Chapter 9 Escorting Her

[Sotheby Auction]

9.00 PM-

Rosaline entered the auction house, dressed in an exquisite gown and wearing an enchanting mask. A dress like the flowing midnight blue that hugged her curves. With her elegantly styled hair and a confident presence, Rosaline turned heads as she made her way through the crowd, accompanied by Shaan in his neat attire, captivating all who laid eyes upon them.

As they walked, Rosaline couldn't help but whisper to Shaan, her voice barely audible above the murmurs of the crowd,

"You're quite different from what I thought."

Shaan chuckled softly and replied, "Trust me. There's more."

At that moment, their gazes met beneath the masks, and Rosaline felt a magnetic pull, as if she was being drawn into those unspoken realms of secrets.

Their intimate exchange was interrupted as the announcement for the auction's commencement resounded through the hall. Shaan extended his hand towards Rosaline, and she accepted, her delicate hand resting gently on his palm.

Just as they began to walk, a voice called out from behind,

"Alpha!?" Rosaline and Shaan turned around to see a stranger who was also masked, approaching them.

"Boss! We've been meaning to seek you for the-" The stranger's words were abruptly cut off by Rosaline's interruption, "You've got the wrong person."

The man seemed taken aback, his confusion evident as he glanced between Rosaline and Shaan. It was as if he hadn't noticed Rosaline's presence at all

"Excuse me, but you are..?"

Rosaline was startled by his reaction. She had thought it was someone who knew her father and misunderstood Shaan as her father.

"I think you misunderstood me for someone," Shaan spoke with a slight smile as he grabbed Rosaline by the shoulder and pulled her closer,

"Excuse us then."

Rosaline wasn't sure of what it was but she was sure she saw Shaan's gaze changing when he looked at the man. However, she ignored that for the moment and moved on to the auction.

Among the crowd stood Rosaline and Shaan, their eyes fixed on a stunning jewel-encrusted pendant that radiated an ethereal beauty.

As the bidding began, the auctioneer announced the starting price and the room filled with the murmurs of interested buyers. Rosaline and Shaan both seated silently, listening to the voices,

"That pendant is exquisite," he whispered, his warm breath brushing against her ear. "Do you want to try something?"

Shaan's gaze flickered toward Rosaline, his eyes meeting hers with a hint of amusement dancing within them. His voice was low and tinged with a playful challenge.

She smirked, her lips dangerously close to her ear. "I would love that."

As the bidding progressed, the price steadily climbed higher and higher, with competing buyers. When the hall went silent and the final price was getting chosen, Rosaline raised her paddle,

"50 million!"

She shot sidelong glances at Shaan, her voice filled with sensual confidence.

"50 million Pounds! Anyone else?"

"100 million!" Shaan raised his paddle. The auction just went abnormal within seconds.

"My my," she purred,

"Huh? 100...100 million! Anyone-"

"200 million!" Rosaline insisted.

"Anyone else?" The men yelled. But there was dead silence. Shaan faintly chuckled.

"Sold to number 34!"

"100? How much do you have up your sleeves?" Rosaline asked Shaan.

He moved closer and whispered with a subtle seductiveness. "I do believe there's more you haven't seen."

"Then show me."

A flicker of intrigue danced in Shaan's eyes as he caught on to Rosaline's intentions. The sensual tension between them intensified, a silent understanding passing between their glances. He leaned closer, his voice a velvety whisper.

"Are you alright with a mere bodyguard taking the upper hand?" Shaan murmured, his warm breath sending shivers down Rosaline's spine.

"You're more than that," she said, her face centimetres away from his. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Aren't you?"

There was a moment of silent tension between them until Shaan broke the gaze and stood up. "It's time, Princess,"

"Time for what?" Rosaline asked, her voice tinged with intrigue. Instead of answering, Shaan reached out and took her hand, leading her forward. She followed him, her heart pounding with anticipation. Suddenly, he halted and turned to face her, his eyes gleaming with excitement. With a sweeping gesture, he indicated the entire auction hall.

"I offer all of these to you, Princess," he declared, his voice filled with a mixture of pride and affection. "Every piece of this hall belongs to you now."

Rosaline's eyes widened in disbelief as she took in the vast array of riches that surrounded her. Shaan, who had served her father for years as a bodyguard, had now bestowed her with this unimaginable wealth. Confusion mingled with gratitude, leaving her momentarily speechless.

"You... you bought the entire auction hall?" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Shaan nodded, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Indeed, Princess. Wasn't that the reason you came here in the first place?"

Her wish had been fulfilled, but a wave of doubt washed over her. There was so much she didn't know about the man who had just offered her the entire auction hall. How could it be so simple for someone who was considered a mere beta and a bodyguard? She couldn't help but wonder how much more lay hidden behind his enigmatic eyes. A sudden realisation struck her-what if he had a connection to the Phantom Reaper?

"Alpha is home, Mam," Benjamin's voice interrupted her deep thoughts. She realised she had unknowingly arrived back at her residence.

"I see," she replied softly as she got down from the car. Everything seemed to be going well, but one simple deed created a nagging doubt that lingered in her mind, growing into a deep sense of suspicion.