Chapter 63

Belle's words put Elisa in a difficult position. Should she openly demand money from Kyle? She couldn't announce that the Rivas family would cover the cost on his behalf; that would invite gossip and draw unnecessary attention to Kyle and their "relationship"—something Elisa desperately wanted to avoid.

Despite the tension, Elisa remained composed, smiling lightly. "It's all right, Ms. Cotton. I understand your concern, and I can assure you all auction payments will be accounted for. All the guests here tonight are friends of the Rivas family. None would intentionally cause difficulties. But if someone did, the Rivas family would handle it appropriately. Please rest assured."

Her words were carefully chosen. The wiser guests understood the subtext: further insistence would only embarrass Elisa. But Belle, seeing Faith's delight with the painting and Kyle's extravagant purchase, was furious. This only fueled her determination to humiliate him.

Just as she was about to speak, Chloe tugged at her arm and whispered, "Belle, that's enough. Ms. Rivas is starting to look upset."

Belle knew Chloe was right. Elisa's expression was growing colder, but Belle wouldn't let Kyle off the hook so easily.

"Ms. Rivas, your generosity and kindness are well known in Kerdonia. You wouldn't let small matters trouble you. But allowing fraud to go unnoticed would be disrespectful to you and everyone here. This wouldn't just damage the Rivas family's reputation—it would insult everyone who participated. It's best to ensure all payments are properly collected."

Elisa gave Belle a meaningful look, and the audience's expressions shifted. Elisa nodded lightly. "Fine. To put everyone's mind at ease, let's do as Ms. Cotton suggested." She called to Enzo. "Enzo."

Enzo quickly stepped forward. "Sis?"

"Check who hasn't paid and collect the payment. Since someone's questioning this, we'll handle it discreetly. These are all friends of the Rivas family. We can't let them be humiliated, understand?"

With this directive, Elisa regained her composure. Of course, Elisa knew exactly who hadn't paid—Kyle Archer. The arrangement was for Kyle's bill to be quietly covered, and she would explain it to him privately later.

But Belle's interference changed everything. Elisa's meaning was clear: regardless of Kyle's situation, Enzo was to declare the payment settled.

Yet Enzo, still holding a grudge over Kyle's closeness to Faith, eagerly anticipated Kyle's embarrassment. However, Enzo also knew that humiliating Kyle would incur Elisa's wrath. Despite his reluctance, he had to restrain himself and maintain Kyle's dignity.

Luco approached Kyle with a card reader. "Mr. Archer, please make your payment."

Kyle was stunned. He hadn't brought a card or his checkbook. He could sign a check afterward or authorize a payment by phone.

Remaining composed, Enzo sensed Belle was right—that Kyle was deliberately causing trouble. After all, the Rivas family owed him a favor. Enzo's gaze was disdainful, but he exhaled softly and lowered his voice. "Mr. Archer, just pull out your card. A gesture will do—I'll"

The implication was clear: just go through the motions. As long as the payment was declared settled, it was sufficient. But Kyle had no card. "I didn't bring one. I'll call someone to transfer the funds directly. Is that okay?"