Chapter 411

Their eyes met. Declan wore a mask, concealing his expression. Yet, his gaze remained cold and distant, as if Hailey were a stranger.

The host laughed. “Ladies, please, let's keep your excitement in check. Only one of you will have the privilege of touching our handsome centerpiece. Who will it be? That's for you to decide. Place your bids. The highest offer wins.”

Immediately, the wealthy women began bidding: ten thousand dollars… twenty thousand… fifty thousand… The price skyrocketed to one hundred thousand in moments, leaving Robin incredulous. “One hundred sixty thousand dollars just to touch him? Is this man made of gold?”

At that moment, Hailey raised her hand. “I bid two hundred thousand dollars!”

Cele and Robin turned to Hailey. Robin tugged subtly at her sleeve. “Hailey, why are you joining this madness?”

Hailey’s almond-shaped eyes remained fixed on Declan. “I bid two hundred thousand dollars. I want to teach him a lesson.”

Declan looked down at Hailey, sensing the boldness in her voice. Her bid effortlessly surpassed the other wealthy women, all vying for a touch.

Observing Declan, Celine quickly pieced things together. Only he could provoke such a reaction from Hailey.

A brief silence swept through the room before the bidding resumed. “Three hundred thousand dollars…”

Hailey was taken aback. She hadn't brought that much cash. Without hesitation, she grabbed Celine’s arm. “Celine, please lend me some money! I’ll repay you as soon as we get home.” Celine readily agreed, producing Adam's gold-embossed credit card. “Take whatever you need!”

“I bid five million dollars!” Hailey exclaimed.

A stunned silence fell over the room. Hailey had escalated the price dramatically. The host’s voice rang out, “This lovely lady has bid five million dollars! Is there anyone willing to place a higher offer?”

Hailey arched an eyebrow, her gaze locked on Declan with a look that unmistakably conveyed, “Tonight, you’re mine.”

But Declan didn't flinch. Silently, he left the stage.

The wealthy women gasped in disappointment. Flustered, the host quickly apologized. “Apologies, ladies. I was just kidding earlier. As you know, our centerpiece’s services are not for sale. Even touching him is off-limits.”

As the crowd dispersed, someone bumped into Celine. Celine expected to fall, but strong arms quickly wrapped around her waist, steadying her. She looked up and found herself face-to-face with Adam.

“Mr. Alvarez, what are you doing here?” Celine asked, wavering slightly.

Adam’s expression was unreadable. The bar, intended for wealthy women to indulge themselves, seemed absurd to him, particularly the bidding on a male escort. “Is this some kind of game for you? And why is my card in your hand? Who are you trying to win over?”

Celine quickly explained, “I didn’t choose anyone. It was Hailey.” The idea of bidding on a male escort seemed almost laughable to him.