifted from indifference to interest as she studied a necklace. "This sapphire is nice, but the design is off. This ruby's design is stunning, but red doesn't suit me."

Theo, browsing the catalog, also landed on the ruby necklace. "The ruby outshines the sapphire," he remarked casually.

Freda dismissed his comment. The auction began, and soon the sapphire necklace was up. "As I said, it's lovely, but the design detracts from the gemstone's value," she commented, her eyes sparkling with interest, her chin resting thoughtfully on her hand.

Theo encouraged her. "If you like it, bid on it."

She smiled playfully. "As a gentleman, shouldn't you be bidding on it for me?"

His eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "Bidding on it would be like sealing our love with a promise, wouldn't it?"

She teased, "Don't you just want to be with me without all the frills?"

"Pledging my love on the first date would seem rash, wouldn't you agree? Let's take things slow and see where this goes," Theo said, smiling casually.

Freda leaned back, her chin in her hand, her head tilted. She understood his undertones and wasn't bothered. It seemed a normal response.

As they talked, the sapphire necklace was quickly auctioned off. Freda didn't favor red, so the ruby held no appeal. She waited to see if someone else would claim the next item, her eyes scanning the room. Then, to her surprise, Theo began bidding.

Freda's eyes widened. "You're bidding on the ruby necklace?"

"It's lovely, don't you agree? Its design reminds me of a sunflower," he whispered, his eyes fixed on the ruby.

"It looks like a sunflower," she doubted, observing in silence, her expression thoughtful. Her curiosity was piqued. Was he genuinely enamored with the necklace, or enjoying the thrill of the bidding?

As she watched, her mind wandered to the Ward family calendar, devoid of special occasions. If Theo won, it couldn't be for his own indulgence. Perhaps he had a surprise for someone—her, or someone else? Could he be planning to give it to her?

Her reverie was shattered when a nearby bidder outbid Theo, jolting her back to the present.

Theo turned to face the new bidder: a woman in a black coat and pants, her dark hair pulled up high. The woman flashed him a mischievous grin. "Sorry, handsome, but I'm head over heels for this necklace. Mind letting me win?"

Freda's gaze remained fixed on the woman, her silence palpable as she waited to see if Theo would yield.

Theo's eyes locked onto the woman; determination flickered across his face. He raised his paddle, increasing the bid by another hundred thousand.

The woman, though embarrassed, didn't give up, matching his offer. The bidding intensified, with others dropping out until only Theo and the woman remained.

The bid soared, reaching dizzying heights. The necklace, initially valued at three million, doubled to six million.

The woman's expression turned puzzled; she knew the necklace's true value. This price was absurd. After a moment's deliberation, she gracefully conceded.

The necklace was Theo's.

"Congratulations," Freda said warmly. She saw a tinge of sadness in his eyes, a melancholy that contrasted with his win.

(The ellipses at the end are removed as they suggest an unfinished passage.)