Five Lost Angels: My Husband's Fatal Deception novel Chapter 68

“In addition to this city’s businessmen, the investors from overseas are also coming, seeking new business opportunities.

Many newbie companies are bribing the management to give out more invites, spending millions willingly. They are hoping to secure new clients through this auction.”

He started from the auction’s great influence on my rapidly growing company and concluded his speech at the need to follow Henry’s footsteps for success. Leo only paused for a moment when I asked him innocently.

“My apologies, Leo. But how does an auction work? I haven’t attended one before.”

My query was perceived as the eighth marvel of nature, slacking Leo’s jaw, he shook his head.

“I should have been more thoughtful, Miss Laura. You didn’t know the politics of supposedly innocuous auctions.”

He sighed and then began the second round of his endless information. Leo’s know-it-all attitude aroused my curiosity all of a sudden, he appeared extra-smart when he said,

“Auctions and charity, they both have no direct connection, Miss Laura. The owners, management, agents, everyone get their fair share after a purchase, sending a fixed percentage for donations.

Let me …”

Leo explained the complete system, confirming my odd guesses. He showed me pictures of antiques for sale, comparing their prices with the market. I readily nodded in agreement as he insisted on buying an exquisite ceramic bowl.

“This delicate bowl is a piece of art, and you can get it for half price from the market if you follow my words.

It’s a nice deal and feasible method to attract businessmen’s attraction.”

As a woman would bid for jewelry or diamonds, this reason was indeed convincing, perfectly masking Leo’s evil intentions. I was smirking inwardly during the discussion.

I could have unmasked his vile motives right away, but I had the bigger fish to fry. So, I assured him for now.

“It’s an honor to work with you, Leo. Thanks for your guidance.”

As soon as Leo left, I didn’t waste a second and called my brother, telling him about that man’s foxiness in a single breath.

“Leo is up to no good, brother. He asked me to use cheat tricks to bid for products.”

Henry was dumbstruck to hear about these dirty practices, “This is illegal, Laura!”

His voice was laced with disgust as he said,

“I have never imagined that Leo was involved in fraudulent practices as well.

But he isn’t alone, there must be a group of cunning criminals with him.

You must be discreet, Laura. I can smell danger.”

“Yeah!”

I told him about my clueless act that I pretended like I didn’t know anything about bidding.

“After listening to his lecture, I understood his intentions and urged him to spill more secrets as I never saw an auction. And he bought it, brother.

“This is classy, Laura. I will definitely bid for it ...”

“What a coincidence!” Bright’s statement was interrupted by Leo’s booming tone, he was there with his assistant.

His mile wide smile challenged Bright as he spoke. “Miss Laura is bidding for this same piece, Mr. Bright. Will you compete against her?”

Shoot!

Due to the tension of our plan, I completely forgot that Bright selected the item Leo suggested to me. So, I quickly stood between two gentlemen whose grim expressions were ringing death sirens in my head.

“Leo is right, Bright. So can you please let me buy it?”

Behaving coquettishly, I tugged Bright’s arm, fluttering my eyelashes. The loving smile stretching his lips calmed my soul as he said,

“I can buy this for you, Laura. But if you want to bid, I am rooting for your success.”

I thanked Bright’s for his favor and headed towards the auction hall, it was about time for the ceremony’s commencement. Our table was reserved, so we sat together. I looked around and found myself surrounded by the sharks of the business community.

According to the plan, Henry was supposed to show up in the auction hall at the same time as us.

But the main question was: Where was he?

All the guests were seated, having drinks and all, but my brother was nowhere to be found. I only saw his assistant standing beside the table with his name, even though my dad didn’t come to represent the Green family.