Chapter 60: The Ending (Part I)

Apologies, the data was too poor, so I am providing an ending to conclude the story. Thank you to the readers who followed the updates to this point.

Main Text:

Seren Thorne didn't see the news about the Ruan family at first. It was only when Jasper Vane came to the ancestral residence and mentioned it to her that she saw it on the city's trending search list.

"The Ruan family’s scandal has blown up so much that Arthur Ruan won't be able to escape prison time." Jasper whispered while secretly observing Seren’s expression. "None of those three Ruan brothers have a head for business. Without Arthur, I'm afraid the Ruan family will fall apart.

"Master, the Ruan family is dissolving just like that. Are you really not sad?"

When Jasper looked for reporters and the police yesterday, he hadn't thought much of it. Only afterward did he start worrying if Seren would be upset. That’s why he hurried over to scout the situation right after breakfast this morning.

Seren replied, "Let them dissolve. There isn't a single good person in that family."

After speaking, Seren realized she seemed to have insulted herself as well, so she added, "Except for me."

Seeing that Seren didn't seem to care, Jasper breathed a sigh of relief. He left shortly after chatting with her for a while.

On the evening of the auction, the city lights were beginning to glow.

Seren changed into her formal gown and came downstairs. Mrs. Gable’s eyes lit up when she saw her outfit, and she praised her repeatedly: "Young Mistress, you are truly beautiful today! I don't know how many people you'll enchant on this outing!"

Seren was used to people praising her looks, so she didn't feel shy. She chatted casually with Mrs. Gable, her eyes scanning the living room, trying to find a trace of Alaric Vane.

When she didn't see Alaric after looking around, she couldn't help but frown.

Could her prediction have been wrong? Had the dog man actually remained calm and decided not to go to the auction?

However, even if Alaric didn't go, she had already promised Sebastian North that she would attend, so she could only take a car to the auction venue alone.

The auction was held in the ballroom of a top-tier hotel. Seren entered the hall guided by a waiter.

"Miss Thorne." A gentle male voice sounded from her side.

Seren turned around. Sebastian North had walked up to her side at some point.

He wore a well-tailored dark gray suit today, which made his tall stature even more prominent. He looked at her, and a flash of amazement crossed his eyes without concealment. "You are very beautiful today."

"Thank you." Seren nodded politely, her eyes still searching. "Mr. North, have you seen Evangeline?"

Sebastian’s smile remained unchanged. He naturally leaned slightly toward her, lowering his voice to a tone that seemed somewhat intimate: "Evangeline was delayed on the road and will arrive shortly. The bidding hasn't started yet. Shall I show you the catalog of today's key items first?"

He made a "please" gesture, guiding her toward the exhibit area.

In order to hear him clearly, Seren had to move a bit closer to him. To outsiders, the two appeared to have a familiar posture—the man being attentive and thoughtful while the woman tilted her head slightly to listen, looking like a perfect couple.

And this scene happened to fall into the eyes of Alaric Vane, who had just entered the ballroom.

He had come after all. Despite saying he didn't care, his body was incredibly honest; he had canceled his evening meetings and rushed over at full speed. He didn't even stop to think why he was coming; he acted purely on instinct—he absolutely could not let Sebastian North and Seren Thorne be alone.

At this moment, seeing those two standing so close, with Sebastian almost whispering in Seren’s ear while Seren was dressed in a dazzling red gown with a radiant smile (through the filter of his perspective), Alaric’s face instantly darkened. He emitted a cold aura that warned others not to approach.

Jasper Vane, following behind him, muttered to himself, "Here it comes, here it comes," and quickly moved a few steps to the side to avoid being caught in the crossfire.

Seren was completely unaware of the low pressure behind her. She was listening to Sebastian introduce an antique brooch when suddenly, a large, possessive hand gripped her waist and pulled her back, instantly widening the distance between her and Sebastian.

She was startled and turned back in shock, bumping into Alaric’s deep eyes which were churning with dark undercurrents.

"Alaric? You... why are you here?" she asked in surprise. Didn't he say he was busy?

"If I didn't come, how would I know the auction was so 'exciting'?" Alaric’s voice was icy, and his gaze swept toward Sebastian like a blade. "Mr. North has such fine interests, acting specifically as a shopping guide for others?"

Facing his hostility, Sebastian remained composed and even offered a small smile: "Mr. Vane must be joking. I just happened to run into Miss Thorne and was merely playing the host. Mr. Vane is so busy with affairs; I thought you weren't coming tonight."

"My wife is here, so naturally, I would come." Alaric emphasized the words "my wife" very heavily, and the hand gripping Seren’s waist tightened further, as if declaring ownership.

Seren felt a bit uncomfortable from the squeeze and tried to struggle slightly, but she couldn't break free. People around them had already noticed the strange atmosphere and were casting inquisitive glances. She felt a wave of embarrassment and whispered, "Alaric, let go of me. Many people are watching."

{What is this dog man going crazy for! Didn't he say he didn't care? Why is he here causing a mess!}

Hearing her inner voice, the fire in Alaric’s heart burned even hotter. Did she really not want to see him that much? Was he "disturbing" her catching up with Sebastian?

Just then, Evangeline Frost finally arrived in a hurry, breaking the stalemate. "Seren! Mr. Vane, Mr. North, you're all here." She felt the tension in the air and looked a bit at a loss.

Seeing her was like seeing a savior to Seren. She took the opportunity to forcefully pry Alaric’s hand away and walked to Evangeline’s side. "Evangeline, you're here. The auction is about to start, right? Shall we find a seat?"

Evangeline nodded, casting a somewhat timid glance at Alaric, whose face was grim.

Seeing this, Sebastian smiled. "I’ve already arranged the seating. Let's go over together."

In the end, the four sat in a row. The order was Seren, Evangeline, and then Alaric. Sebastian sat in the lead seat of another block to Seren’s left, separated from her only by a narrow aisle.

After the auction began, Seren’s mind was not on the glittering jewelry and luxury items at all. She was focused on whispering to Evangeline, trying to create opportunities for her to interact with Alaric. Unfortunately, Alaric’s face remained dark throughout. His gaze either fell on the items or stared coldly at the aisle between her and Sebastian, completely ignoring Evangeline beside him.

Evangeline also seemed very restless and uneasy.

A piece of contemporary artistic jewelry was brought onto the stage, featuring a unique design and brilliant starlight. Seren looked at it a few more times.

"Do you like this one?" Sebastian leaned over and asked her softly.

"Huh? It’s okay. I just thought the design was quite special," Seren said truthfully.

Sebastian smiled and raised his bidding paddle. After several rounds of bidding, he finally won the piece of jewelry at a high price.

"Mr. North, that was expensive. Actually, I don't..." Seren whispered quickly.

"It’s just a small token to celebrate your recovery," Sebastian’s tone was gentle but firm. "It suits you very well."