Chapter 206:

The auction concluded, and Theo purchased the necklace. Freda followed him, intrigued by his admiration. She asked, "What's so alluring about this necklace? Why did you want it so badly?"

Theo put the necklace away and replied vaguely, "No particular reason. I just felt like buying it."

Freda shrugged helplessly. "Does your money burn a hole in your pocket? Why don't you spend it on me? My mother says I'm a spendthrift, that I'll squander any money I get, which is why she's so eager for me to marry. She hopes my future husband will be generous."

"Your mother sounds as amusing as you are," Theo said, a faint smile playing on his lips. Glancing at his watch, he added, "It's getting late. I'll take you home."

Freda agreed. "Sure."

Having had a few drinks at the auction, Theo was unfit to drive. He called a driver and dropped Freda off first.

As Freda got out of the car, an idea struck her. She knocked on the window. Theo lowered it. "Is there anything else?"

Meeting Theo's gaze, Freda asked candidly, "Now that tonight's over, could we see each other again?"

Before Theo could respond, she continued, "I quite like your handsome face. And I have a good impression of you."

After a moment of surprise, Theo regained his composure, a faint smile appearing. "Future meetings depend on my work schedule, but I'll do my best."

Freda's eyes sparkled mischievously. "You're quite a busy man. Even your dates need to be booked in advance."

Theo chuckled, relaxing. "Well, I'll have to pencil you in then."

"I'm looking forward to it," Freda replied with a playful wink before leaving.

Back at his apartment, Theo found Zandra lounging on the couch in her pajamas. He knew she had high hopes for this blind date, and a shadow crossed his face as he sat down.

Zandra slowly opened her eyes, noticing his somber expression. She asked sternly, "What's wrong? Weren't you pleased with Miss Jimenez?"

"It's not that," Theo replied. After taking a sip of water, Zandra continued, "Then why aren't you happy?"

Theo hesitated. "I'm not unhappy. Just tired."

Zandra looked at him again. "What's Freda's impression of you?"

"She asked me out again," Theo replied.

Zandra nodded, a satisfied smile finally appearing. Her demeanor softened. "Good. Keep her interested. A union between our families would be tremendously advantageous."

Zandra's eyes sparkled with ambition. She envisioned the future of the Ward family's business empire.

Theo gazed at Zandra, feeling not happiness, but a chill in his heart. He wasn't content; a part of him felt empty.

Growing fatigued, Theo stood and murmured, "I'm exhausted. I need some rest."

"Of course, take your time." Satisfied, Zandra didn't press him further, allowing him to retire.

In his room, Theo went straight to the bathroom for a shower. After drying his hair, he collapsed onto his bed.

He left the lights off, preferring the darkness. He had bought the ruby necklace for one reason: Elyse liked rubies.

In college, Elyse often joined him in the library. While he studied finance, she'd read magazines. She'd point out a ruby necklace, exclaiming, "This necklace is gorgeous! The rubies are stunning!"

Theo glanced up. "Do you like it?"

Elyse nodded. "It's exquisite. Reminds me of a blooming sunflower, don't you think?"

"I don't think so," he replied nonchalantly. Elyse wasn't offended. He overheard her mutter, "But I like rubies."

Then, he hadn't paid much attention. Buying her jewelry hadn't crossed his mind.

But now, his perspective had changed. At the auction, Elyse was the first person he thought of.

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I removed the website address as it was inappropriate and likely spam. I also improved sentence structure, word choice, and flow throughout the passage.