Chapter 16: Insanely Extravagant

The woman rose from her seat and gracefully moved to his side. She exhaled sharply and giggled softly.

“Mr. Foley, you really can’t stand to lose, can you?”

“Cheyenne Lawrence!”

Omari clenched his fists under his suit sleeves, his knuckles whitening. He feared he might harm Cheyenne in a fit of anger. He strode to them, positioning himself between her and Kelvin. “You must be Cheyenne’s ex-husband,” he said, emphasizing “ex.”

Kelvin felt a surge of anger at Omari’s tone. Without hesitation, he sneered, “And you must be her lover?”

Cheyenne furrowed her brow in confusion. What did he mean?

Omari chuckled softly, a hint of regret in his voice. “I wish I were. But Cheyenne has always refused me. Thanks to Mr. Foley letting her go, I can pursue her openly now.”

Kelvin felt choked. His intuition told him this man was not simple.

“I won’t let you have what Cheyenne wants! Thirty million dollars! I’ll take the herb,” Omari said lightly, hugging Cheyenne’s shoulder before returning to their seats.

Thirty million dollars… five times the herb's value.

The beautiful hostess addressed them, speaking softly into the microphone: “I’m sorry, everyone; our boss informed us that we’re no longer selling this herb, but giving it to this lady.”

"What? The herb went for thirty million dollars, but its owner wants to give it away to Cheyenne for free? What the hell is going on?" others thought.

Cheyenne was as confused as everyone else. This was her first Hatchdew Auction; she didn't even know who owned the establishment.

Omari looked troubled and squeezed Cheyenne’s hand. “You have such great charm. I’m jealous.”

“Be serious. I’m just as clueless,” she retorted, pulling away and rolling her eyes.

Soon, the hostess arrived with Miss Etiquette, who carried a wooden tray holding the Rejuvenated Herb. She stopped before Cheyenne.

“Madam, please accept this herb,” Miss Etiquette said with a smile.

“Why?” Cheyenne asked, surprised, but didn't reach for it.

“The CEO requested it. He also wishes to meet you in person and awaits you in his private room upstairs.”

So accepting the herb meant meeting him? Cheyenne took a deep breath and nodded. “Alright, I’ll go see your CEO.”

“Cheyenne, don’t go. If you want the herb, I can help you find it or offer a higher price,” Omari said. “Who knows what his intentions are? What if he wants to harm you?”

But Cheyenne refused. “Are you crazy? They’re giving it to me for free. A meeting can be traded for thirty million dollars! It’s a great deal!”

“But…”

“There’s no buts. If you’re worried, come with me.”

The hostess hesitated; her boss only wanted to see Cheyenne.

“Okay then. Follow me,” she said.

They ascended to the luxurious private room on the second floor, watched enviously by the others below. Kelvin only looked away when Cheyenne disappeared, standing silently. Looking at Abbie with remorse, he said, “Abbie… I’m sorry… maybe…”

Maybe they had to wait another five years.

Abbie burned with rage. She couldn't understand why Cheyenne, a seemingly dissolute woman, had so many men protecting her. But she maintained a soft, gentle facade as tears welled in her eyes. “It’s okay, Kelvin… I’m used to it.” She knew this would make him feel more guilty and treat her better.

“I’m sorry,” Kelvin said.

The upstairs private room was elegant, filled with precious antiques. A man, about sixty, sat on a sofa, gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose, exuding refinement and distinction. [The sentence with the website promotion was removed.]

“I presume you are Miss Lawrence,” he said, gesturing to seats.

Cheyenne sat opposite him, a faint smile playing on her face. “I am Cheyenne Lawrence. How did you recognize me?” He didn’t answer but poured two cups of tea with graceful movements, revealing a string of Buddhist prayer beads. Cheyenne’s expression darkened slightly; her grandfather had worn a similar one.

“Miss Lawrence, please have some tea,” he said before introducing himself. “My name is Adrian Edwards. Your grandfather and I were cousins who left our village together to seek our fortunes. He went to Akloit; I went south.”

Granduncle!

Cheyenne, always observant, recalled her grandfather never mentioning Adrian.

Adrian coughed. “Your grandfather and I had minor conflicts when we were young, so we haven’t been in contact for many years.”

“Oh.”

Adrian put down his teacup, troubled.

“Let’s get straight to the point. I’m working with the Todd family. Their young master was ambushed years ago and has been bedridden since. I hope you can treat him; you can name your price.”

The young master was Iker Todd. Cheyenne had heard of him. Three years prior, he’d become a Major-General at a young age, a rising star in the military. The media often compared him to Kelvin. She’d seen him in news reports—a handsome twenty-three-year-old in his uniform. At the time, she’d been newly in love, viewing Kelvin through rose-tinted glasses as the most handsome man. Unfortunately, three years ago, this star fell ill.

Cheyenne remembered her grandfather’s instructions and forced an awkward smile.

“Granduncle, I sympathize with Major-General Todd, but…I don’t know anything about medicine. I considered surgery in college, but I got married before starting.”

Don't know anything about medicine? Adrian was shocked.